Over the last decade, the market has exploded with real estate apps for investors. Real estate investing has been a popular option for earning great returns and generating cash flow. Real estate investing apps offer easy entry into a somewhat complicated investment path. Many of these apps come with few restrictions, low fees, and an education component to advise beginning investors on investing smartly.
Real estate apps cover the gamut of investment opportunities from single-family homes and rentals to commercial real estate, farmland, and fractional share investments. Below are our picks for the best real estate apps for investors.
What Is the Best Real Estate App?
The best real estate app depends on your specific needs as an investor. Someone interested in short-term rentals may not have the exact needs of a commercial property investor. Maybe you're just beginning your real estate investment journey and looking for educational content. Your needs will differ drastically from someone looking for a real estate app where they can invest directly in real estate properties.
Determine your needs first, and then find real estate apps that line up best.
Best Real Estate App Overall
1. Zillow: Best Overall
Zillow takes our top overall spot. Zillow is one of the biggest names in the real estate app market for a reason – it delivers.
The Zillow app provides some of the best information for investors and home buyers regarding home value estimates and historical property information. The app also allows you to buy, sell, or rent homes.
Pros
- Large database of homes
- Several calculators and other educational tools
- A host of search filters
- Real estate agent finder function
- Rental management tools
Cons
- Zillow is winding down its Zillow Offers program
- Home value estimates may not always reflect true market value of home
Best Real Estate Apps for Education and Researching Individual Properties
2. BiggerPockets: Best for Real Estate Investment Education
BiggerPockets refers to itself as the real estate investing social network. It's also a real estate app packed with many free resources for beginner and seasoned real estate investors. There are over 1 million members of the BiggerPockets community.
Pros
- Thousands of free real estate investing resources
- A robust online forum for asking questions
Cons
- Pro plans cost money
- Forums are open to anyone, not just experts
3. RedFin: Best for MLS Data
Redfin is a favorite of home buyers, sellers, and real estate agents. The app includes all of the MLS data you need to research properties. Also, listings are updated every five minutes with the latest data.
There's an option to save and share properties too. You can use the app to research properties or connect with a real estate agent.
Pros
- Near real-time updates on properties
- Extensive MLS data on listings
- Find-an-agent tool
Cons
- No rental properties
- Fees for listing and selling homes on Redfin
4. Realtor.com: Best for Finding a Realtor
Realtor.com is associated with the National Association of Realtors, so property information is updated quicker than most real estate apps. Not only can you buy or sell through Realtor.com, but there are also rental listings within the app. Unfortunately, there's no way to list your property directly through the app. You'll need to reach out to Realtor.com to get matched with a partner company or agent.
Pros
- Access to the latest MLS data
- Access to news, insights, and real estate guides
- You can list your home or rental property via Realtor.com
Cons
- No way to list your property directly through the app or without an agent
- Poor customer reviews
5. Xome: Best for Auction Listings
Xome is a real estate app featuring one of the most robust selections of real estate auction listings. Along with detailed MLS information, the Xome mobile app allows you to receive instant notifications of new listings, price drops, open houses, and status changes.
Pros
- Extensive database of auction properties
- Contract e-signing through the mobile app
- Push notifications
Cons
- Sellers can reject winning auction bids
- Xome doesn't pre-qualify buyers
6. Trulia: Best for Neighborhood Research
Trulia is one of the best real estate apps for individuals who want to get familiar with the neighborhood around a property. The app includes detailed information about millions of listed properties, local crime rates, school districts, shopping and dining options, local demographics, and more.
Pros
- Detailed neighborhood information
- Notifications for new homes on the market
Cons
- Hard-to-read maps
Best Real Estate Apps for Investment Opportunities
7. CrowdStreet: Best for Commercial Real Estate Funds
CrowdStreet is a real estate investing platform geared towards commercial properties. The app allows you to invest in individual properties or commercial real estate funds, giving you a chance to diversify your portfolio with multiple property investments. Don't forget to check out our CrowdStreet vs Fundrise comparison.
Pros
- The ability to invest in multiple properties at the same time
- Individual commercial properties
- Easy-to-navigate platform
Cons
- High minimum investments
- Must be an accredited investor
- Limited liquidity
8. Groundfloor: Best for Low Minimum Investments
Groundfloor is a crowdfunded real estate investing and lending platform. It features one of the lowest minimum investment requirements ($10) among real estate investment apps. Instead of investing in properties, you invest in high-yield real estate debt. Groundfloor is a great way for beginners to get acquainted with real estate investing through short-term investment opportunities.
Pros
- Low minimum investment
- Investments earn 10% interest on average
- No accredited investor requirement
Cons
- Limited investment education content available
9. Fundrise: Best for Beginner Investors
Fundrise offers low-cost real estate investment opportunities. The crowdfunded real estate app allows you to invest in eREITS and eFunds instead of individual properties. The Fundrise site offers some educational content, but it's the low $10 minimum investment for a starter account that should appeal to beginner investors.
Pros
- Low minimum investment
- No accredited investor requirement
Cons
- Charges an annual fee
- No individual property investment opportunities
10. PeerStreet: Best for Investing in Loans
PeerStreet is another real estate investment platform that allows you to invest in real estate debt. The app is limited to accredited investors at this time. You can fund your PeerStreet account with just $1,000 to start. PeerStreet uses proprietary technology to match investors with investment opportunities that fit their needs. The app also allows you to set up automatic investing if you prefer a more hands-off approach.
Pros
- $1,000 minimum funding requirement
- Detailed investment analysis
Cons
- Only for accredited investors
- Potentially high service fees
11. Roofstock: Best for Single-Family Properties
Roofstock is a real estate investment platform specializing in single-family properties. The platform also recently launched a short-term rental marketplace. Property listings include detailed information, including inspection reports, valuations, photos, 3D tours, local information, and more.
Pros
- Offer submission is free
- Tons of educational content to learn about investing in real estate
Cons
- Marketplace fee of 0.5% or $500, whichever is higher
12. Airdna: Best for Short-Term Rentals
Airdna is a must if you invest in short-term rental properties listed on Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway, and other vacation rental sites. The monthly subscription service gives investors access to seemingly endless market research and data to help them find suitable properties. The Market Minder tool also allows current rental owners to watch the local rental market to see trends and insights to help your business grow.
Pros
- Detailed information on rental markets
- Several subscription levels for varying needs
Cons
- No way to invest through the app
- Pricing is based on market size
13. Loopnet: Best for Direct Commercial Real Estate
Think of Loopnet as the MLS for commercial real estate. The real estate investment app specializes in commercial properties, including multifamily properties, industrial and warehouses, shopping malls, restaurants, and more. Listings include detailed information on properties to give investors a more complete picture of available investments.
You can find commercial properties for sale, lease, auction listings, and even businesses for sale. If you want another option for commercial real estate, check out our Streitwise review.
Pros
- Detailed property listings
- Several search filters
- Save and share your favorite listings
Cons
- Listing fees for sellers
- No extra investment tools or calculators
14. Avail: Best for Landlords of Long-Term Rentals
Avail is a property management software for landlords. The app provides the tools and resources to find, screen, and keep tenants. The app offers a free account option and an Unlimited Plus Plan for $5/unit per month for access to premium features like custom applications and leases, a custom properties website, and more.
Pros
- Free account option
- Rental property calculator and other helpful tools
- Tenant screening and background check tools
Cons
- It could get expensive for landlords with hundreds of units
15. AcreTrader: Best for Farmland
Acretrader is a popular crowdfunding real estate investment platform. Instead of single-family homes or commercial properties, AcreTrader allows you to invest in shares of farmland. This is the premier investment app for farmland, especially since Acretrader is run by a team of farmers and land specialists. For eligible investors, AcreTrader is a great way to add a unique asset class to your portfolio.
Pros
- Meticulous due diligence process
- Low investment minimums
Cons
- Only for accredited investors
- Annual management fees
Summary
Investing in real estate may seem like an overwhelming venture for those just starting out. However, real estate apps for investors can shorten the learning curve and provide a low-cost starting point for beginners. Experienced investors can also use real estate investment apps to further diversify their assets and explore new ventures at any time online or on a mobile device. Determine the type of real estate investment best suited for you and find a real estate investing app that fits your needs.
Want more? Check out The Best Real Estate Crowdfunding Sites for 2022.
References:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zillow-group-announces-signific...
https://magazine.northeast.aaa.com/daily/money/mortgages/the-pros-and-co...
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/real-estate-and-investment-scams
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/
https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/investing-basics/investm...
