Why the fuss?
With all the housing apps on Google Play and Apple Store, what’s all the buzz over Realtor.com Real Estate app? We decided to put our curiosity to rest by taking the app for a little spin of our own and seeing what the fuss is truly about. Here’s what we found.
Both the Android and iOS versions of Realtor.com’s mobile app score high marks from reviewers (with ratings of 4.5 stars). A recent reviewer of the iOS version says, “the market is very fast here so when something becomes available, I see it first on this app.” Another comments, “I use many home sales sites and this is the best. Always the fastest with info and provides better detail than most.”
On that note, we wanted to get a feel for how easy the app is to navigate. Answer? Daily double. You’re simply a click away from beginning your customization. Opening to a bright screen with large icons to jump-start your search, the app is stylishly sleek from the custom filters to its map drawing, trickling all the way down to iMessage integration.
So what’s its best features?
There’s a lot to love about this app. Some eye-catching features happen to involve its ability to keep up with the market, wherever that market is. For example, when you click on the “For Sale” icon, which can be found on the home screen, it uses location-based data to display all the homes for sale in your exact vicinity.
And, whenever you’re looking for a refresh, all you have to do is click on the “Scout” button at the bottom of the screen to see the updated listings available where you are and where you go. Then there’s this “Today Widget” that gives you nearby listings and open houses, which we think is mighty superb.
Plus, there’s a entirely interactive map that’s only clicks or circles away from uncovering any and everything you’d ever want to know about a potential property. If you’ve never been good at drawing, it won’t be too hard to draw around neighborhoods when you can see all sorts of points of interests on the map, like restaurants, banks, shops and more.
By clicking on a listing, you’ll reveal all the details for that particular property, and in addition, you’ll see a space that’ll allow you to archive personal notes and thoughts about a home—you can even rate the home and give it up to five stars, save it to your favorites, then come back later to compare if you wish.
Some other standout features we found not only really cool, but also relevant when it comes to house hunting, include:
• Notifications of new and price reduced listings
• Swiping left or right to see high resolution photos of property
• Using iMessage to grab photos of listings viewed
• The Share icon on the Listing Detail Page
• Getting driving directions to homes for sale
• 3D home tours
Any drawbacks?
Some reviewers take issue with some of the property being sold too quickly, or the listed properties not truly being available. We did not run into this issue ourselves, but “appers,” beware.
Is it a go, or a no?
It’s still a go in our book. From the sleek look to the interactive maps and 3D tours, the app gets the job done. If you’re out there looking for a home, there’s no good reason why you shouldn’t take the chance at downloading this app for what good it does do.
It’s informative in regards to relaying neighborhood statistics, and introducing info on schools, zoning, and the like. There are more homes listed on the Realtor.com app than any other house hunting app for download. It’s clear from the custom filters that whether or not you’re looking to buy your first house or if you’re shopping for an upgrade or a downsize, the app interface is so-meticulously designed, you’ll get a list of homes directly tailored to your wants and needs.
