Side-by-side comparison
What matters
DIY renter
With a locator
Data access and accuracy
Manually checks listing sites with stale pricing and missing incentives.
Pulls verified concessions, pet/parking policies, and availability directly from onsite teams.
Time spent
Self-books tours and repeats the same questions with multiple properties.
Coordinates tours, consolidates answers, and filters out properties that do not fit approvals.
Cost
Free to search, but easy to miss limited-time specials or pay higher deposits.
Free for renters—locator commissions are paid by participating properties.
Negotiation leverage
Limited leverage or context on what is reasonable for the submarket.
Knows current concessions and can ask for matched parking, waived fees, or longer hold times.
Follow-through
Owns all paperwork and approvals; risk of delays if documentation is incomplete.
Preps documents, checks requirements, and keeps approvals on track before specials expire.
When DIY makes sense
You already have a favorite building and only need a single tour.
You are renewing in place and only want to sanity-check pricing.
You prefer to communicate directly with onsite teams and have flexible timing.
When to involve a locator
You need options in multiple neighborhoods with quick approvals.
You want help comparing concessions and effective rent between properties.
You are moving remotely and need vetted videos, live tours, or roommates screened.
Locators get paid by participating properties, so you can browse freely and ask for help when you want curated options or negotiation support.