House hunting in Columbia or Central Missouri is stressful enough without surprise fees. One of the most frustrating: being asked to pay just to view a home. Here is our honest take.
Touring a home should be free
You would never buy a car without test-driving it. The same goes for the place you are going to live. At Encompass, touring a home is always free. You never pay anything just to walk through a property or ask questions.
So when is there a fee?
The only fee before move-in is the application fee ($40 per adult), and it only applies after you have seen the home and decided you want to apply. Nothing on your credit or background is checked until then. It covers the real cost of the background and credit check, nothing more.
You never pay to look. The fee comes only when you decide to apply.
How the process works
- Apply online first (no fee charged yet).
- We reach out within 24 hours to schedule a free showing.
- After you have seen it and want it, you pay the $40 per-adult fee and we begin verification.
- Decisions normally come back within about three business days.
Want the full picture before you start? Read our applicant screening guidelines to see exactly what it takes to qualify, or browse available rentals.