Reviewed by: Sophia Roberts
Real estate applications receive millions of visits every month, thanks to the convenience they provide for on-the-go searches and the efficiency they bring to the real estate process by providing comprehensive details and real-time information. According to the National Association of Realtors, 97% of homebuyers start their search online, and 76% of them use mobile or tablet devices. Real estate applications allow potential buyers, sellers, renters, landlords, and investors to filter information based on price, location, number of bedrooms, square footage, and other criteria. We have analyzed 15 real estate applications based on user interface, search efficiency, inventory size and accuracy, customer support, and reliability. We have selected the best real estate applications to meet all of your property search needs.
We selected Zillow as the best overall app due to its wide-ranging inventory and nationwide coverage. It offers a variety of useful features, such as the ability to easily share potential properties with others and even start the application process for a rental home directly within the app.
Some of its advantages include access to a vast selection of over 135 million homes, the ability to unlock listings for Zillow-owned properties through the app, and a comprehensive search and filter system.
On the downside, the accuracy of the Zestimate algorithm can sometimes be questionable, it can be challenging to identify the listing agent for a property, and the search filters may not always be completely accurate.
We selected this app as the top choice for home purchases because it effectively combines advanced technology with real Redfin agents and customer service representatives, providing the perfect balance between automation and personalized assistance. The app offers a plethora of customized services that offer advantages to both sellers and buyers.
One of the main advantages of the app is its ability to tailor searches to the user's specific needs. This means that users can easily find properties that meet their exact criteria. Additionally, the app provides highly accurate estimations of home values, which is crucial for both buyers and sellers to make informed decisions.
The app also includes handy resources such as mortgage, property tax, and insurance calculators to assist users in understanding the financial aspects of homeownership.
However, there are a few drawbacks to note. The app does not have a feature to sort search results by last-updated, which can make it difficult for users to stay updated on the latest listings. Additionally, the app provides limited information about the surrounding neighborhoods of the homes listed.
We chose Trulia as the best app for home values because it offers more comprehensive information about the factors that influence a home's value compared to other apps. It provides local information on neighborhoods, schools, and shopping, and also offers pre-qualified financing and calculators. The app has touch-screen capabilities, and includes a direct link to the listing agent for each property. However, Trulia has recently removed some data from their listings, and it is often seen as similar to Zillow.
The best app for purchasing a property through an auction is Xome Auctions because of its extensive online bid listings. This app distinguishes itself from others by providing comprehensive property details, photos, and map locations, as well as information about whether the property is financeable or must be paid for in cash.
Pros of using Xome Auctions include access to one of the largest databases of auction properties, the ability to view pre-auction properties, push notifications that alert users to competitive bids, and the convenience of e-signing contracts within the app.
However, it's worth noting that the app has had some issues with bugs in the past, and it is relatively new with a smaller client base compared to other apps.
The reason why we selected Apartments.com is because it is a popular choice among renters, offering over one million listings along with visually appealing images to showcase the rental properties. Additionally, prospective tenants have the convenient option to apply directly through the app.
Pros of Apartments.com include the variety of rental options available, such as apartments, houses, townhouses, and condos. Furthermore, the platform offers filters specifically for wheelchair access.
However, there are a couple of drawbacks to consider. The reliability of sorting and updates on the website may be questionable at times.
When selecting a real estate app, it is important to consider your specific requirements. Real estate apps are designed to connect buyers, sellers, realtors, landlords, and investors. These apps contain vast databases with numerous properties listed, ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions. This enables users to search for their ideal property or home from anywhere in the world. Different real estate apps cater to different needs; for instance, an investor would require a different app compared to a college student searching for an off-campus apartment. A landlord may focus on apps that specifically cater to renters, while a family in search of a new home may prefer apps that provide detailed community information, such as schools and recreational facilities.
