Self-Guided Tours: Transforming Leasing with Gatewise’s Access Control Technology

Gatewise is revolutionizing the leasing experience with self-guided tours powered by cloud-based access control and mobile credentials. This blog explores how self-guided tours eliminate scheduling friction, empower prospective renters to tour properties independently, and provide property managers with real-time insights into tour behavior. With features like digital keys, automated identity verification, and PMS integrations (Yardi, Resman, Entrata), Gatewise helps operators manage tour logistics efficiently while enhancing safety and flexibility. Prospects benefit from a personalized, contactless experience, while leasing teams gain powerful tools to track engagement, optimize follow-ups, and increase conversions. As renter expectations shift toward autonomy and convenience, Gatewise’s self-guided tours offer a competitive advantage in both multifamily and self-storage leasing—improving tenant satisfaction while reducing staff workload.

In the competitive world of multifamily leasing and property management, first impressions matter—and so does convenience. Gatewise is redefining the way prospective residents explore communities with guided tours. self-guided tours, powered by mobile access and cloud-based access control systems. But what exactly are self-guided tours, and why are they a game-changer for multifamily and self-storage properties alike?

What Is a Self-Guided Tour?

A self-guided tour is a contactless, tech-enabled solution that allows prospects to visit your property independently—no leasing agent or scheduled appointment is required. With Gatewise, potential residents can schedule their tour online, complete secure identity verification, and receive a digital key that unlocks designated community amenities and available units during self-guided walking tours along the coast. This provides them with a seamless, personalised experience tailored to their schedule. Not only does this innovative approach enhance convenience for prospective tenants, but it also streamlines the leasing process for property management teams during guided tours. By eliminating the need for in-person appointments, Gatewise minimises scheduling conflicts and maximises the number of tours conducted daily.

As prospects explore the property at their own pace, they can engage with interactive features such as virtual property maps, detailed unit information, and community highlights through their mobile devices. This immersive experience allows them to envision their future living space while providing them with all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
Additionally, Gatewise's data analytics capabilities offer property managers valuable insights into tour traffic patterns and resident preferences. This information can be leveraged to refine marketing strategies, improve property features, and enhance overall resident satisfaction.

With a focus on security, the identity verification process ensures that only verified individuals gain access to the property, safeguarding both the community and its current residents. The digital key system further enhances security by allowing for time-limited access, ensuring that prospects can only enter designated areas during their scheduled guided tour time.

In a competitive rental market, offering a self-guided tour experience not only sets your property apart but also appeals to the growing demographic of tech-savvy renters who value flexibility and autonomy. By embracing this modern leasing solution, property owners can increase occupancy rates, reduce turnover, and build a stronger, more engaged community.

Ultimately, Gatewise represents the future of property tours, combining technology and user experience to create a seamless journey for prospective tenants while optimizing operational efficiency for property managers. 

How Does Self Guided Tour Work?

Gatewise's access control system generates a temporary digital key once the prospect completes the online steps, ensuring secure access to scenic routes and community areas. This key works with guided tours to unlock designated community amenities and available units. cloud-based access control infrastructure, granting timed access to apartment units and amenities. Tenants simply use their smartphones to unlock doors, eliminating the need for physical keys or cards and enhancing security on their self-guided trips.

Key steps include:

  • Tour scheduling online

  • Identity verification

  • Mobile access via digital key enhances the experience of self-guided walking tours.

  • Real-time door unlocking with secure time limits allows renters to enjoy their visits to the park without delays.

This process streamlines leasing operations, reduces friction for prospects, and ensures full control over who enters the property and when.

Unlocking the Future: Self-Guided Tour Access and Automation

During the tour, prospects use their phones as audio guides to enhance their self-guided experience. mobile credentials to enter selected apartments and amenity areas. The access is restricted to the scheduled time frame, which automatically expires afterwards, reducing the risk of unauthorised access and enhancing your security protocols. Additionally, this innovative system allows for seamless entry without the need for physical keys or fobs, making the process more convenient for both prospects and property management. Real-time tracking of access logs ensures that management can monitor who enters and exits the premises, providing an additional layer of safety and accountability.

Furthermore, the mobile credentialing system can be easily updated to grant or revoke access as needed, accommodating last-minute schedule changes or cancellations. This flexibility not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances the overall user experience for potential tenants.

As prospects explore the apartments and amenities, they can also engage with interactive features on the app, such as virtual tours, detailed information about the property, and the ability to schedule follow-up visits. This integration of technology not only streamlines the leasing process but also fosters a more personalised experience, helping prospects envision their future in the community.
In summary, leveraging mobile credentials for property tours not only enhances security but also transforms the leasing experience into a modern, hassle-free journey that appeals to the tech-savvy renter of today. 

What Units Can Prospects Tour?

Gatewise supports tours of vacant apartments and model units alike. Property managers can integrate their existing Property management systems (PMS) can integrate features for self-guided trips and guided tours that include audio tours of the campus.—like Yardi, Resman, or Entrata—to pull available units into the tour schedule. Whether you want to offer model units or actual vacancies, the setup is flexible and scalable to fit your operational needs while providing renters with a unique experience exploring the destination. With Gatewise, property managers can easily customise the tour experience to highlight the unique features of each unit, allowing potential renters to get a real feel for their future home. The user-friendly interface ensures that scheduling tours is a seamless process, reducing administrative burdens and enhancing tenant engagement, particularly for those interested in audio tours of the property.

Additionally, Gatewise provides analytics and reporting tools that track tour requests, conversion rates, and feedback from prospective tenants. This data empowers property managers to make informed decisions about marketing strategies and unit availability, optimising their leasing processes and enhancing the appeal of scenic destinations.

Moreover, the integration with existing PMS platforms ensures that all data remains synchronised, minimising errors and ensuring that tour availability is always up-to-date. Gatewise also offers mobile functionality, enabling potential renters to schedule tours directly from their smartphones, making the process even more convenient.

As the rental market continues to evolve, Gatewise is at the forefront, providing innovative solutions that help property managers attract and retain tenants while streamlining their operations. Whether you are managing a single property or an extensive portfolio, Gatewise’s adaptable tour scheduling system is designed to enhance the leasing experience for both managers and prospective tenants. 

Why Gatewise Self-Guided Tours Matter

With the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, more renters expect flexibility, autonomy, and contactless options, especially during self-guided walking experiences that allow for freedom in exploring the campus. Gatewise’s cloud-based system checks all the boxes for organizing self-guided trips efficiently.

  • Contactless leasing and onboarding processes can be enhanced with features that highlight nearby national parks and recreational areas.

  • Mobile access control for seamless entry

  • Real-time visibility into tour activity

  • Automated workflows streamline the process of organizing self-guided tours through scenic routes. that free up leasing teams

Self-guided tours aren’t just a nice-to-have—they’re a strategic tool for increasing lead conversion and improving tenant experience. By enabling prospective tenants to explore properties at their own pace, self-guided tours cater to the modern renter’s desire for flexibility and convenience. This shift in leasing dynamics allows potential residents to feel more in control of their decision-making process, fostering a sense of ownership even before they sign a lease.

Moreover, Gatewise’s system integrates data analytics, providing leasing teams with insights into peak tour times and visitor behavior. This information empowers property managers to optimize their marketing strategies and tailor their offerings to meet the evolving needs of renters.

The ability to track engagement during self-guided tours also enhances the follow-up process. Leasing agents can identify which units attracted the most interest, allowing for targeted outreach to interested prospects. This personalized approach not only boosts conversion rates but also helps build a rapport with potential tenants, enhancing the overall leasing experience.

In addition to improving operational efficiency, Gatewise’s contactless solutions contribute to health and safety protocols that continue to be a priority in the post-pandemic world, especially when exploring outdoor spaces like national parks. By minimizing physical interactions and maintaining social distancing, property managers can create a safer environment for both staff and visitors during guided tours.

Ultimately, Gatewise positions property owners and managers to thrive in a competitive rental market by embracing technology that aligns with the new expectations of renters looking for guided tours to scenic destinations. As the landscape of leasing continues to evolve, adopting innovative solutions like those offered by Gatewise will be essential for meeting the demands of today’s tenants while setting the stage for sustainable growth in the future. 

Ready to modernize your leasing process with innovative solutions that offer freedom and flexibility?

Discover how Gatewise's self-guided tours and cloud-based access control systems can give your property a competitive edge. Request a demo today.