When you’re trying to find the perfect house, it’s easy to feel stressed. Navigating endless listings, time-consuming showings, and surprising fees can leave you feeling tempted to pull your hair out. However, whether you’re looking to rent or buy, you can take control of your house hunt by using these top rated real estate apps.
Realtor.com Mobile
Known for its accuracy, this app lets you find listings available for rent and for sale. You can find the home for you using the search filters you would expect (bedroom, bathroom, price, school, etc.), but you can also draw your desired search area on the map to find available homes. Houses are labeled by price on the map, making it convenient to find the home you’re looking for. This app pulls listings from agents, so there aren’t listings available directly from owners through this app.
Availability: Apple App Store, Google Play, Windows Store
Zumper
This app lets you find freestanding homes for rent, apartments, and even condominiums. Neighborhoods are what Zumper is most known for. The app has a “map view” feature that shows you an interactive grid of neighborhoods, so you know exactly where you’re looking without having to drive around.
Availability: Apple App Store, Google Play
Trulia
This app is easy to navigate and find your perfect home with its “layers” feature. Choose whether you want to rent or purchase, then apply layers like schools, amenities, and local boundaries. This gives you an idea of what that area is like without having to drive there. It does not provide as many search filters as other apps, but it’s still easy to find the place that you’ll eventually call home.
Availability: Apple App Store, Google Play
Zillow
Zillow lets house hunters search for homes that are for rent or for sale. The app uses a database that spans across the United States, so you’re sure to find a property where you are. You can share your favorite properties with friends and highlight your top picks by using the “favorites” feature.
Availability: Apple App Store, Google Play, Amazon
Padmapper
If you’re looking for one of the best apartment search engines online, then look no further than Padmapper. The app has many search filters so you can customize your apartment search (pets, no fees, by owner only, full-term leases, rooms/shares, etc.). This app connects you with a lot of listings; be prepared to do a lot of legwork because they are not always up to date.
Availability: Apple App Store, Google Play
Comfy
This is more than just an app to help you find rentals; it is a community that revolves around rental experiences. Using this app, you can search for listings that are available in your area, but you can also read reviews from prior renters and use the app to contact property owners directly. To help you determine which listing is right for you, the company app offers a list of pros and cons for each rental.
Availability: Apple App Store
Redfin Real Estate
Redfin is specifically geared towards those interested in a house. What makes this app unique is its “favorites” feature. When a house is in your favorites, you’ll be notified any time the status on that house changes. The app also lists open house times so you’ll never miss another tour. Redfin is currently only available in certain U.S. markets.
Availability: Apple App Store, Google Play
Moving out soon? Check out Preparing to Move out of Your Apartment: A Checklist.
Sources
“Best Apps for House And Apartment Hunting,” AppAdvice, http://appadvice.com/appguides/show/house-and-apartment-hunting-apps
“The best real estate apps for house hunters,” CBS News, http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/the-best-real-estate-apps-for-house-hunters/
Allyson Kazmucha, “Best apartment and home rental apps for iPhone: Find your next place faster!,” iMore, http://www.imore.com/best-apartment-home-rental-apps-iphone
Rachel Rothman, “10 Apps That Make House Hunting Way Easier,” Good Housekeeping, http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/institute/a25170/digital-apps-house-hunting/