Depending on your age, you may remember the days when finding a house meant:
- Driving through your target area in search of “for sale” signs
- Reading the “homes for sale” section of the local newspaper
- Relying solely on a real estate agent to find a home that fits your requirements
While you can still do these things, there are now more optimized ways to find a house. That includes using one of the many apps designed for this purpose.
Get prepared to find your perfect home
Before we list the best apps for finding a house, here are some reasons to consider this approach:
- It’s fast and efficient: No more driving around for hours on end
- You don’t have to leave home: You can quickly view homes for sale, inside and out, without leaving your house
- It’s easier to compare properties: Side-by-side comparisons help you make informed decisions
Remember, you don’t have to rely solely on apps to find homes in your target area. Instead, you can use them to supplement other actions, such as consulting with a real estate professional.
The top 5 apps to find a home
Every app has its own unique set of features and benefits. For this reason, you should experiment with two or three of these to determine which one best suits you.
There are dozens of apps and websites out there now, but here are the top five we recommend.
1. HomeScout
When it comes to home buying apps, HomeScout is the cream of the crop.
The primary benefit of this service is that all of the home buying experts are in one place. This includes real estate agents, loan officers, and more.
You can quickly pull a report on the value of the home you currently live in or a home that you’re considering purchasing.
Special offers are also available through the app. This includes discounts on movers, home warranty products, home inspection services, appraisal services, home security systems, contractors, and more.
On the surface, HomeScout is an app for finding homes for sale. But as you dig deeper, you’ll soon realize that it’s much more than that. It’s your one-stop shop for all things related to finding and buying a home.
2. Homesnap
Here’s how Homesnap defines its app:
Powered by the same real-time data used by real estate agents, Homesnap makes it simple to find homes with unique features to refine your home search.
In other words, Homesnap can do many of the same things as an agent.
The app allows you to access data such as:
- Home value estimates
- Property lines
- School district ratings
- Interior and exterior photos
- Home size
Gone are the days when it was a challenge to find accurate real estate information. You can now access everything you need from the comfort of your home.
3. Zillow
Zillow has long been one of the top brands in the real estate space. Not only is it one of the most downloaded real estate apps, but it also has access to a database of more than 100 million homes for sale across the country.
Some of the class-leading features of the Zillow app include:
- Information on comparable properties
- Neighborhood-based data
- Alerts to notify you when new home listings come on the market
- Reports on market trends
Data, data, and more data—that’s how Zillow has become one of the industry’s most recognizable brands.
4. Redfin
There are two features that have allowed the Redfin app to stand out in a crowded space:
- Filters that allow you to find exactly what you’re looking for in a home
- Listings are updated every five minutes (this is a must in a competitive real estate market)
Another advanced feature of the app is the ability for buyers to take video tours or a virtual walkthrough with a local Redfin agent. This way, you don’t have to waste valuable time visiting homes that don’t suit you.
5. Movoto
Find a home, pre-qualify for a mortgage, and connect with a local agent. These are just a few of the many things you can do on the Movoto app.
Movoto puts it best:
We support you with tools, expert guidance, and tailored resources, then connect you with a top-rated OJO Network Agent, so you’re confident and equipped for each step.
For homebuyers who want to shop at their own pace, without any pressure, the Movoto app is their best friend. You can use it to connect with a network real estate agent who’s pre-vetted. This ensures that you’re working with a qualified real estate professional who will put your needs first.
Buy a house with AAA Banking
These apps are designed to help you find the home of your dreams. However, that’s just the first step in the process.
There will soon come a point when you need to get pre-qualified for a mortgage. AAA Banking is here to help.
We’re your partner in making home financing affordable, convenient, and personal.
No matter where you live or how much you need to borrow, we’re happy to step in and provide you with the guidance you’re seeking.
Start the application process online or call one of our experienced loan officers at (844) 897-2265. Throughout the entire homebuying process, our entire team is here for you!
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio