Things To Know For Successful Real Estate App Development

Covid-19 was the most significant factor behind the sudden boom in the adoption of digital real estate and real estate mobile apps by consumers.

41% of home buyers use digital means like mobile apps to see the properties ready to sell near them.

Zillow has been the US’s biggest and most widely used real estate mobile app for consecutive 3 years.

The current data shows that the demand for real estate mobile apps is highest in recent years.

Do you know 96% of home buyers use the internet and digital media to search for properties?

Interestingly, 60% use mobile devices to look out for new homes.

Under such a massive if you still think that developing a mobile app for your real estate business would be useless, think again.

A big percentage of millionaires in the US are working in the real estate field – and with the advent of the real estate mobile app, becoming a millionaire is now easy than ever.

However, many real estate agencies and agent prefers having a real estate website over a real estate mobile app.

Well, the trend has certainly changed over the last few years.

People are more mobile enthusiasts.

They prefer to do things on their smartphone than on a desktop.

A whopping 60% of consumers prefer mobile shopping apps over mobile sites because of better user experience.

If you’re a real estate developer or agent seeking some good and valuable reasons that why should you develop a real estate mobile app in 2023?

The information above will surely be enough.

But most real estate agents will wonder here how to make a successful real estate mobile app.

What features to include, and what things to bear in mind? What will be the cost, how should I stand out in the current real estate market, and many more.

To find out the appropriate answer to all these questions – make sure to go through the further information.

What is Real Estate App Development?

Real estate app development is an approach to creating a custom mobile app for parties involved in the real estate journey to streamline different tasks from finding properties to signing the contract.

A real estate mobile app can be used by 1. property buyers 2. Real estate agents 3. property sellers.

The real estate mobile app isn’t of one specific type.

It can be different or may vary from one another based on its functionality and objectives.

For instance, you can make a separate real estate mobile app for property buyers where they can see all the listed properties.

On the other hand, you can make an individual mobile app targeting real estate investors to invest directly from their mobile app.

These were just a few examples of real estate mobile apps.

There can be up to 5 different real estate app types.

As a real estate agent if you want to develop a mobile app for your real estate business you’ve to first figure out the party.

Thus based on their needs you should make a real estate mobile app.

1. Renting/Property Finding Apps

The most common type of real estate mobile app is renting or house hunting apps.

Almost 80% of the global population has used this app once in a lifetime.

This app is relatively easy to build and less time taking by a real estate app development company.

On the other side, it’s very easy to use too as almost most people have used such mobile apps to find the right properties.

Renting/House Hunting Apps are exclusively built for property buyers to find the right properties.

Based on the filters like price, location and etc property finders can search for different properties.

Examples: Zillow, HotPads, and HomeAway

2. Real Estate Agent Assistant Apps

Another common type of mobile app exclusively built for real estate companies and agents to streamline their work.

Such can be extremely helpful for real estate agents, as the task they used to do physically or can take weeks to complete can be done in seconds.

If you’re wondering what a real estate agent assistant app can do; read the following points.

Smooth communication with clients
Simplify document-making and management
reducing the paperwork
Automate property listing

Examples: Connecteam, Dotloop, and BombBomb

3. Property Management Apps

These real estate mobile apps are specifically created for property managers to manage tasks from their mobile devices.

Property managers and real estate agents can use such mobile apps for convenient viewing of maintenance requests, rent due dates post vacancy ads, tracking rent payments, and checking expenses.

Examples: OnCite, Buildium, and Rent Manager

4. Real Estate Investment Apps

Investing in your desired property is now easier than ever.

This means you can invest your money from the comfort of your bed with just a few clicks.

Real estate investment apps are becoming overwhelmingly popular – every investor now wants an investment app for a secure future.

These apps cater to both novice and experienced investors by offering a range of features to help them make informed investment decisions and manage their real estate portfolios.

Examples: BiggerPockets, Fundrise and Arrived Homes

5. Home Valuation Apps

The value of homes in the US has increased rapidly over the last few years.

But there were times when the value goes down drastically.

Moreover, cities like San Francisco have shown a significant drop in the value.

In such a unstable and wobbling market it can be difficult for the investors to invest at the right time.

However, with home valuation apps now investors can demonstrate the true market value of a particular property.

In addition, with the help of the home evaluation app, investors can predict future home values and identify aspects driving those forecasts.

Examples: Trulia, LoopNet

What are the Real Estate App Development Trends in 2023 and Beyond?

Almost 90% of property buyers first look out for properties with their mobile devices.

And a big majority of them proceed to buy the property with the mobile app if the app features make them satisfied and contended,

In the last few years, the ratio of people buying property has increased significantly.

This is all due to the features and trends that makes the user experience to the complete next level.

Along with this, technology is also revolutionizing the real estate industry, and the trend toward real estate app development is rising.

However, the only problem with following the trends is that is changes year by year.

That means you’ve to redesign your app or integrate the technology if it feels necessary.

Let’s have a look at some of the world-class technology trends for the years 2023 and beyond.

1. Integration with MLS

The very first trend that every real estate app development company should follow is to integrate the app with the multiple listing service (MLS).

MLS makes sure the app showcases correct and up-to-the-minute information about the property.

To learn more about multiple listing service (MLS) click here: Multiple Listing Service (MLS): Definition, Benefits, and Fees

2. Big Data

Real estate app development falls in the category of advanced and high-tech development.

This means the data will be comprehensive and large – and would need something massive to store and protect data.

Integrating Big data into real estate mobile apps will make sure that the user data is stored, processed, and gathered information.

3. Virtual tours and 3D models

Covid 19 has changed many things.

Like people who used to do things physically can now perform things from the comfort of their bed.

Just as before Covid there was no concept of a virtual tour of the property.

But after Covid, property buyers now want a feature that allows them to tour the property virtually.

In the future, this technology will be necessary with every real estate app.

4. Blockchain

Blockchain technology isn’t a modern-day technology.

But in the world of real estate, it is relatively new.

Blockchain which makes any transaction safe, transparent, and fraud-free can now be used property related transactions to make things foolproof and secure.

In the future, blockchain technology will be essential to make things safeguard and clear.

5. Artificial Intelligence

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the future will be the biggest success driver behind every successful app.

With the advancement in Artificial Intelligence, it now can give a better answer and provide a precise and smooth experience to the user.

The Artificial Intelligence will inspect every user individually and offer a more personalized experience.

12 Must-Have Real Estate App Features

Every app has its own set of features that makes sure that the user has an amazing and smooth experience.

Similarly, for real estate mobile apps, the features differ from other apps.

But before integrating the features into the real estate app, you’ve to be very careful and accurate when selecting the features.

If you choose the features without conducting proper research first, you’ll fall into the category of failed real estate mobile apps that no one downloads.

Do you want to be one of them?

Of course not! Why would anyone want to waste money down the drain?

Here’re the 12 basic and modern-day features that a real estate mobile app should have in 2023 and beyond.

1. User Onboarding (Signup/Login)

The most basic and widely found feature in an app is the signup and login form.

This user onboarding is a necessary part of every mobile app, as it is very helpful in gathering initial information about the user.

Also, this process makes sure that the user is legit and not using the app for any fraudulent activity.

This form pops up just after the user opens the app after downloading it.

Users can use multiple ways to get onboard like email and social media sign-up.

Signing an app by phone is also one of the ways users can start using the app.

Integrating the user onboarding feature is essential in real estate mobile apps as it will be helpful in offering a personalized experience to the user.

2. Search Option

Search is also one of the features that you’ll find in every mobile app especially big-size mobile apps that contain countless screens.

Having a search option helps to user to reach the exact screen directly from the home screen.

For the real estate mobile app which contains plenty of screens and each property has a dedicated screen – having a search option with filters makes it easier for property buyers to reach the exact property by using the filters.

The following filters should be included in the search option.

Location
Size
Rooms
Price
Property type
Years of construction

3. 3d Virtual Tours

The concept of virtual tours in the real estate app isn’t new – but its popularity has increased dramatically after the pandemic – as people desired to view properties from their smartphones.

Having a feature of 3d virtual tours allows property buyers and investors to have an attractive and engaging real-life experience of viewing a property.

4. Listings and Database

You want to make sure that the property displayed on your app should seem attractive and engaging.

For this, you want a proper property listing with complete details.

On the other hand, as your mobile app will grow and more buyers and sellers will be interested.

You want to ensure that the database is large enough so the sellers can list their property will complete peace of mind.

If you want to know why big data is important for your real estate business, you can read the above section.

5. Property Cost and Mortgage Calculators

Although you’ve mentioned the price of the property, still you would need a calculator to make the process easier.

Calculators can help property buyers to find the exact cost of the property after adding all the taxes and interest.

6. Property Profiles

Just like an ecommerce website where each product has a separate page with a complete description.

You would need a separate page for each property with descriptions, photos, videos, rich media, price details, and so on.

Having all the properties on the same screen with a description can confuse the property buyer.

Do you know a vast majority of people buy a property based on images and videos?

7. Chatbots

Chatbot is one of the most important features a real estate mobile app development company should integrate into a real estate mobile app.

Chatbot streamlines the communication between the property buyer and the seller as it connects both the party directly on the app.

Property buyers can ask the question to property sellers to get the answer in real time.

8. Push Notifications

Whether you’re building an m-commerce or real estate mobile app, a push notification is a necessary feature if you want to generate more income in the long run.

Push notifications can be used to increase customer engagement with the app if used correctly.

For instance, in the real estate mobile app, if someone is looking for a property but is unable to find the ideal property that matches the requirements – he will most probably leave the app with the hope that he’ll find it the next time.

But instead of waiting for the customer to come back, you can send a personalized push notification with a message “ Hey! We’ve just found a property that matches your requirements.”

This way you’ll not just increase customer satisfaction but also increase the chance of selling the property.

9. Comparison Feature

Having a comparison feature on your real estate mobile app can help property buyers to make the right decision.

But how?

For instance, a real estate mobile app can be full of similar properties with identical features located at the same location.

This can bewilder the potential property buyer and he’s unable to come to the conclusion.

This confusion can be eliminated by providing a property comparison feature.

Thus helping customers to jump to the conclusion right away.

10. Navigation and Street View

The more attractive but necessary features a real estate mobile app will have, the more time customers will spend.

Thus increasing the chance of making revenue.

No person can even think of a real estate app without a map.

It’s just like an ecommerce website without a cart option.

But instead of a simple map, you can use a better way of the map which includes directions in a city and assess the location virtually.

Want to create a successful ecommerce website?

Read This Blog: Unlocking Your Ecommerce Potential: The Power of Custom E-commerce Development

11. Rating And Review Section

Feedback and review system is the biggest motivator for a property buyer to purchase a property.

The more genuine comments and positive ratings a real estate mobile app will have, the more chance that people will rely on your properties.

12. Augmented Reality (AR)

Before purchasing a new house or a property, potential customers see the property from different angles like price, location and etc.

One big factor that real estate app developer often forgets is that the customer also wants to see how the furniture will appear in their new house.

The only solution to that problem is that a real estate app development company must integrate Augmented Reality.

This feature helps buyers to see how furniture will look in that property.

Benefits of Having a Real Estate Mobile App

Before you know how to create a real estate mobile app and the cost.

It’s important that you know its benefits.

Because every investment a businessman makes is with one objective which is how much the investment is worth. Or how much he’ll gain in return.

That being said, real estate app development is no different.

According to a forecast, real estate software development will reach $13.46b in 2026.

But it’s not always about the money!

A real estate mobile app performs hundreds of tasks that can only be dreamed of.

Here’re the 5 benefits that you can enjoy from real estate app development.

1. Direct and Smooth Communication with Customers

The way the mobile app has enhanced and improvise the way of communication is just out of the world.

Now any customer either looking for a home or land can get in touch with the team or even with the home seller with the help of a real estate mobile app.

Also having a real estate mobile app brings mutual benefits.

For example, customers can get prompt answers to their questions.

On the other hand, clients will gather in one place.

2. More Clients in Less Time

Selecting any digital means either a website, social media or app will increase your brand engagement better than anything.

96% of home buyers use the internet and digital media (website and app) to search for properties.

In such massive numbers, having a mobile app not just for engagement but also for providing service will help you get a large number of customers.

3. Automate Plenty of Tasks

A real estate mobile app is not just for customers.

But the real estate company that invested in making the application can also take several benefits from it.

For instance, seamless communication with clients, automated document management, simplified listing process, and reduced agent workload are some of the primary tasks a real estate mobile app can perform easily.

4. Marketing Tool

A real estate mobile app can also be used as an additional marketing tool for a real estate business.

A well-built mobile app development for real estate can be used to drive more customers, increase engagement and retention rates and sell more properties.

The customer information and analytics a mobile app gather can also be used for personalized marketing campaigns.

Do you know 90% of leading marketers say personalization significantly contributes to business profitability?

Also Read: Guide On Mobile App For Business (Reasons, Benefits, Steps And Cost)

5. Provide Complete Information (Location, Price, Images, and Videos)

A real estate mobile app can contain all the information, a potential property buyer will ask a real estate agent if they meet face to face.

From the images of the homes to the price and the location all the information can be displayed on the dedicated property screen.

Remember, if a potential property buyer gets in touch with the property seller after going through all that information means he’s really interested in the property.

Thus the chance of buying a property increased.

Real Estate Mobile App Development Process

Almost all mobile application development shares the same steps starting from ideation to deployment.

That being said, real estate app development is no different.

There might be some differences in the design and development stages as no application is the same as another.

Here’re the 5 steps real estate app development process to make a successful real estate mobile app.

Step#1: Requirement Gathering (ideation, Details Goals, and Objectives)

Behind every successful mobile app, there is always a long duration of proper planning and ideation.

Without comprehensive planning, you can still make an application but the chances of getting success is almost zero.

An application is not only about how good it looks or how fast it is but also how successful it has overcome user concerns.

If we talk about real estate app development, it’s very important for the client to give complete details of the projects.

On the other side, real estate app development companies should also conduct research from their end before proceeding to development.

Cost: The planning phase can last up to 2 weeks. The mobile application development cost in the US is $47/hr – costing approximately $3,572.

Stage#2: Design (UI/UX Design, Mockups, and Wireframes)

Once the real estate mobile app development company has all the information and details to commence the development only then they should proceed.

The next step is to create wireframes and mockups using software like Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD, UXPin and etc.

The interface should be designed while keeping modern-day trends in mind.

Also, the layout should appear engaging, intuitive, and aesthetically pleasing.

Cost: The design phase can take up to 5 weeks to complete – costing approximately $8,930.

Stage#3: Development (Coding)

Probably the longest and most complex phase of real estate app development.

This phase includes developers and programmers (frontend and backend) using their expertise and skills to code the app.

Cost: The development phase can take up to 8 weeks to complete – costing approximately $14,288.

Stage#4: Quality Assurance

This stage is the second last step of the real estate app development journey.

The quality assurance team makes sure that the app is free of errors, bugs and faults.

They do this by conducting a comprehensive quality assurance test that detects and remove all the faults.

This test also makes sure the app runs appropriately across various platforms and devices.

After this stage, the app is ready to release.

Cost: The Quality Assurance phase can take up to 2 weeks to complete – costing approximately $3,572.

Stage#5: Deployment

Once the app is free of all errors and bugs, it can be released on the major Play stores like the apple app store and google play,

All you’ve to make sure that app complies with all rules and specifications set forth by the app store.

Cost: The Quality Assurance phase can take up to 1 week to complete – costing approximately $1,786.

Total Cost: The cost of a medium real estate mobile app with limited features and functionality will cost you $32,148. The cost can increase if you want a more complex mobile app.

How to Develop a Real Estate App: Tech Stack

Every custom real estate mobile app consists of two ends, 1. Backend 2. Frontend.

real estate mobile app development company builds both the ends with right technologies.

Backend Technologies

Django
Express
Flask
Laravel
Gin Gonic
Ruby On Rails

Frontend Technologies

React Native
Flutter
Ionic
NativeScript

Team Structure For Real Estate App Development

Real estate app development isn’t an individual task.

There is a team of experts and professionals behind the scene.

These individuals are from different fields required for real estate app development.

A team of real estate app development will look something like this

Business analyst
Project manager
UI/UX designer
Mobile app developer (Android and iOS)
Quality Assurance
Front end developer
Backend developers

Real Estate App Development Tips And Tricks

Completely relying on a real estate mobile app development company will never be enough to make a successful real estate mobile app.

As a client who wants to create a mobile app, you’ll need some effort from your end too.

Here’re some tips and tricks to make a successful real estate mobile app.

As a future mobile app owner you must have a goal to make a mobile app. Without a goal, the developer can never make what you want.
Competitor research is the biggest secret behind successful mobile apps. But make sure you never copy them. Always find inspiration from them and try to do better.
The real estate app that you’re developing is for the customers. So why not make them a part of the journey? If that sounds too much! You can conduct interviews and find suggestions that what they want in the new app.
Finding the necessary features that you want to integrate into the app is an important part. You can see what features your competitors are using. Moreover, what modern-day features your competitors aren’t using that you can capitalize on?
Choosing the right real estate app development company for your project. If the company has built a similar app before you can go with the company.

How Do Real Estate Apps Make Money?

There’s no one-way real estate apps make money. The monetizing way varies from app to app.

For instance, few real estate mobile apps work as a third party and take a commission on every property sold.

On the other hand, few real estate apps list a property on their own and keep all the profit.

Below are some common ways to make money through real estate mobile apps.

Fees: The real estate mobile app works as a third and gets a small percentage of commission on every sale. Under this method, the app takes a commission from both parties (buyers and sellers) for using the platform for the transaction.

Property Promotion And Advertising: You can earn money by displaying ads for new property projects, mortgage lenders, real estate agents, additional listings, interior designers and stores, and many more.

Premium Features and Subscriptions: This monetizing strategy may not work if you’re new to the market. This method allows property buyers and app downloaders to pay some money to access the premium features like premium properties, more listings, and other useful features.

Why Choose Quanrio For Real Estate App Development?

Finding the right real estate app development company can be a cumbersome and tiresome process.

As due to the lack of industry expertise, many real estate companies handed over their project to the wrong company, and ultimately they messed up with the project – wasting time and money.

However, working with Quanrio gives a completely different experience.

From the initial contact to the project submission, everything is a new experience in itself.

If talked about Quanrio, they have worked with several companies and businesses helped them to create high-performing mobile apps.

Interested to create a world-class real estate mobile app?

Talk To Us

Faqs

Can I Invest in Real Estate on an App?

Yes! You can definitely invest in real estate projects from an application. Applications like Roofstock, EquityMultiple Fundrise, First National Realty and etc are exclusively made for investors looking forward to investing in real estate projects.

What Were The Main Challenges During The Real Estate App Development Process?

Like every other mobile application development, real estate app development also comes across some challenges. Some common challenges are scalability, integration of numerous Apis, and lack of industry expertise.

How to Choose a Real Estate App Development Company?

To create a successful real estate app, it’s very important to choose the right real estate mobile app development company. In fact, 90% of the real estate mobile app will depend on how professional and competent the team is. The easiest and effortless way to investigate a team is to check their portfolio. If the real estate app development company has built a similar before you can go with them after conducting a comprehensive interview.

What Should I Know Before Starting Real Estate Mobile App Development?

A few things that you would need to know before starting real estate app development are App goal and objective, target audience, Competitor research, market demand, features, and many more.

How Do I Make a Real Estate App?

If you’re a mobile app developer or even a programmer you can make a mobile app. If that’s not the case you can’t build a real estate app on your own. As the whole development journey contains lots of technical aspects it can only be solved by an application developer. Nevertheless, you can always contact a real estate mobile app development company to help you with the project.