Tour Homes for Sale on Your Schedule

Finding time to tour homes between work, family, and everything else can feel like a puzzle with no solution. Traditional showings often mean coordinating schedules with agents, taking time off, or rushing through properties on someone else's timeline.

Self-guided home tours offer a different approach — one where you control when and how you explore a property. This guide covers how self-tours work, where to find them, and what to do once you've found a home you love.

What is a self-guided home tour

A self-guided home tour lets you view properties on your own schedule, without an agent present, using smart locks and mobile apps. Companies like Opendoor, Redfin, and Shea Homes provide access codes for vacant homes so you can unlock the door with your phone and explore at your convenience. The process is contactless and flexible, often available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

Think of it as having the keys to a home before you buy it. You book a time slot online, verify your identity, and receive a unique code to enter the property. From there, you walk through at your own pace, open every closet, test the faucets, and really picture yourself living there.

How self-tour homes for sale work

The process is simpler than it sounds. Once you get the hang of it, self-touring can fit into even the busiest week.

1. Browse available self-tour homes near you

Start by searching on real estate platforms or apps that offer self-tour options. Look for labels like "self-tour," "let yourself in," or "direct access" on listings. Availability depends on your market and property type, so some areas will have more options than others.

Opendoor-owned homes, for instance, often include self-tour availability. You can browse listings through the Opendoor app and filter for homes you can tour on your own.

2. Schedule a time that works for you

Once you find a home you want to see, pick a date and time through the platform's booking system. Most self-tour windows run from early morning to evening, which means you can tour after work, on a lunch break, or over the weekend.

Booking usually takes just a few minutes. You'll select your time slot, confirm your contact information, and wait for your access code.

3. Unlock the home and explore

On the day of your tour, you'll receive a unique access code via text or email, typically 30 to 45 minutes before your scheduled time. When you arrive, enter the code on the smart lock or lockbox to open the door.

Then the home is yours to explore. Walk through each room, check out the backyard, and take as much time as you want. No one is watching the clock or steering you toward certain features.

4. Lock up and complete your visit

When you're done, close and lock the door behind you. Some platforms ask you to confirm your visit is complete through the app. That's the whole process.

Why homebuyers choose self-guided tours

You might wonder why someone would prefer to tour alone. For many buyers, it comes down to a few key reasons:

• Flexible scheduling: You can tour homes on your own timeline, without coordinating with an agent's availability. Evening and weekend slots make it easier to fit home shopping around work and family, with 66% of buyers preferring to schedule showings online.

• No sales pressure: You can explore at your own pace and form opinions without someone guiding the conversation. If you want to stand in the kitchen for 10 minutes imagining your morning routine, you can.

• More time to evaluate: You can spend as long as you'd like examining details, from closet depth to water pressure to how the light hits the living room at different times of day.

• Efficient home shopping: You can visit multiple self-tour homes in a single day. If you're comparing several properties, this can save hours of back-and-forth scheduling.

How to find self-tour homes for sale near me

Finding self-tour listings is easier than you might expect. Most major real estate apps and websites now include filters or search options for self-guided tours.

Here's where to look:

Search on platforms like Opendoor, Redfin, or Zillow and filter for "self-tour" or "let yourself in" listings.

Check homebuilder websites, since many new construction communities offer self-guided model home tours, with builders offering these experiences achieving 20% higher sales rates.

Contact local brokerages to ask which listings in your area support self-touring.

Opendoor listings often feature self-tour options. You can browse available homes through the Opendoor app and unlock the front door right from your phone when you arrive.

Self-tour homes for sale vs. self-guided rental homes

If you've searched for self-tour options before, you may have noticed that many results focus on rentals rather than homes for sale. The technology is similar, but the purpose and next steps differ.

After touring a home for sale, you'll typically work with an agent or platform to submit an offer. After touring a rental, you'd complete an application with the property manager. The distinction matters because your path forward looks different depending on whether you're buying or renting.

Tips for your self-guided home tour

A little preparation goes a long way. Here's what to keep in mind before, during, and after your visit.

Before your tour

Double-check your scheduled time and make sure your phone is charged. You'll likely need it to receive your access code and unlock the door. Review the listing details and photos ahead of time so you know what to look for. It also helps to have a mental checklist of your priorities, whether that's a big backyard, a two-car garage, or a certain number of bedrooms.

During your tour

Take photos and videos as you walk through. They'll help you remember details later, especially if you're touring multiple homes in one day. Test faucets and light switches, open closets and cabinets, and check water pressure. Note any concerns or questions that come up.

Don't rush. One of the biggest advantages of self-touring is the freedom to spend as much time as you want.

After your tour

Lock all doors when you leave and confirm your visit is complete if the app asks. If you toured several homes, compare your notes and photos while the details are still fresh. Reach out to an agent or the listing company with any questions.

How self-tour technology keeps homes and buyers safe

Safety is a common concern, both for homeowners and for buyers touring alone. Self-tour platforms have built in multiple layers of protection to address this.

Security measures for homes

Before you can access a self-tour home, you'll complete an identity verification process. This might involve providing a government-issued ID, credit card, or phone number verification.

Access codes are unique and time-limited, meaning they only work during your scheduled window. Some properties also have camera monitoring or other security features in place. Homeowners can feel confident that only verified visitors are entering their property.

Safety features for buyers

Platforms verify that properties are legitimate and vacant before enabling self-tours. You'll usually receive emergency contact information and clear instructions about what to expect. If anything feels off during your visit, support teams are often available by phone.

Next steps after your self-tour

So you've toured a few homes and found one you love. What happens next? You have several options depending on your situation.

Request a cash offer on your current home

If you're selling and buying at the same time, the process can feel overwhelming. Coordinating two transactions, managing timelines, and worrying about carrying two mortgages adds stress to an already big decision.

Opendoor offers cash offers on homes, which can simplify the transition. You'll know exactly how much you're working with before you commit to a new purchase, and you can choose your closing date to align with your move.

Get a cash offer on your current home

Schedule an agent-led follow-up tour

Sometimes a second visit with an agent makes sense. If you have detailed questions about the property, want to bring family members, or are preparing for an inspection, an agent-led tour can provide additional guidance. Many buyers use self-tours for initial exploration and then bring in an agent when they're ready to get serious about a specific home.

Submit an offer on your favorite home

When you're ready to move forward, you can submit an offer through the platform or work with an agent. Some platforms, like Opendoor, allow you to buy directly online, which streamlines the process even further. You can go from self-tour to offer to closing without the traditional back-and-forth.

Find your next home and self-tour today

Self-guided home tours have changed the way people shop for homes. The flexibility to explore on your own schedule, without pressure, makes the process feel more manageable, especially during busy seasons of life, with 64% of new home buyers agreeing it would be easier to self-tour on their own time.

Whether you're relocating for a new job, upsizing for a growing family, or simply ready for a change, self-touring puts you in control of your home search. You can see homes when it works for you, take your time, and make decisions without feeling rushed.

Ready to take the next step? Browse Opendoor's self-tour listings or get a cash offer on your current home to simplify your move.

Get a cash offer on your current home

FAQs about self-guided home tours

Can I bring family or friends on a self-guided home tour?

Yes, most self-tour platforms allow you to bring guests. Some may limit the number of visitors for security purposes, so it's worth checking the listing details before your visit. Bringing a partner, parent, or friend can be helpful for getting a second opinion on the space.

What is the difference between a self-tour and a virtual tour?

A self-tour means physically visiting and walking through the home on your own. A virtual tour is an online video or 3D walkthrough you view from your device without visiting in person. Both can be helpful at different stages of your search. Virtual tours are great for narrowing down your list, while self-tours let you experience the home firsthand.

Do I need a real estate agent to buy a home after self-touring?

Not necessarily. You can work with an agent or purchase directly through some platforms like Opendoor, depending on your preference and the listing type. Some buyers prefer the guidance of an agent, while others appreciate the simplicity of buying directly.

How long can I stay during a self-guided home tour?

Most self-tour appointments allow a window of time, typically 30 minutes to an hour, though this varies by platform. Check your confirmation for specific time limits. If you want more time, you can often book another appointment.

Can I self-tour the same home more than once?

Many platforms allow repeat visits, though you may need to schedule a new appointment each time. If you're seriously considering a property, a second look can help you feel confident in your decision. You might notice different things at different times of day, too.

What information do I need to schedule a self-tour?

You typically provide your name, contact information, and sometimes verify your identity through a phone number or ID before receiving access. The verification process helps keep both homes and buyers safe, and it usually only takes a few minutes to complete.