Websites and apps have changed the game when it comes to house hunting. It is no longer a chore, it's now a hobby! You can look at homes from anywhere right at your fingertips. You can learn about your dream home, find a local agent to help you, and look up neighborhood details. These apps make it easier than ever!
Zillow
Zillow has become the new hobby for most. You can get sucked in quickly! The primary purpose of the Zillow app is to help users find and explore real estate listings, including homes for sale or rent, apartments, and land. Users can search for properties based on various criteria such as location, price range, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and property type.
What I like:
#1 platform having access to the most amount of homes
List your home for rent
Has loads of blogs and tips for prospects
Heavily filter your searches
What I don't like:
Ads override your searches
Difficult to identity the listing agent on sales
Zestimate is not always accurate
Trulia
Trulia is well known for how well the app provides up to date information on the local neighborhood by local people. You can research schools and read trusted reviews from parents. Trulia also provides crime rate data, amenities, commutes, and more. Great for people that are more focused on the area and location of the home.
What I like:
Local area guides and detailed searches
Clear information of the listing agent
Pre-qualification process can give you a rough amount of what you can afford
See written reviews on the area and businesses by locals
What I don't like:
Very alike to Zillow
Only lists homes in the US
Realtor.com
Realtor.com is the official source from the National Association Of Realtors. Realtor.com is designed to connect buyers, sellers, and renters with real estate professionals and provide them with information and tools to facilitate their real estate transactions and decision-making.
What I like:
Sign snap feature- snap a picture of a for sale sign and learn everything about the listing
Shows when a listing was last updated
See open house times
Provides driving directions
What I don't like:
Hard to get in contact with the listing agent
Limited search criteria
Apartments.com
Apartments.com is a leading online platform that specializes in rental property listings, providing a convenient way for individuals to search and find apartments for rent across the United States. It is a popular resource for renters looking for their next home or apartment.
What I like:
See a put together list of homes for rent in the area
Provides area highlights
Apply through the app, if the lessor allows
Allows real people to rate the listing
What I don't like:
The information is not always updated accurately and efficiently
Can be confusing using the algorithm
Has a lot of ads
Homes.com
Homes.com distinguishes itself through its lifestyle search, user-friendly interface, rental listings, estimated home values, neighborhood information, and home improvement resources.
What I like:
Lifestyle Search Feature- you can look up properties based on your lifestyle preferences
Home improvements and design info section
Directory of property managers
Search for foreclosed homes
What I don't like:
Updated information is not always accurate
Has known to be a lot of mistakes with charging consumers
Homesnap
Homesnap is a platform with tools to help users explore, search for, and connect with properties and real estate professionals. It is primarily focused on the residential real estate market. Whether users are looking to buy, sell, or rent a home, Homesnap offers a range of features to support their real estate needs.
What I like:
Wide variety of information provided
Snapshot feature- take a picture of the home and it tells you information on the home, neighborhood, etc.
Detailed filters
What I don't like:
Known to provide “too much” information
Little information in some areas
