If you’re looking for a new home, apartment, or rental property, the process of finding the right one can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Fortunately, many helpful home value tracking sites or apps are available to make the house hunting experience easier and more efficient.
These apps offer a wide range of features, from customizable search filters to the ability to directly message real estate agents.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the 5 most helpful apps for 2023. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each app and why you might choose one over the others.
House hunting can be stressful, but thankfully, there are many apps available to help simplify the process. Whether you’re searching for your dream home or just looking for an apartment to rent, there’s an app for that!
1. Zillow
Zillow is an online real estate platform that provides users with a wide range of real estate information, including property listings, home values, and neighborhood data. The platform was launched in 2006. It has since become one of the most popular home value tracking sites or apps in the United States.
Features:
Property Listings: Zillow provides a comprehensive listing of properties for sale or rent across the United States. Moreover, users can filter listings based on their preferences, such as price range, location, and property type.
Home Values: Zillow offers an estimate of a property’s value based on various data points, including recent sales data and local market trends.
Zestimate: Zillow’s proprietary home value estimate algorithm. Now, this uses data from public records, user-submitted data, and other sources to provide an estimate of a property’s value.
Neighborhood Information: Zillow provides detailed information about neighborhoods, including crime rates, school ratings, and nearby amenities.
Mortgage Calculator: Users can calculate their monthly mortgage payments based on their down payment, interest rate, and other factors.
Pros:
Comprehensive Listings: Zillow offers a vast selection of property listings, making it easy for users to find their dream homes.
User-Friendly Interface: The platform is user-friendly and easy to navigate. Even if you are not familiar with real estate terminology, you can easily use the app/
Free to Use: Zillow is free to use, and users can access most features without paying anything.
Zestimate: The Zestimate provides users with an estimate of a property’s value. Now, this can be helpful when making buying or selling decisions.
Cons:
Inaccurate Zestimates: Zillow’s Zestimate algorithm is not always accurate, and the estimates can be significantly off in some cases.
Limited Information: Zillow’s information about properties is not always complete or up-to-date, and some listings may be missing important details.
Advertisements: Zillow displays advertisements on its platform, which can be annoying for some users.
Why Choose Zillow?
Zillow is an excellent choice for those looking for a comprehensive real estate platform with a user-friendly interface. The platform offers a vast selection of property listings, and its neighborhood information and mortgage calculator tools are useful for homebuyers.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that Zillow’s Zestimate algorithm is not always accurate. Thus, users may need to consult with a real estate professional for a more accurate estimate of a property’s value.
2. Trulia
Trulia is a popular online real estate marketplace that connects buyers, sellers, and renters with real estate agents and properties. It was founded in 2005 and is currently owned by Zillow Group, Inc. Trulia provides a wide range of features and tools. Furthermore, this makes it easy to find and compare properties, research neighborhoods, and connect with real estate professionals.
Features:
Search filters: Trulia offers a variety of search filters, allowing users to narrow down their property search. Moreover, these are based on criteria such as price, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, and more.
Neighborhood insights: Trulia provides detailed information about neighborhoods, including crime rates, schools, local amenities, and transportation options.
Property insights: Users can view property history, including previous sale prices, as well as current property information such as taxes, zoning, and more.
Mortgage calculator: Trulia offers a mortgage calculator that allows users to estimate their monthly mortgage payments based on the property price, down payment, and other factors.
Agent directory: Users can browse and contact local real estate agents through Trulia’s agent directory.
Pros:
User-friendly interface: Trulia has a clean and intuitive user interface that makes it easy to search for properties and access information about neighborhoods and properties.
Wide range of options: Trulia has a vast database of properties that are regularly updated, providing users with a wide range of options to choose from.
Comprehensive neighborhood information: Trulia provides detailed insights into neighborhoods, including crime rates, schools, local amenities, and transportation options. This information is useful for users looking to relocate to a new area.
Mobile app: Trulia offers a mobile app for both iOS and Android, allowing users to search for properties and access neighborhood information on-the-go.
Agent directory: Trulia’s agent directory allows users to connect with local real estate professionals, making the buying, selling, or renting process more seamless.
Cons:
Inaccurate listings: Some users have reported finding inaccurate or outdated property listings on Trulia, which can be frustrating for those looking for a specific type of property.
Limited international listings: Trulia primarily focuses on the US real estate market. So, users looking for international properties may not find this among home value tracking sites or apps
Some features require a premium membership: While many of Trulia’s features are free, some of the more advanced features, such as access to historical property data, require a premium membership.
Why choose Trulia?
Trulia is a great option for those looking to buy, sell, or rent properties in the US. Its comprehensive neighborhood information, a large selection of properties, and easy-to-use interface make it a popular choice among real estate consumers. Additionally, Trulia’s agent directory can help connect users with local real estate professionals. Now, this can be beneficial for those unfamiliar with the buying or selling process.
However, it’s important to note that users looking for international properties or those who are looking for the most up-to-date listings may need to look elsewhere.
3. Redfin
Redfin is a popular real estate brokerage platform that provides a wide range of services to buyers, sellers, and real estate agents. The platform was founded in 2004 and has since become one of the most trusted names in the real estate industry. Moreover, it is also popular as one of the best home value tracking sites or apps.
Features:
Accurate Home Valuation: Redfin has a unique algorithm that provides accurate home valuations, giving buyers and sellers a clear idea of what their property is worth.
Real Estate Agents: Redfin has a team of experienced real estate agents who can help buyers and sellers navigate the home buying and selling process.
User-Friendly Interface: The Redfin platform is easy to use and navigate, allowing users to quickly find the information they need.
Mobile App: Redfin offers a mobile app that allows users to search for homes, schedule tours, and get alerts on new listings.
Virtual Tours: Redfin provides virtual tours of homes, allowing buyers to get a feel for a property before they even step foot inside.
Pros:
Lower Fees: Redfin charges lower fees than traditional real estate brokerages, making it an attractive option for buyers and sellers who want to save money.
Excellent Customer Service: Redfin has a reputation for providing excellent customer service. It has a team of knowledgeable and friendly agents available to assist users with any questions or concerns.
Innovative Technology: Redfin is known for its innovative technology, including its algorithm for accurate home valuations and its mobile app.
Transparency: Redfin is transparent about its fees and commissions, so buyers and sellers know exactly what they’re paying for.
Cons:
Limited Coverage: Redfin is currently available in a limited number of markets, so it may not be an option for buyers or sellers in all areas.
Limited Agent Availability: Redfin agents are only available in markets where the platform is currently active. So, users in other areas may not be able to access an agent.
Limitation in Services: Redfin does not offer all of the services that traditional real estate brokerages provide. So, some users may prefer to work with a different platform.
Why Choose Redfin?
There are several reasons why you might choose Redfin as your real estate platform of choice. Redfin is known for its innovative technology, including its algorithm for accurate home valuations and its mobile app, making it a convenient and user-friendly platform for anyone looking to buy or sell a home.
4. Realtor.com
Realtor.com is a leading online real estate platform that connects buyers, sellers, and real estate agents across the United States. The website offers a range of features and tools that help users find their dream home or sell their property quickly and easily. Thus, if you are looking for home value tracking sites or apps, then this is your perfect match.
Features:
Comprehensive property listings: Realtor.com provides access to millions of property listings across the US, including single-family homes, condos, townhouses, and more.
Advanced search tools: Users can search for properties based on a variety of criteria, such as price, location, size, and features.
Local market insights: Realtor.com offers insights into local real estate markets, such as median home prices, days on market, and more.
Home value estimator: The website provides a free home value estimator tool that helps users get an idea of how much their home is worth.
Professional agent directory: Users can find and connect with local real estate agents who can help them buy or sell a home.
Pros:
Comprehensive property listings: Realtor.com has one of the largest databases of property listings in the US. Thus, providing users with a wide range of options to choose from.
Advanced search tools: The website’s advanced search tools allow users to narrow down their search based on specific criteria, making it easier to find the right property.
Local market insights: Realtor.com provides valuable insights into local real estate markets. Thus, giving users a better understanding of the market they’re interested in.
Home value estimator: The home value estimator tool is a useful feature for homeowners looking to sell their property or those interested in refinancing their mortgage.
Professional agent directory: Users can find and connect with local real estate agents. They can provide expert advice and guidance throughout the buying or selling process.
Cons:
Limited international listings: Realtor.com only lists properties in the US, which may not be suitable for users looking to buy or sell property overseas.
Advertisements: The website features advertisements, which can be distracting for some users.
Why choose Realtor.com?
Realtor.com is an excellent choice for anyone looking to buy or sell a home in the US. It has a comprehensive property listing, advanced search tools, local market insights, a home value estimator, and a professional agent directory. Thus, making it an all-in-one platform for all your real estate needs.
Additionally, it’s user-friendly interface and mobile app make it easy to use on the go. Overall, Realtor.com is a trusted and reliable platform that can help you find your dream home or sell your property quickly and easily.
5. Apartment List
Apartment List is a popular online platform that helps people find apartments for rent. It was founded in 2011 and has since grown to become one of the leading apartment rental search engines in the United States. Here are some of the features, pros, and cons of using Apartment List:
Features:
Search filters: Apartment List allows users to narrow down their search results based on a variety of filters, such as price range, number of bedrooms, pet policy, and more.
Interactive maps: The platform provides interactive maps. Therefore, it allows users to view available apartments in their desired location and compare them based on various factors.
Price alerts: Apartment List can notify users via email or text when a new apartment that meets their search criteria becomes available.
24/7 customer support: Apartment List provides customer support around the clock, which can be helpful for users who have questions or concerns.
Pros:
Wide selection: With millions of listings, Apartment List, one of the perfect home value tracking sites or apps, offers a wide selection of apartments for rent across the United States.
User-friendly interface: The platform is easy to use, even for those who are not tech-savvy.
Free service: Apartment List is free to use for apartment hunters, which can be a major plus for those on a tight budget.
Personalized recommendations: The platform uses machine learning algorithms to provide personalized apartment recommendations based on the user’s search history and preferences.
Cons:
Limited inventory: While Apartment List has millions of listings, there may be some locations where the platform has limited inventory.
Not all listings are up-to-date: Some users have reported that the platform’s listings may not always be up-to-date. Now, this can be frustrating for those who are looking for an apartment on a tight timeline.
Potential for spam: Like other online rental platforms, there is a risk of encountering spam or fraudulent listings on Apartment List.
Why choose Apartment List?
Apartment List is a great choice for apartment hunters who want a user-friendly, personalized, and free platform to help them find their next rental home. Furthermore, with its wide selection of apartments, interactive maps, and price alerts, users can easily find the right apartment for their needs and budget.
There are some potential downsides, such as limited inventory and the risk of encountering spam or fraudulent listings. However, Apartment List’s benefits make it a strong contender for anyone in search of a new apartment.
In Conclusion
House hunting can be a daunting task. However, with the help of these home value tracking sites or apps, the process can be much more manageable. Moreover, each of these apps offers unique features and benefits that can cater to different preferences and needs.
From customizable search filters to the ability to directly message real estate agents, these apps provide a wide range of tools to help you find the perfect property. Before making a decision, it is essential to consider the pros and cons of each app. Thus, it would help you to determine which one best suits your individual needs and preferences. Furthermore, you must also check out whether you qualify for property tax.