How to create a real estate app: process and cost

The real estate industry involves the buying, selling, and renting of properties, residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The total value of the global real estate market has reached a whopping 337.8 trillion by 2024. The real estate industry is a significant contributor to the economy, as it involves building and maintenance, land development, and the creation of jobs in related fields such as finance, law, and construction. Overall, the real estate industry plays a vital role in the functioning of society by providing people with the spaces they live, work, and play.

Not surprisingly, this industry has not been spared the influence of digital technologies, and now every real estate company is rushing to know how to make a real estate app. Real estate mobile apps are a convenient way to make life easier for everyone — users can find properties and connect with real estate agents or brokers, and can be a valuable marketing tool for agents and brokers looking to promote their listings and reach a wider audience.

In this article:

Traditional real estate business

The real estate market on a global scale is becoming more and more visible and global. The growth of investments in the sector allows it to actively develop and attract even more investments. According to forecasts, the realty market is waiting for a great future, which cannot but inspire. In 2022, investment opportunities are greater than ever. New housing construction is one of the most popular areas for private financing. Thanks to this, more and more people have the opportunity to purchase a house or apartment at a reasonable price.

Traditional real estate investors and development stakeholders continue to have a strong interest in the market. However, they have adapted to modern means of obtaining information about different listings. Entrepreneurial and successful real estate agencies understand that the needs of their clients are adapting to modern technology. Despite all the changes, the fact remains that the realty market remains as profitable as ever. This means that there are great opportunities to enter the real estate mobile app development market.

Types of real estate mobile apps

Applications for renting and buying

Several types of mobile apps that cater to users looking to rent or buy properties. These apps typically allow users to search for properties based on various criteria, such as location, price, and a number of bedrooms.
Users can typically browse listings, view photos, and contact agents or brokers to schedule viewings. Rental and buying apps can be useful for people looking to find a new home or apartment, as they provide access to a wide range of listings and can help users find properties that meet their specific needs and preferences. Some rental and buying apps may offer a range of features, such as the ability to save and compare listings, receive alerts when new properties become available, and connect with agents or brokers to schedule viewings or get more information about specific properties.

Agent and broker apps

Agent and broker apps are applications that are designed for real estate agents and brokers and provide them with tools to manage their listings, communicate with clients, and schedule viewings. These apps may also include features such as lead management and analytics.
This type of app can be a useful resource for real estate professionals, as they provide access to a range of tools and features that can help them manage their business and connect with clients. Some agent and broker apps may offer a range of features, such as creating and managing listings, communicating with clients through in-app messaging, and scheduling and tracking viewings. These apps may also include analytics and reporting tools to help agents and brokers track their performance and identify areas for improvement.

Home design and renovation apps

Home design and renovation apps are real estate mobile applications that provide users with inspiration and ideas for home design and renovation projects and may include features such as 3D modeling, cost estimators, and the ability to connect with contractors and other professionals.
These apps can be a helpful resource for property owners or renters looking to update their living spaces, as they provide a range of design ideas and options, as well as tools to help plan and budget for projects. Some home design and renovation apps offer a range of features, such as the ability to browse thousands of design ideas and create custom floor plans, the ability to virtually "try on" different paint colors and finishes, and the ability to connect with contractors and other professionals to get quotes and schedule work.

Rental management apps

These applications are designed for landlords and property managers and provide tools to manage rental properties, including the ability to list and advertise properties, process applications and payments, and communicate with tenants. Rental management apps can be a useful resource for property owners, as they provide access to a range of tools and features to help them manage their properties and communicate with tenants more efficiently and effectively.

Some rental management apps may offer a range of features, such as creating and managing listings, processing applications, and payments, and communicating with tenants through in-app messaging. These apps may also include tools for tracking and managing maintenance requests, as well as analytics and reporting features to help landlords and property managers track their performance and identify areas for improvement.

Property investment apps

These mobile applications provide users with information and tools to help them invest in real estate. These apps may include features such as market analysis, property listings, and the ability to connect with agents or brokers. Real estate investment apps can be a helpful resource for people looking to invest in real estate, as they provide access to a range of information and resources that can help users make informed decisions.

Some property investment apps offer a range of features, such as the ability to browse investment properties listings, access market data and analysis, and connect with agents or brokers to get more information about specific properties. Other property investment apps may focus on a specific aspect of real estate investing, such as crowdfunding or peer-to-peer lending, and provide tools and resources to help users navigate these types of real estate investment opportunities.

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Benefits of a real estate mobile app

1. Convenience

A real estate app allows users to search for properties and access listings from their mobile devices, making it easier for them to browse and discover new properties on the go. This is especially useful for users who are constantly on the move or don't have access to a computer.

2. Increased exposure

It also can help increase your listings' visibility, giving users a quick and easy way to access them. This can lead to more inquiries and potentially more sales. For example, if a user is out and about and sees a property they are interested in, they can easily pull up the listing on their phone and contact the agent to schedule a viewing. Moreover, real estate apps often facilitate secure communication between buyers, sellers, and agents, ensuring a smooth transaction process.

3. Improved communication

Many real estate apps provide valuable market insights and trend analysis, helping users make informed decisions about buying or selling property. A realty app can help improve communication between agents and clients by providing an easy way to exchange messages and schedule viewings. This can make buying or selling a property more efficient and reduce the need for back-and-forth phone calls or emails. 

4. Enhanced user experience

Convenient real estate app design can provide a seamless and intuitive user experience, making it easier for users to find what they want and engage with your brand. For example, an application with a clean and user-friendly interface, advanced property search filters, and high-quality images can make it easier for users to browse listings and find properties that meet their needs. 

5. Competitive advantage

Having your own real estate app can give you a competitive advantage over other agents and brokers who don't have one, as it shows that you are tech-savvy and able to meet the needs of modern consumers. In today's digital age, many consumers expect to be able to access information and services on their mobile devices. Such an application can help you meet this expectation and stand out from the competition. Real estate application development continually evolves with emerging technologies, enhancing the property viewing experience and decision-making process for buyers and investors.

Real estate app technology stack

To build a real estate app, you will typically need to use a combination of technologies to provide various features and functionality. Here are some examples of technologies that may be included in a real estate app's technology stack:

• Programming languages: The application will be developed using a variety of programming languages, such as Java, Swift, or Kotlin.
• Front-end frameworks: The app's user interface may be built using a front-end framework such as React Native or Flutter.
• Databases: The platform may use a database to store and retrieve data, such as listings and user information. Examples of databases that may be used include MySQL, MongoDB, or Firebase.
• APIs: The app may use APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to retrieve data from other sources, such as real estate listing websites or mapping services.
• Cloud services: Your software may use cloud services such as AWS or Azure to host the app and its associated data and services.

Overall, the specific technologies used in a real estate app's technology stack will depend on your platform's specific requirements and goals.

How to build a real estate app?

1. Make deep market research 

Before starting the real estate app development process, research needs to be done to determine how users are served by the existing mobile software. Identify gaps between users & the app market and use the data to create mobile software solutions that meet those needs. You can also use the planning and research phase to find a SWOT analysis of competing applications to determine their strengths to implement a similar strategy. Preliminary analysis will be key to determining what type of mobile real estate app is best for you to build.

2. Create a real estate database

The next real estate application development step is to create a database that will help your users. If your mobile platform is built to attract tenants, you need a large and accurate database of rental property listings. These real estate app development features are useful for all categories of mobile software, be it building a mobile app for appraisal, buying, or renting. Instead of reinventing the wheel, applications can connect to existing databases, such as the MLSS system used by agents.

3. Creation of monetization functions 

The main reason for creating a mobile platform is to monetize its features. Users pay for these features and services of the realty mobile software. These real estate businesses include property listing and exclusive access to buyers and sellers through priority push notifications. Realtors also benefit from the monetization of mobile apps, which charge a commission in exchange for the latest listings and clients. Mobile app ad revenue can be generated from developers, agents, and other stakeholders who pay for ads on the software.

4. Features of the real estate application

The technology stack and features are important aspects of development. Users rely on certain features to find real estate websites that suit their needs.

5. Search and filter options

One of the preferred features is the ability to search, sort, and filter preferences based on different categories. Mobile app filters can be based on location, property size, amenities, and price.

6. Place, place, place

A real estate mobile app should integrate custom maps as a key part of software development. Mapping technology allows users to search and locate property by integrating with location-based applications such as Google. Location information in a real estate mobile application must be accurate and up-to-date in real-time. Real estate application development features must be fully functional and advanced so that every search returns timely results for users.

7. Seamless integration

Software development teams ensure that the realty mobile application includes features that can fully integrate with social media platforms such as Google, Facebook, and Instagram. These features make it easier to register a profile on the mobile app and facilitate cross-talk between users on the platform. It also allows users to view real estate images and post property details on various social media platforms with ease. Software development features should include compatibility with web, Android, and iOS devices.

Best real estate mobile app development company

In the real estate app development world, many options exist for people who want to build real estate apps. Each company has its own strengths, which they use to create applications to meet the needs of its clients. Geniusee is a development team that can develop real estate industry solutions and help your users be satisfied. A team can build a simple MVP software with basic features and provide more advanced features with the custom real estate app. With years of mobile platform development experience, Geniusee can easily create an app with specialized features for a wide range of users.

Main real estate app features

If it's alright with you, let's briefly touch on the key features of real estate app development, as we already have an entire article dedicated to this topic.

Take a look!

Key Features Of The Real Estate App 2023

Find out what the advantages of real estate mobile app development are, how such applications work, and how they can help you increase business efficiency

Read on

Onboarding. Engage new users swiftly to enhance app retention. Crafting an onboarding experience that captivates users is a pivotal challenge, setting your app apart from competitors.

Login and registration. Simplify login with email or phone number and consider options like Google, Apple, or Facebook sign-ins. Allowing initial access for unregistered users can boost app exploration.

Personal accounts. Provide profiles for realtors and clients to manage property details and viewing schedules. Personal data input assists algorithms in tailoring property recommendations.

Database and listings. Maintain a scalable database to accommodate growing property listings and user base. A robust database infrastructure is fundamental for a real estate app's functionality.

Property profiles. Detailed property descriptions and photos aid clients in assessing listings. Integration with government databases for verification adds a distinctive feature to your app.

Agents listing. Offer clients a curated list of realtors with relevant experience and operational areas. Providing concise realtor profiles enhances user decision-making.

Categories and filters. Simplify property search with advanced filtering options based on specific criteria. Streamlining the search process alleviates user frustration.

Maps and geolocation. Utilize maps to visualize property locations and nearby amenities. Incorporating geolocation features enhances user experience by providing relevant area statistics.

Favorites. Allow users to save preferred properties for easy access. Accessible within personal profiles, this feature aids users in managing their property shortlist.

Search. Enable users to find properties efficiently through a comprehensive search engine. Autocomplete functionality enhances user convenience during search queries.

Calendar and scheduling. Facilitate appointment scheduling between clients and agents within the app. Calendar reminders streamline communication and appointment management.

Property cost calculators. Integrate a universal mortgage calculator with offers from multiple banks for comprehensive financial planning. Empowering users to compare costs and assess affordability enhances decision-making.

Push notifications. Utilize both mobile push notifications and in-app notifications to keep users informed. Well-timed notifications enhance user engagement and retention.

Analytics. Gain insights into app performance and user behavior to drive improvements. Understanding real estate market trends and user interactions can inform strategic app enhancements.

Reviews and rating. Use customer feedback to evaluate realtors and enhance service quality continually. Reviews and ratings bolster app credibility and incentivize realtors to excel.

On-demand properties online presentation. Professional photos and 3D tours showcase properties effectively, reducing ineffective viewings. Property owners can showcase their listings within the app, saving time for both parties.

Virtual tours. Offer virtual tours for a comprehensive property viewing experience. 3D tours aid in decision-making, saving time for buyers, agents, and sellers by minimizing unnecessary visits.

How much does it cost to create a real estate mobile app?

However, it's important to note that these are just rough estimates, and the actual cost of your app will depend on your specific requirements and goals. To get a more accurate idea of the cost of your platform, you should request proposals from several real estate app developers and compare their estimates.

It's also worth considering that software development is just one aspect of the overall cost of a real estate app. You will also need to consider ongoing maintenance and support costs, as well as marketing and advertising expenses to promote the app to potential users.

Luckily, you can save a lot on real estate app development cost by outsourcing this process. For example, the development of the same mobile application in Ukraine will cost from $50,000 to $150,000. In the article Outsource Developer Rates in 2022. How to Choose a Software Outsourcing Country, you can learn more about the analysis of development prices in different outsourcing regions.

Conclusion

Hundreds of people are regularly looking for apartments, entering into rental agreements with realtors, buying new properties, or selling old ones. Growing demand and the accelerated pace of life leave people less and less time to solve such problems on their own.

Who will be more likely to turn to for help in these matters? To the one who can solve them not only qualitatively but also faster than others. A real estate mobile app will give your business a competitive edge.

We hope this article was useful to you, and if you have any questions — contact our team. 

Real estate mobile app development: FAQ

How do real estate mobile apps make money?

There are several ways that real estate apps can generate revenue:

• Paid advertisements. Real estate platforms can display third-party ads and earn money through a cost-per-click or cost-per-impression model.
• Subscription fees. Realty software can charge users a monthly or annual fee to access premium features or content.
• Leads. Real estate apps can generate leads for agents or brokers by allowing users to contact them directly through the application. The agent or broker can then earn a commission on any sales that result from these leads.
• Listing fees. Realty mobile platforms can charge agents or brokers a fee to list their properties at the top of search results.
• Partnerships. Real estate companies can partner with another third-party app to offer products or services to users and earn a commission on any sales that result from these partnerships.

Overall, the specific revenue model for a realty app will depend on the target market and the specific features and functionality.

How to hire real estate mobile application developers?

1. Define your project. Before you start looking for developers, it's important to have a clear understanding of your project's goals, budget, and timeline. This will help you determine the type of developers you need and the skills and experience they should have.
2. Research potential developers. Once you know what you're looking for, you can begin researching potential developers. You can start by searching online for developers with experience in real estate app development or by asking for recommendations from colleagues or industry professionals.
3. Review portfolios and case studies. As you research potential developers, review their portfolios and case studies to get a sense of their style and the types of projects they have worked on in the past. This will help you determine if they are a good fit for your project.
4. Request proposals. Once you have identified a few potential developers, request proposals from them outlining their approach to your project, their timeline and budget estimates, and any other relevant details.
5. Interview and review references. After you have received proposals from potential developers, schedule interviews to get to know them better and learn more about their experience and qualifications. You should also ask for references from previous clients and follow up with them to get their perspective on the developer's work.
6. Make a decision. After you have interviewed potential developers and reviewed their references, it's time to make a decision. Consider factors such as the developer's experience, the quality of their work, their communication skills, and their overall fit with your project.