What Should I Know If I’m Traveling a Long Distance to View a Home?

Audience: renters traveling from out of town to tour a property

Traveling a long distance to view a rental home can be stressful you want to make sure the trip is worth it, that the home is available, and that you can actually access it when you arrive.

Quick answer 👍

If you’re traveling far to view a home:

Confirm the showing time and system in advance
Make sure the home supports the type of showing you expect (self-showing or agent-led)
Have your ID ready for required verification
Double-check the listing the morning of your trip
Have backup homes saved if schedules change
Remember that availability can change quickly

With a bit of preparation, long-distance tours can be very smooth.

1. Confirm the showing method (self-showing vs. agent-led) 🗝️

Different homes use different access methods.
Check your confirmation email to know which applies:

Self-showing (digital lockbox)

You’ll need to complete ID verification first
You receive a time-limited access code
You can tour the home independently

Lockbox guide:
https://know.movezen360.com/how-do-i-use-the-self-showing-lockbox

Agent-led showing

Availability may depend on staffing
The schedule might be less flexible
Some communities require this method

2. Verify your ID before you start your trip 🪪

Most long-distance showing issues come from renters arriving without having completed ID verification.

The system will not release a lockbox code until verification is complete.

Learn more about ID requirements here:
https://movezen360.com/whats-showmojo-and-is-it-crazy-to-give-them-my-credit-card/

3. Double-check the listing on the day of travel 🔍

Homes can go under contract quickly. Before driving long distance:

Revisit the home’s listing:
https://movezen360.com/
Make sure the showing link still works
Reconfirm your time window
Verify that “Coming Soon” hasn’t reactivated due to repairs or delays

This helps avoid surprises.

4. Have backup showing options just in case 📍

If you’re traveling more than 45–60 minutes, we strongly recommend bookmarking:

A second-choice home
A third-choice home
A virtual tour, if available

Even well-prepared trips can run into unexpected issues (weather, traffic, inspection delays, etc.).

Browse homes here:
https://movezen360.com/

5. Prepare for common hurdles when traveling long distance ✈️🚗

Gate codes or parking

Some communities use complex gate systems or limited parking. Check your instructions carefully.

Weather delays

Lockboxes can become temporarily stiff in extreme cold allow extra time.

HOA restrictions

Some communities only allow showings at specific hours.

Busy markets

Homes can become unavailable the same day. That’s why backups matter.

6. If something unexpected happens on arrival 😬

If:

The code doesn’t work
The link looks different
The home appears occupied
Conditions changed during your travel

Don’t assume you’ve done something wrong. These issues usually reflect:

A last-minute repair
A resident returning briefly
A system timing mismatch
A calendar that updated mid-trip

Most situations resolve quickly and don’t affect your ability to apply for other homes.

FAQs ❓

Should I apply before traveling long distance?
You can, but we recommend touring first unless you’re absolutely sure the home is a fit.

Will MoveZen hold the home while I'm traveling?
Homes can't be held without an approved application, but scheduling a showing secures a time slot.

What if I can’t arrive exactly at my time window?
Self-showing codes expire quickly. If you’re running behind, you may need a new time slot.

Do I need to complete ID verification before I travel?
Yes. this is critical for self-showings.

Can I book multiple homes to view during the same trip?
Absolutely. Viewing multiple homes is common and encouraged.
https://movezen360.com/rental-showing-schedule-central/