Searching for property may not be the first thing on your mind when you wake up in the morning, but whether you seek the excitement or the necessity of finding the best value for your next investment, your iPhone can be extremely useful.
From property searches to property evaluators, finding the right home in the right location can be done more efficiently, and while on the go, with a variety of iPhone apps.
Thanks to GPS integration on iPhone devices, your search process is streamlined and made immediately relevant based on your location. This integration comes in handy when seeking property, as well as information about that property’s surroundings, giving you a contextual look at the important factors for real estate search.
iPhone apps that help you search for property
Trulia launched its iPhone app last year and has watched it climb in the ranks ever since. This real estate search tool links your GPS location so that every time you open the free app, it gives you property information for your immediate surroundings. Save settings, preferences and searches with this personalized and pocket-sized realtor.
Another trusted name in property search, Zillow’s iPhone app offers deep filter searches and push notifications for updated searches based on your settings. Zillow’s Zestimator and other branded search tools are included in the free app as well, making it useful for mobile and home use.
Puluwai has a platform approach to property search, enabling users to search and contact sellers directly. View listings based on your location on a map and get directions. Save favorites and share them with friends. Not as personalized as Trulia or Zillow, but free and useful for quick searches nonetheless.
Homes.com features MLS (multiple listing service) search, as well as home and rental searches. Results are displayed in lists or maps with filters for price, features, etc. The free app has bookmarking and sharing options, though overall personalized features are lacking. The main search screen may be too delineated for some, though the app is generally useful.
Estimators and resources iPhone apps
Redfin’s iPhone app is a home-buying tool, listing foreclosures and MLS listings based on your location. The free app is only available in major cities, but its photo upload, notes and mortgage calculators are all useful features for today’s homebuyer. Sync Redfin with your online account and export data if you are really into data-crunching.
HGTV’s Staging and Property app will catch you up on your favorite programs. It will also offer tips and ideas for staging your own home. If you are selling, the presentation of your home could make or break a deal. This free app brings HGTV’s trusted recommendations directly to your iPhone.
Calculating the value of a home as you house hunt becomes mobile with Home Sizer. Great for figuring out renovation costs for property in need of updating, this app calculates based on room dimensions and square footage. Figure new mortgage costs with the in-app calculator, all for $2.99.
Property Evaluator will help you in the decision-making process with property. The $2.99 iPhone app projects property value over time to determine your relative return on investment. Take photos, attach notes, calculate mortgage payments and compare scenarios to help you choose the right combination for you as an investor.
iPhone apps to check out the neighborhood highlights
Need to learn about the neighborhood around a property of interest? Check out Nearby’s iPhone app. Tapping into Platial’s database and building on its collected user-generated data, you can get a pretty good sense of a neighborhood’s vibe. The free app will improve over time, but can set you in the right direction during your property search.
