Tracker

Menu

Getting Eyes on the Unit: Why Early Condition Assessment Matters

When a resident moves out, the countdown begins. Every day that unit sits empty adds to vacancy loss, and every delay compounds downstream.

One of the most overlooked friction points in the unit turn process is simply how long it takes to assess the condition of the unit. Not just a quick look, but a reliable, shareable understanding of what needs to happen next. That moment, getting your eyes on the inside of a unit, is the first real decision point in any unit turn. And too often, it’s where the process stalls before it even starts.

The Hidden Lag Between Move-Out and Make-Ready

In most operations, a unit isn’t fully assessed until someone walks it, takes photos, scribbles notes, and uploads those details to a shared folder (if at all). Even with experience, this leaves too much room for subjectivity, missed details, and delay.

Before any work gets done, before any vendor is called, you need to answer three core questions:

  • What is the actual condition of the unit?
  • How are we going to coordinate with the rest of the make-ready team?
  • How do we confirm the unit is truly rent-ready before it goes back on the market?
Without clear answers to these questions, coordination suffers and so does speed. Maintenance teams may not know what repairs to prioritize, vendors may show up before work orders are ready, and leasing may not get clarity on when to re-list.
 
Bringing Consistency to an Inconsistent Process

That’s where Tracker comes in.

Built for fast, reliable field use, the Tracker App helps standardize move-out assessments with a repeatable, tech-enabled process:

  • A team member walks the unit with an iPhone or iPad
  • The app guides them through a condition scan and photo overlay
  • Results are immediately structured, stored, and shared across teams
  • All data flows directly into your Property Management System (PMS)
In just a few minutes, you have a full record of the unit’s condition, not just for documentation, but for decision-making.

From Condition to Coordination

Knowing what’s inside the unit is the first step toward knowing what to do next. Tracker turns that initial visit into an actionable plan, reducing the guesswork that often slows down turns.
Maintenance can see what repairs are needed
  • Vendors can be scheduled based on scope, not assumptions
  • Leasing teams get better visibility into readiness timelines
  • Turn managers can verify progress against a consistent starting point
With clear, early insight, your team can make faster, more confident decisions and bring every unit back to market faster.

Visibility Drives Speed

The industry goal for turns is five days. The average, however, is closer to twenty-one. That gap isn’t just about labor or logistics, it often begins with a lack of visibility at the start. In an industry where vacancy loss totals more than $60 billion annually, every day matters. Even half a day matters.

By helping teams assess unit condition early, consistently, and accurately, Tracker reduces the lag between move-out and move-forward.

Related Posts