Guide to Build a Real Estate App Like Zillow
By Tracy Shelton
April 21, 2025
Table of Contents
Real estate app like Zillow are gaining traction globally because of their unparalleled quality and ease of use. Zillow is one of the most popular real estate apps, and many real estate agents and buyers love it. The rise of apps such as Zillow, which offers all the necessary features for buyers, sellers, and real estate agents in one place, has revolutionized the real estate business. If you’re an emerging real estate company seeking a strategy to expand your reach and provide superior customer service, creating an app similar to Zillow is one method to achieve this.
The creation of an app that is similar to Zillow is easy when you have the right tools and an in-depth understanding of the development of mobile apps. Be assured that you are not in the dark if you don’t understand coding or technical skills. With our guide, you only require a solid and easy-to-understand real estate mobile applications concept and are ready.
Zillow is an online real estate application that allows users to connect with agents and speak to experts to get the best price, whether purchasing, selling, financing, or renting a property.
The company was founded in 2006 as a technological real estate market. The app will help you determine what you want to know about a real estate purchase and aid users in finding the best solution to meet their requirements. If you’re interested in developing apps for real estate like Zillow, it is important to speak with a mobile application development firm.
If there’s a growing trend to build a real estate app similar to Zillow, and you’re keen on developing such an app, then you must know the benefits of investing in commercial real estate applications. Therefore, there are many reasons to consider when deciding on a commercial real estate app such as Zillow development.
One of the main reasons is the rising real estate market. Today, the market for property purchases, rentals, selling, and buying is growing daily.
The potential for high revenue is an incentive for investing in commercial real estate applications since you can use monetization options such as ads, listings, and premium features that can earn income.
The ease of use for users is a primary reason to use this app, as buyers and sellers can easily connect and complete transactions on properties online.
Another reason to invest in these applications is the advancement of technology, such as AI, AR/VR, and data analytics. These help improve users’ experience and decision-making.
Scalability is a further reason to choose this app and invest in its development. It can be expanded to new markets and include additional features and properties in the future.
A competitive advantage is an advantage to investing in these applications since a properly designed application with unique and innovative features could stand out in the CRM software for the real estate development business.
Also Read : Best Real Estate SaaS Ideas
Once you’ve figured out the steps required to build a real estate app like Zillow, let’s check out the most essential features of a real estate app that must be integrated into your application.
In this service format, you must deal with various individuals and their information, as well as reports and archives. Therefore, you must produce and reference the vast volume of daily information and then establish a process that will assist you in collecting details.
Thus, you’ll require a thorough database and a compatible system that can assist you in fulfilling your communication needs and trading.
Zillow gives access to its database through MLS (multiple listings service) systems and is part of the National Association of Realtors, commonly referred to as NAR. To make the database functional, Zillow also seeks help from various third-party suppliers, real estate companies, and property agents.
It is among the main characteristics of a real estate application. The more organized and responsive your search results are, the more efficient your overall user experience will be. This is also the case with leading applications in this area. If you’re attempting to gather details about how to develop a real estate app like Zillow, it is essential to research their search features in depth.
It is important to include crucial search parameters, such as location, type of property amenities, location, and price ranges, and break them down into various advanced options for searching. This lets users get to the most essential relevant information according to their needs.
To improve the quality and increase users’ involvement in the results, it can help if you present them using various visuals. Zillow replaces the full list of descriptions with simple and aesthetically pleasing images.
Different graphical interpretations of the app for Android and iOS platforms are easy to show. Using SDKs to display diagrams, charts, and graphs is simple.
In addition, it lets you add photos and maps of diverse properties, as well as road views and directions provided by Google. This feature is extremely engaging and beneficial to users. It is best maintained by reviewing the various Zillow listings across the different app stores.
It is essential to place it on well-constructed, detailed maps. This includes using markers to show the information about the neighborhood that permits you to filter the data according to the different criteria for searching. The information can be further displayed by using various clustered information in the event that too much information must be shown.
It demonstrates how you separate and rank the information and allows users to categorize these data into categories that can effortlessly make a huge change. The users can speak with an app development company to discuss where to put the map function to duplicate this feature within the Zillow application.
The feature for saving searches is akin to “save to cart.” It is often seen on all e-commerce websites, even those in a tiny corner. However, it does have more of an impact on serving and keeping customers.
These particular saved searches enable users to swiftly search for previous actions of the users using auto-suggestions and make them search from the last location they left.
The primary goal of the application is to swiftly find houses in different districts, contact dealers, and make arrangements with them. One of the most distinctive features of the application is an opportunity to avoid the presence of adrenergic people. Additionally, users need to be sure they are working with a qualified and authentic person to purchase or sell a property or home.
The mortgage market, which almost destroyed the economy, once again has the people’s attention. But they certainly aren’t common knowledge, and plenty are cashing in.
As you know, the mortgage calculation process is not the easiest thing to do. You need a specific helper who can assist you in managing all of the various operations efficiently, swiftly, and effectively.
Developers who develop any app would like to make it popular with users. They also desire profits from their app, as they have invested money in developing a mobile application. In order to make that happen, they need to invest in well-planned features.
Your application should include certain features. If you do not have these, your app will gain popularity with the public, and they might choose your application over others.
It’s the most important aspect of a real estate application and should be as easy as possible. There are three ways to accomplish this.
Developers can use these methods to permit users to sign up for their apps. However, combining the three methods is often the most effective option.
Users must be able to create profiles on the app to carry out any actions within the application. Users must also have distinct identities to ensure each has different identities. If you plan to create Android application development, you’ll need the feature of user profiles.
Property listings are an essential feature of the estate app. Users must have a list of homes with all the relevant information on the listings. This will create a great impression, and it helps users. Mobile app development for real estate can be the finest illustration of an inventory database.
to simplify the property search process for your customers. Developers must provide advanced search options to users. Additionally, it should be able to create categories and filters so that the users can easily find a property that meets their requirements.
To develop a viable real estate app, it is essential to know that your target audience is aware of your requirements. For any on-demand or online service, there are three types of customers: sellers, buyers, and realtors. So, investing in real estate app development offers multiple benefits.
Let’s look at the advantages for buyers based on their experience of the top real estate apps.
Buyers specialize in a specific region, place area, location of interest, price range of product, etc. They like sorting their choices with filters that eliminate millions and thousands of records. Think about your audience receiving relevant information in only a few taps. One of the best examples is Redfin, which refreshes the data every few minutes.
In the early days, buyers were required to go to any site they liked, and the process could last for months. Nowadays, with the aid of the most effective real estate app like Zillow, replica buyers can find properties with photos and other pertinent information within only a couple of minutes. With 360-degree virtual views and a seamless search process, it is possible to check out the top features of the application.
Imagine that your app contains hundreds of bits of information. The customer must read it to find the information he needs. Aren’t you bored? An interested buyer will be bored and delete the app right away.
A simplified process for filtering options that are easy to use will improve your search results and spare users from a plethora of details.
Experts are on hand to help and answer any questions asked by buyers. The ability to find an agent in the real estate app helps buyers seamlessly complete the purchase process. If you include a link in every property listing, the app will pop up under the direction of an experienced expert.
The paperwork process is the most crucial and difficult aspect of purchasing the property. With an app that provides buyers with a seamless and simple method of electronically signing documents, buyers will appreciate the app’s benefits.
Let’s see how attractive the functions of a real estate application that provides the following advantages are for sellers.
When listing homes in the application, verify each home’s cost at least twice. It shouldn’t be inexpensive or costly and should be able to attract buyers by providing the right details. In this scenario, it is important to integrate large amounts of data into the app, which will help sellers offer the perfect home at the right price. The data can be split using Zillow’s Zestimate feature, which displays the value of the property.
The Zillow application is utilized and viewed by millions of people every day. Every listing receives more than a thousand views per day. What is a better and more efficient way to grow the value of your property than by using a popular mobile application for real estate?
Sellers can post images and videos of the property, 3D tours of the home, and aerial views using drones that give buyers profitable views from all angles. Sellers who list their property through the app will be able to sell their home to buyers using an in-app mortgage calculator and tax calculator.
Access AI-powered features and tools with the app, which can gather customers’ preferences and requirements and messages via push to the customer to trigger greater sales.
To facilitate selling, the in-app guides regarding the process and documents are augmented with an electronic signature feature. Additionally, sellers can inquire via chatbots or directly contact the company.
Let’s look at the advantages realtors can get from agents if you develop an app similar to Zillow.
Zillow is the ideal software used by realtors, and it includes automation in its functions. Every broker or agent must keep track of their calendars against agents, reports, and calendars and sync client information daily. The apps can perform many other crucial tasks, such as keeping track of production metrics and creating and viewing rankings.
Based on AI-powered algorithms, mobile apps can be turned into a CRM system in which agents can record notes and share links, publish listings, and so on. AI assists in identifying an audience at the appropriate moment by sending relevant messages and will help establish a solid rapport and trust with agents.
The Zillow app provides premium services for agents who connect with first-time home buyers. If you’re thinking of launching an app similar to Zillow, you can try adding this feature to help agents earn additional revenue efficiently.
A custom real estate app helps you establish your brand and image through a wide range of advantages in one instrument. After examining the benefits, these applications focus on the user’s specific needs.
Starting a business or procedure isn’t straightforward. The risk is always uncertain, and they do not always have a solid plan. So, you must know the pitfalls to avoid when creating an app for real estate.
Follow the list below to understand the mistakes that could affect your plans to create an app to sell real estate.
Research is an essential element of creating a real estate app. Without it, you will not be aware of current market conditions and users’ real needs. A program that doesn’t meet the needs of current users will fail immediately.
The purpose of the application could cause you to lose your users. Repeated changes in the app’s functionality can lead to expensive costs. So, beware of mistakes in scope creep by making the purpose of creating a social media app easy.
It is essential to select the best technology for creating your application. There are a variety of technologies to choose from. However, choosing the right technology will make your app better than your competition. So, pick the right technology.
Quality checks and testing that are not appropriately done could impact your app’s performance. To ensure that your app has a safe position in the market, you should test it prior to its launch. This can assist you in reaching the correct audience by preventing bugs from being discovered at an earlier stage.
If you don’t pay attention to app maintenance, you’ll lose loyal customers. This issue highlights the importance of maintaining your app during its creation. Employ an app maintenance firm to assist with app updates and help.
Poor app design is a critical factor that could affect the user interface and users’ behavior when they choose an app with a longer-term goal. A simple navigation within the app could help users fulfill their needs by using the application. Therefore, designing a user interface is essential.
Also Read : Real Estate App Like Property Finder
From the beginning, let’s review the steps involved in real estate app development like Zillow.
We can learn as much as possible about the market research industry. This is a crucial step in building a cost-effective platform. You will be able to understand the expectations and requirements of sellers and buyers to determine if your application is efficient. Once you’re there, make sure you have the necessary tools and obligations.
You must choose your market segment and determine what they would like from the app. The real estate app usually focuses on the areas and features that will appeal to both clients as well as agents to appeal to. All of these aspects should be considered when designing your real estate website.
Now, let’s get detailed. As we mentioned earlier, the program will include millions of records on this site. It is advantageous to utilize external databases and incorporate APIs that connect to different databases to avoid running solely on the server dedicated to it. Maps and directories work great in conjunction with API technology.
The first subject addressed in the first phase, which entices users, is a robust and reliable application. The visual will determine whether the app can survive on the market. A few key design elements for real estate apps include a straightforward user interface (UX), basic navigation, plain backgrounds, a cross-page feature, swipe gestures, etc.
Once the MVP and wireframes are developed, the development stage is the next step. When the program is completed, you will be given the program so that you can examine it for bugs and mistakes. Design the program with security in mind. Use the data to understand the user’s needs, and if there are any suggestions, you can improve the design.
Because of the many tests required to ensure that the application works properly after it’s launched, Testing can delay development. To ensure that the app is error-free, unit and user interface testing, as well as integration tests, are essential.
After testing, the software must be released to the market. This is where the labor is unexplored. As technology develops, it is likely that the program will either run poorly or have bugs. According to the real estate market, the chance of adding more details is higher. Regular maintenance after launch is essential.
After it is completed and made available to the public? Profiting from the application? It helps with managing tasks and increases productivity.
With an idea of how the Zillow app operates, we can discuss the costs involved in developing a real estate app like Zillow. We’re sure you’ve been waiting for this section to give you some idea about the price of developing a real estate app.
The cost of developing a real estate app like Zillow can vary between $10,000 and $25,000. Additionally, you can estimate the price of developing an app that is similar to Zillow by using the formula below:
Using services from an established mobile app development firm can ensure that you create an app that is smooth in its performance and user experience. As your business owner, we are concerned about the development project, including the cost and feasibility, marketing, the idea’s validation, and investment. Thus, creating an MVP is a good idea for startups and will guarantee the success of a new app concept for an established company.
Therefore, working with a reputable service provider in the field and developers with a vast understanding of the development of real estate apps will guarantee you the right resources and post-development assistance.
Idea2App offers end-to-end real estate app development company. Through a thorough development process, we can ensure the creation of real estate applications such as Zillow that provide practical and valuable solutions for users.
Creating a real estate app like Zillow offers a unique chance to capitalize on the booming real estate market and provide customers with a user-friendly, seamless platform for buying, selling, or renting property. By incorporating the features mentioned above and keeping up-to-date with the latest trends, such as AR VR, AI, and the latest finance tools, your app will soon be on the way to creating an outstanding app that draws and keeps users.
If you’re eager to turn your real estate app ideas into reality, joining the right development firm can ensure you have the design expertise, technical know-how, and features required to succeed in the ever-changing real estate industry. If you’re a young company or a well-established real estate firm looking to expand, a white-label app for real estate is the best answer for your needs in 2025 or beyond.
To build a real estate app like Zillow, define your app’s capabilities. Include essential elements like map integration, property search, and user profiles. Think about partnering with a real property app development firm for experience in MVP development and custom software solutions.
If you invest in the development of real estate apps, You will reap many advantages:
Social media marketing is a successful method of promoting a real estate app like Zillow. Sharing listings and pertinent information on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can create excitement and interest for the app and thus drive traffic to its website.
Yes, AI can enhance the app by providing smart suggestions, automated pricing digital assistants, fraud detection, and more.
