With the help of mobile apps, home searching has become much more efficient and easy. The best home buying apps allow you to search millions of listings, view tax history, calculate mortgage costs and see neighborhood features and school information.
In my opinion, there is not yet one perfect real estate app. Listed below are some excellent options, that if used in combination, can give you the best results possible.
1. Realtor.com
PROS:
- Up to date listing information
- Ability to create multiple custom searches
- Provides basic information from GreatSchools
- Can Favorite, Share and Save properties with your own notes
- Clean and easy design
CONS:
- Crashes frequently
- You must select Refine and turn on the Hide Pending Listings or you’ll see properties listed that are already under contract
2. Redfin
PROS:
- Up to date listing information
- Shows only active listings as the default
- Provides basic information and a link to Great Schools if you select to show schools in the filter
- Includes mortgage payment calculator
- Can share feedback with a spouse or agent through the app
CONS:
- Must be signed in to view how long the property has been on the market
- Does not include contact information for the listing agent
3. Trulia
PROS:
- Ability to search For Sale By Owner Properties
- Ability to select map filters to see nearby amenities, schools and risks of natural disasters, and crime
CONS:
- Must be signed in to do most anything
- Not directly linked to Denver’s MLS so there is often a lag in up to date information
- Mortgage information, but no calculator
- Lots of pop ups and advertising
4. Zillow
PROS:
- Easy and clean design
- Ability to search for For Sale By Owner Properties
- Extensive search filters including school rating filters
- Includes Make Me Move properties not available anywhere else
CONS:
- Includes a Zestimate or estimate of the property’s value, which is often incorrect
- Not directly linked to Denver’s MLS so there is often a lag in up to date information
5. Homesnap
PROS:
- Up to date listing information
- Take a photo of a home while out searching to access information
- Link to friends or spouse to see their favorites
- View property boundary lines
- Can share feedback with a spouse or agent through the app
CONS:
- Cannot save searches
- Search filters are not as extensive as other apps
6. Home Scouting MLS
PROS:
- Connected through the app to your Realtor and mortgage professional so you are able to get the most accurate mortgage information possible based on your individual financing
- Up to date listing information
- No pop ups or advertising
CONS:
- Must be signed in to use app
- Crashes frequently