5 Best Apps to Find Your Next Home [Ask Real Estate Experts]

For homebuyers and property investors, starting the process of finding your next home can feel overwhelming. With so many house-hunting apps and websites out there, choosing the right one for your search can be a challenge.

Our 2025 Best Apps list is here to simplify that process. We gathered opinions from real estate experts to help you access the best technology for securing your next place to live.

Why Use Real Estate Apps?

No app can substitute for working with a local real estate professional. However, these tools can greatly enhance your home-buying experience. They allow you to gather information quickly and efficiently, making your search easier and more effective.

Here are the top apps to consider when looking for your next house or investment:

Top Apps for Your Home Search

1. OneHome or MLS Touch (Best App for Accurate Information)

• Why We Love It: Gaining access to the local MLS (Multiple Listing Service) through a real estate professional ensures you get the most accurate and up-to-date information. You’ll be the first to know when a great property hits the market, often with expert advice from a local agent or real estate consultant.

  
  

• A Drawback: MLS apps are not always as feature-packed as some third-party options. They may require communication with your real estate professional. Additionally, not all MLS systems are the same; some offer more features than others. However, we appreciate ours in Hampton Roads, Virginia, for its quality service.

  
  

• A Unique Feature: With MLS access, your real estate professional can customize your house-hunting experience based on your preferences. They'll notify you as soon as the right home becomes available.

  
  

Struggling to find a home in Hampton Roads’ busy market? It’s imperative to be connected to the MLS here. Most listings appear here first, while other apps usually retrieve data from the MLS and local tax records.

2. Trulia (Best App for Neighborhood Insights)

• Why We Love It: Trulia is fantastic for gathering information about new neighborhoods. It offers crime statistics, school ratings, and reviews from local residents. This comprehensive data lets you envision your new community.

  
  

• A Drawback: Some users report that Trulia's listings may not always be up-to-date, which can lead to missing or inaccurate information. For the best results, pair Trulia with your local MLS app and an agent who can help you identify properties and craft the perfect offer.

  
  

• A Favorite Feature: Trulia offers 3D home walkthroughs and virtual neighborhood tours. You can get a real sense of an area before visiting in person.

  
  
  
  

3. Zillow (Best App for Ease of Use)

• Why We Love It: Zillow has become synonymous with home searching. It’s simple to use and features a large database of listings. Users can view essential property information, such as price history and taxes.

  
  

• A Drawback: The “Zestimate” feature can be misleading. Many users find these estimated home values inaccurate, as Zillow’s algorithms may not consider specific property conditions or local nuances. It’s wise to work with someone familiar with the area for better insights.

  
  

• A Unique Feature: Zillow’s Open Houses tool highlights properties with upcoming open houses in your search area. You can set alerts for new listings and even add them to your calendar.

  
  

In some cases, Zillow mistakenly lists properties under contract as “available.” Always verify with a top real estate agent for the most accurate property information.

4. LoopNet (Best App for the Commercial Investor)

• Why We Love It: Loopnet.com is a leading app for investing in commercial real estate. It focuses solely on commercial properties for sale or rent nationwide and provides detailed listings.

  
  

• A Drawback: A common issue in commercial real estate is finding complete and current information. LoopNet users have reported that listings might not be frequently updated. Working with agents can help mitigate this information gap.

  
  

• A Unique Feature: In addition to searching for commercial properties, LoopNet also allows users to search for cash-flowing businesses for sale across the USA.

  
  
  
  

5. Apartments.com (Best App for Renters)

• Why We Love It: Apartments.com is ideal for families or individuals looking to rent. It boasts an extensive database with detailed listings that are frequently updated. Customizable search filters and numerous property reviews enhance the user experience.

  
  

• A Drawback: This platform is primarily designed for renters, not buyers. If you're in the market to purchase, we recommend using an app from higher on this list.

  
  

• A Unique Feature: Apartments.com offers a Moving Center filled with helpful resources for renters, including checklists, a moving cost calculator, and support for setting up utilities.

The Bottom Line

In a limited-supply market like 2025, using the most accurate and efficient apps and websites is essential for your house-hunting journey. Combining these tools with the local expertise of a real estate agent or broker will provide you with the best chances of finding your dream home.

While it may not have the flashiest features, access to your local MLS app is crucial for getting first access to new listings that meet your criteria. With the features offered by our recommended apps, you'll be well-equipped to discover your next home.