Should You Consider Self-Showings in 2024?

What are Self-Showings and What Do They Mean for Property Managers?

In the realm of real estate, the emergence of self-showings marks a significant shift in property viewing dynamics. While many property managers and landlords either show properties themselves or allow other licensed agents to show the properties on their behalf, some property managers are making the move towards self-showings to help streamline the process of showing vacant properties to prospective tenants.


The Rise of Self-Showings:

Self-showings have evolved as a solution to the challenges associated with scheduling property viewings. This technology allows prospective tenants to access properties without the need for a licensed agent, utilizing secure lockboxes place on or near property doors, typically containing keys accessed through a unique code provided to the interested party. By removing the licensed agent from this workflow


Pros of Self-Showings:

Convenience and Flexibility:

Self-showings offer a convenient alternative to traditional viewings, catering to the varied schedules of both property owners and potential tenants. The flexibility allows for viewings at times outside regular business hours, expediting the leasing process.


Efficient Multiple Viewings:

Unlike traditional viewings, self-showings facilitate multiple property tours without the need for repeated interactions with an agent. This proves advantageous for those considering revisiting a property or for group viewings where coordination can be challenging.


Time Efficiency for Property Managers:

Property managers benefit from the time saved with self-showings. By minimizing the need for extensive travel between properties, managers can redirect their efforts towards other aspects of property management, enhancing overall efficiency.


Cons of Self-Showings:

Security Concerns:

The primary concern with self-showings revolves around the security of the property. The prospect of unsupervised access may raise worries about theft or damage. However, reported instances of such incidents are relatively low, especially in vacant properties. Additionally, self-showing technology does not provide free access to the property. In many cases, personal information of the applicant is required to minimize fraud. Should any issues arise, they can be tracked back to whoever had access to the property at that time.


Technology Adoption Challenges:

The unfamiliarity with self-showing technology may pose a barrier for some prospective tenants. Issues related to operating lockboxes or navigating the process might deter individuals unfamiliar with this emerging technology. However, by providing information regarding the proper use and standards around the lockboxes, these issues can be avoided.


The Verdict: Striking a Balance

While self-showings offer undeniable benefits, the potential drawbacks must be considered. Finding a balance between the advantages of flexibility, time efficiency, and increased property tours, and addressing concerns related to security and technology adoption is crucial.


Self-showings represent a transformative force in real estate. Those open to embracing this change may find a streamlined property management process and a leasing experience aligned with modern demands. As the industry stands at the forefront of this technological shift, achieving equilibrium will be key to ensuring a positive and efficient experience for property managers and tenants alike.

Step Into the Shadows: Exploring Las Vegas’ Mob Museum

July 28, 2025
Tucked away in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas, just steps from the flashing lights of Fremont Street, the Mob Museum offers something wildly different than the typical Vegas experience. Officially known as the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, this one-of-a-kind destination invites you to step into the gritty, gripping world of the American mob—and the people who tried to stop it. Housed in a historic 1930s U.S. Post Office and Courthouse—where real mob hearings took place—the building itself sets the tone. This is no ordinary museum. It’s immersive, intense, and at times, jaw-dropping Your journey begins at the top, tracing the rise of organized crime through Prohibition. Real artifacts tell real stories, including the actual bullet-riddled brick wall from Chicago’s infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. As you make your way down each floor, the exhibits dive deeper into how the mob operated, how Las Vegas became a haven for crime families, and how law enforcement fought back - with wiretaps, undercover agents, and televised trials that captivated the nation. One of the museum’s standout features is its fully restored courtroom, where the 1950s Kefauver Hearings were held - bringing mob activity into the public spotlight for the first time. It’s surreal to sit in the very space where America watched the mob be put on trial. Downstairs, visitors can try hands-on exhibits like a police training simulator, or step into a forensics lab to test their CSI skills. But the real hidden gem is in the basement: The Underground, a fully functioning speakeasy and distillery that serves up Prohibition-style cocktails and house-made moonshine. It's a delicious way to end your tour through history. Beyond the drama and intrigue, what makes the Mob Museum truly special is how educational and engaging it is. It’s not just about the mobsters—it’s about the impact organized crime had on American culture, law, and justice. Whether you're a true crime junkie, history buff, or just looking for something different to do in Vegas, the Mob Museum is a must-visit. It’s raw, real, and fascinating from start to finish. L ocation: 300 Stewart Ave, Las Vegas, NV Hours: Daily 9am–9pm Admission: Starts around $35; discounts available for Nevada residents, students, military & law enforcement Don’t Miss: The Underground speakeasy (open later hour s)

800+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting: Why Las Vegas Trusts McKenna Property Management

July 21, 2025
McKenna Property Management is proud to have earned over 800 five-star reviews on Google — real feedback from property owners, investors, agents, and tenants all across Las Vegas who’ve experienced the difference working with us makes. Led by our owner and broker Jenni McKenna, with over 30 years of local real estate experience, we focus on making property management smooth, efficient, and refreshingly personal. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all service or sending you in circles with automated systems. When you call our office, you’ll get a live person on the phone — not a robot or endless phone tree. Our team is organized into specialized departments, so whether it’s leasing, maintenance coordination, accounting, or HOA coordination, you’re always connected with the right person who knows how to help. That means quicker responses, clearer communication, and less frustration all around. Owners and investors trust us to handle everything from marketing and tenant screening to rent collection and repairs, helping maximize returns without the usual headaches. Agents feel confident referring clients to us because they know we respect their relationships — when it’s time for their clients to buy or sell, we never interfere or poach. Our focus remains solely on providing top-tier property management, while preserving and protecting their business. And tenants enjoy well-maintained homes, easy online systems, and a team that truly listens and responds. At McKenna Property Management, we treat every property like it’s our own and every person like part of our community. If you’re looking for reliable, experienced property management in Las Vegas with real people and real results, we’d love to connect.

Discovering Fergusons Downtown: Vegas’s Creative Heartbeat

July 14, 2025
Tucked at 1028 Fremont Street, Fergusons Downtown is where the spirit of old Vegas meets the creativity of a new generation. Once a mid-century motel, the property has been transformed into a vibrant community hub that pulses with life, art, food, and connection - a must-visit for anyone seeking the authentic soul of Las Vegas beyond the glow of the Strip. Originally the Franklin Motel in the 1940s and later renamed Fergusons Motel in the ’60s, the site was reimagined in 2019 by the late Tony Hsieh’s Downtown Project. What was once a simple roadside motel is now a full city block dedicated to innovation, small business, and creative risk-taking. The former motel rooms have been turned into studios and retail spaces, now home to an eclectic mix of local businesses. You’ll find everything from Neon Cactus Vintage to plantlovers’ haven LV Plant Collective. For foodies, Fergusons delivers with the Vegas Test Kitchen, a rotating lineup of pop-up culinary concepts that keep things fresh. Highlights include Mothership Coffee Roasters (offering everything from vegan pastries to charcuterie), La Monja for ceviche and housemade tortillas, and Hatsumi for seafood and sake with a Japanese twist. Cocktail lovers can settle into F the Bar, a cozy greenhouse-style lounge serving drinks like the hibiscuslavender “Vegas Playground.” At the center of the space is Big Rig Jig—a towering, 50-foot sculpture made from repurposed oil tankers. It’s bold, unexpected, and the perfect metaphor for what Fergusons stands for: turning the ordinary into something unforgettable. The community vibe continues in The Yard, a grassy gathering space that hosts jam sessions, yoga classes, comedy nights, open mics, and weekend markets. Monthly events like the Hey Maker Market and Pour in the Alley spotlight local artisans, performers, and mixologists, making every visit feel new. Fergusons Downtown isn’t just a redevelopment project—it’s a living ecosystem. It’s where artists, entrepreneurs, families, and visitors collide over coffee, cocktails, creativity, and conversation. It’s a place that proves Vegas is more than casinos and clubs; it’s a city full of soul. If you're ready to experience a different kind of Las Vegas—one rooted in community, creativity, and a touch of magic—step into Fergusons and see what’s blooming in the heart of downtown.