The Best Real Estate Apps for Finding a Home or Apartment

Real estate apps have revolutionized how we search for houses. It used to be that we’d have to rely on a real estate agent to show us MLS listings that fit our criteria or we’d sift through the newspaper for available apartments for rent. Now we know more about potential listings than ever before. To get your house hunt started, the first thing you need to do is download a real estate app. The daunting part, however, is that there are currently hundreds of options.

We want to help you pick a real estate app that best serves your intentions, whether buying, selling or renting. Our list below includes five free real estate apps we think will help you the most with your apartment and home buying ventures.

1. Zillow

Zillow lets house hunters search for homes that are for rent or 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

2. 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 filtering 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

3. Realtor.com

Known for its accuracy, this app lets you find listings available for rent and 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. If you prefer working with an agent during your home hunt, this app might be the one for you for that reason.

Availability: Apple App Store, Google Play, Windows Store

4. Redfin Real Estate

Redfin is specifically geared towards those interested in a house. What makes this app unique is its “favorites” feature. When a home is in your favorites, you’ll be notified any time the status of that house changes. The app also lists open house times so you’ll never miss another tour. Redfin is currently only available in some U.S. markets.

Availability: Apple App Store, Google Play

5. 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