The 9 Best House Buying Apps for 2026
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Steph Mickelson, Contributing AuthorClose
Steph Mickelson Contributing AuthorSteph Mickelson is a freelance writer based in Northwest Wisconsin who specializes in real estate, building materials, and design. She has a Master's degree in Secondary Education and uses her teaching experience to educate and guide readers. When she's not writing, she can be found juggling kids and coffee.
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Sam Dadofalza, Associate EditorClose
Sam Dadofalza Associate EditorSam Dadofalza is an associate editor at HomeLight, where she crafts insightful stories to guide homebuyers and sellers through the intricacies of real estate transactions. She has previously contributed to digital marketing firms and online business publications, honing her skills in creating engaging and informative content.
House hunting has evolved far beyond simply finding a place to live — many now treat it like a favorite pastime, endlessly scrolling through house‑buying apps for inspiration.
If you put your search on hold during the past couple of years, there’s reason to jump back in: mortgage rates have eased into the low 6% range, making homes more attainable for buyers. With these improved rates and stable economic indicators, modest growth in home prices is expected through 2026, giving app‑addicted house hunters new opportunities to find their ideal home while making a smart investment.
Skip the app — work with a realtor
Think a home search app is enough? Think again, if you’re serious about finding the perfect property. A real estate agent brings insider knowledge, expert negotiation skills, and personalized advice that an app just can’t match. Reach out today, and we’ll help you get connected to a top-performing realtor in your area.
Ready to take your app-fueled house hunting from aspirational to transactional? We tested dozens of house buying apps to find the most user-friendly and accurate online portals for discovering your next home. Read on to learn more about our top house buying apps for 2026.
Best for browsing: Zillow
Zillowing has become the new Googling. And it’s quickly becoming a legit hobby as well as a way to take on serious house hunting. It can also be used for self-care, as a love language, or as motivation to do your taxes or study harder. The platform is the most downloaded real estate app and offers a vast database of listings, detailed property information, and a user-friendly interface.
- Millions of listings: Zillow boasts one of the largest databases of real estate listings in the United States, reaching over 160 million. Users can browse a wide range of properties, from single-family homes to townhomes and condos. The listings are regularly updated to reflect current market conditions.
- Up-to-date information: Most changes or updates show up within 24 hours, so you’re getting up-to-date information, and it gives you an excuse to check the app every day. You’ll find comprehensive details for each listing, including property descriptions, high-resolution photos, floor plans (when available), and useful information on nearby schools and amenities.
- Sharing tools: On this app, you can easily share your favorite home with friends, family, and even your overly involved mother-in-law. Comparing notes on homes and features can help streamline the buying process.
- Agent finder: Want to connect with a real estate agent in your area who knows the market well? Zillow has an in-app directory service where you can browse an agent’s reviews, areas of expertise, years of experience, current listings, and more.
- Inaccurate home values: Zillow’s estimate of a home’s market value, the Zestimate, isn’t always accurate. Because it pulls from public, multiple listing service (MLS), and user-submitted data, it hinges on the amount of data available. Where there is less available data, the numbers may be off.
- App advertisements: While Zillow offers a free version of its app, it does come with advertisements, which can be somewhat distracting as you’re scrolling through properties. The only way to remove ads is to subscribe to Zillow Premier Agent, but that app is designed for agents and brokerages.
Includes rentals: Yes
Available at the App Store and Google Play
Best for auction junkies: Xome
Whether you’re an investor seeking opportunities or a homebuyer in search of a fixer-upper, the Xome app gives you access to a wide range of real estate auction listings. The app will walk you through every step of the process, from searching for the perfect place to navigating titles and closing.
- Auction variety: Xome advertises many different types of property auctions, including foreclosure auctions, live auctions, and online auctions. This variety allows users to explore various property types and investment opportunities.
- Current information: Xome’s large database of auction properties is refreshed every 15 minutes, so you’ll always be in the know. The app provides comprehensive property information, including property descriptions, photos, property condition reports, virtual tours (when available), and important details about the auction process.
- Bidding options: Xome allows users to place bids on properties directly through the app, making the auction process convenient and accessible.
- Useful filters: The app’s overlays let you discover points of interest like neighborhoods, restaurants, shopping, schools, and more. You can also view the Xome Value for any home in the United States.
- Geographical limitations: Xome’s availability and the number of auction listings may vary by location. Users in certain regions may have access to a more extensive database of properties and auctions compared to others.
- Additional costs: Some Xome auctions may have a buyer’s premium, which is an additional fee on top of the winning bid. Buyers need to be aware of these potential costs and factor them into their budget when participating in auctions.
- Property condition: Properties sold at auctions come in various conditions, and some may require extensive repairs or renovations. To avoid unexpected costs, buyers should do thorough research to assess the condition of the property before bidding. If touring the property ahead of bidding is forbidden, driving past the home and exploring the neighborhood could help you make a better-informed decision.
Includes rentals: Yes
Available at the App Store and Google Play
Best for neighborhood insight: Trulia
There’s nothing worse than finding the perfect home only to discover that you hate the neighborhood. With Trulia, you can virtually explore the community and see what it’s really like before you even set foot there. The house buying app lets you find a home you love that’s in the perfect neighborhood.
- Neighborhood highlights: Trulia boasts 34 neighborhood map overlays, offering robust property and neighborhood searches, including information about crime statistics, school ratings, nearby amenities, and even commute times to the office or your child’s daycare. The ‘What Locals Say’ feature will give you insider information like whether it’s walkable to restaurants or safe to leave packages outside.
- Real-time alerts: Customized email and push notifications allow you to stay updated on your ideal homes and neighborhoods. This app is great for those who actively search for their homes and want to dig into prospective neighborhoods.
- No direct scheduling with agents: Unlike some newer real estate platforms, Trulia doesn’t offer a built-in feature to instantly schedule showings or connect with an agent in real time. You’ll often need to wait for an agent to respond after submitting an inquiry, which can slow down the process. This could be frustrating, especially in competitive markets where homes move fast.
- Incomplete listing information: Trulia’s database of property listings is not as large or up-to-date as other apps. Listings may lack certain details or be buried in drop-down menus, so it’s a good idea to cross-reference the information with other sources or consult your real estate agent.
- Mixed reviews: While Trulia boasts a 4.8-star rating on the App Store and a 4.7-star rating on Google Play, we found some common complaints in the reviews. The app regularly asks you to verify that you’re human, which some users found annoying, and others were frustrated that the search filters were clunky and inaccurate.
Includes rentals: Yes
Available at the App Store and Google Play
Best for reliability: Realtor.com
The Realtor.com house buying app is the official search portal for the National Association of Realtors (NAR). As a result, this easy-to-use app boasts more homes for sale nationwide than any other house buying app.
- Strong agent network: Because Realtor.com is affiliated with the National Association of Realtors (NAR), it connects users with licensed, vetted professionals. Each agent’s profile also includes helpful details such as specialties, languages spoken, volume of recent sales, areas served, active listings, and client ratings and reviews. This gives buyers and sellers added confidence that they’re choosing an experienced agent who fits their specific needs and communication preferences.
- Countless features: With the Realtor.com app, you can contact the listing agent, view open house times, request a private showing, and get directions to the property, all with one tap. The My Home tab is particularly useful and allows you to claim your home to view multiple home value estimates, keep tabs on your equity, and review local market trends. There’s even an in-app news feed for those who want to read about the latest mortgage rates or take a peek inside celebrity homes.
- Real view: From the map view, click on the box icon to unlock Real View, which lets you toggle filters for noise, flood or wildfire risk, points of interest, satellite view, and 3D view. This can help you identify whether the home you’re eyeing is in an area with significant wildfire risk, which may require special insurance coverage.
- Agent difficulties: The “Contact Agent” feature connects the user to local agents who pay for leads rather than the actual listing agent. If you’re applying filters to find an agent, you may have trouble if they didn’t use the keywords that pertain to your search.
- Limited neighborhood details: While the Realtor.com app provides extensive property details, it doesn’t offer as much community information compared to some other real estate apps. On a listing page, you’ll find basic information about the property and nearby amenities, but not much else. Users may want to complement their research with other resources or apps that specialize in neighborhood insights.
Includes rentals: Yes
Available at the App Store and Google Play
Best for cost savings: Redfin
Redfin leverages modern technology to keep its costs low. The company then offers lower agent commission rates than a standard real estate agency, making it a great choice when you want to make the most of your money. They pull their listings from local MLS, but Redfin agents’ listings come up first in relevant searches.
- Tour scheduling: The app lets you instantly schedule in-person or video chat home tours with local Redfin Agents. You can choose your preferred date and time, and select time slots that have guaranteed agent availability. It also shows you how popular a home is based on its page views, letting you know if you need to schedule that tour ASAP or if it can wait until next week.
- Big savings: When you buy with a Redfin Agent, you’ll get part of their commission. On average, you get $7,000 applied to your closing costs. If your refund exceeds your closing costs, you’ll receive a check for the difference. That means more money in your pocket for new light fixtures or cans of paint.
- Fresh listings: Expect new listing updates every five minutes on the platform. In addition to homes listed on local MLSs, Redfin displays foreclosed properties, For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) properties, and records of past sales. The Redfin Estimate (the market value of a particular home) is updated every day for homes that are on the market and once weekly for those that are not.
- Minimal neighborhood details: This app provides less information about neighborhoods than others. You’ll only find GreatSchools summary ratings, a Walk Score and Bike Score, and climate risk factors like flood, fire, heat, and wind.
- Limited to certain markets: Redfin doesn’t have agents in every U.S. market (although they’re active in more than 80), so while you can use the app, you might not be able to hire a local Redfin agent with a lower commission if you live in a less densely populated or rural area.
Includes rentals: Yes
Available at the App Store and Google Play
Best for agent and client collaboration: Zenlist
While homebuyers will need an invitation from a subscribing real estate agent to gain access to Zenlist, the app is designed to streamline communication and open up access to MLS inventory, including private listings, which is a huge advantage in a competitive market.
- Private listings: When competition is high, private home listings, sometimes referred to as off-market listings or pocket listings, can give buyers a leg up by granting them access to exclusive opportunities not available to the general public. Some MLS have their own private listing networks, separate databases that let agents view non-public listings before they’re ready to hit the market, as well as listings that will never be made public due to privacy concerns. With Zenlist, agents can grant their clients access to the private market database, which they can browse at their convenience.
- In-app messaging: Important information can get lost in the shuffle when you’re switching between emails, text messages, and phone calls. Zenlist’s in-app messaging platform allows clients to chat with their agents, or agents to chat with other agents. Clients can share notes on a property with their real estate agents (and vice versa), and agents can monitor their clients’ in-app activity, like how many properties they viewed and which ones they added to folders like ‘Tour Requests.’
- Organized home search: The home buying process can be hectic, but Zenlist takes some of the hassle out of it by keeping a record of the homes you’ve already toured and sending you reminders about upcoming showings.
- Limited availability: Zenlist currently operates in only about 20 MLSs, including New York, Chicago, DC, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Tampa, Dallas, and the Bay Area.
- Learning curve: While Zenlist aims for user-friendliness, some users find the app’s features and interface difficult to use at first. Reviewers have previously complained of bugs, faulty filters, and lag in the messaging platform.
Includes rentals: Yes
Available at the App Store and Google Play
Best for versatility: Homes.com
This house buying app offers a simply smarter home search with useful homebuying tools, interactive maps, and detailed neighborhood information. Because of its partnerships with MLS boards and local data providers, you can find homes on this app that aren’t listed elsewhere.
- Browse foreclosures: You can search thousands of foreclosed homes and lots for sale with the Homes.com house buying app. These include bank-owned real estate listings, real estate owned (REO), properties acquired by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and more.
- Agent directory: The agents tab allows you to find an experienced agent in your area, displaying facts like their total sales and home price range. There’s also in-app messaging where you can connect with your agent or a co-shopper.
- Integrated Home Values tool: On listings, you’ll find a section about home values. You can request for a detailed home valuation report and explore property values across your neighborhood. The tool lets you view price trends over time and even compare values per square foot to understand how your home stacks up. This data-rich tool helps you make informed decisions based on real market patterns, not just rough estimates.
- Agent dissatisfaction: Many real estate professionals were disappointed when Homes.com replaced the HomeSnap app, which had been highly valued for features like showing scheduling, private agent notes, and easy access to listing documents. The transition left agents feeling that key tools they relied on were lost or limited.
- Potential for fake listings: Users have pointed out that there’s no way to report fake listings, which can lead to home-buying or rental scams. Others have complained that there’s no way to filter for rentals that allow pets or specific keywords.
Includes rentals: Yes
Available at the App Store and Google Play
Best for creative search: Torii
Torii lets you search in the usual way by typing in a town, ZIP code, and price range. But you can also get creative with the Tinder of real estate apps and search by swiping left to get rid of a property or right to save it. It’s like finding your perfect match, but in house form.
- Home buying tools: This app offers creative tools to help you find exactly what you need. You can hunt for fixer-uppers with Fixer Finder, or use Comps Chomper to find accurate comps when negotiating the sale price.
- Help with closing costs: Torii will give you back up to 10% of the commission they receive to help pay your closing costs. If you opt to buy a home with one of their agents, this could potentially save you thousands of dollars, 2% to 5% of the total loan amount on average.
- Dating app-like functionality: If you enjoy real estate listings that look like dating app profiles, you’ll love scrolling through Torii. You can tap the information icon to read more about the property, the heart icon to save it, or the trash icon to remove it from your feed.
- Limited reach: Torii supports all of Massachusetts, and you can search for homes in select areas of New Hampshire and California. To use the ‘Swiper’ feature, it’s best to enter a bigger city in one of the supported regions like Boston, Massachusetts, or Manchester, New Hampshire. Inventory is limited as well, so users may need to supplement their search with additional apps.
- Massachusetts-only services: If you’re looking for the full package — complete with an agent, attorney, appraisal, lender, and more — Torii will only be of use to you if you’re buying in the Bay State. The company seems to be focused more on its homebuying services than on its home search functionality, and as a result, the app has struggled to keep up with the competition.
Includes rentals: No
Available at App Store and Google Play
Best for commercial real estate: LoopNet
Most of the apps on this list deal with residential properties, but LoopNet is the go-to resource for commercial real estate. It’s a great tool for individuals and businesses seeking to buy, lease, or sell commercial properties, from office spaces and industrial warehouses to retail storefronts and investment properties.
- Diverse commercial listings: LoopNet has one of the largest databases of commercial properties, offering a diverse range of listings. Explore office spaces, retail properties, hotels, industrial facilities, multi-unit investment properties, even medical centers. Users can browse properties that are for sale, for lease, or hitting the auction block.
- Advanced search: If you’re in the market for commercial real estate, use LoopNet’s advanced search features to refine your search by price, building type, lot size, building features and amenities, single or multiple tenancy, and cap rates. These filters make it easy for users to pinpoint properties that align with their investment or business goals.
- Subscription model: It’s free for users to browse listings on LoopNet, but commercial property owners must pay to list and advertise their properties. Some find it worthwhile, however, because it attracts subscribing brokers with their own investors. The cheapest marketing package starts at $130 a month and goes up to $1,099 monthly.
- Outdated listings: Since many commercial properties stay on the market for long periods, and sellers don’t regularly update listings, renters and buyers are often frustrated at the outdated information posted.
Includes rentals: Yes
Available at the App Store and Google Play
>>Learn more: While house-buying apps inspire your dream home, you might be closer to owning it than you think. Use our Home Affordability Calculator to see exactly what fits your budget.
Homes in your pocket: Property search made easy
With all of these modern apps, the house-hunting process has never been easier or more fun. Whether you’re searching for your next home, your dream sanctuary, or just casually browsing, there’s an app designed with your needs in mind. These apps offer intuitive features, customizable filters, and real-time updates to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Your perfect property is just a tap away.
But if you’re serious about buying a home, connecting with a trusted real estate agent can give you insider knowledge, expert guidance, and a smoother path to closing. Reach out today to get introduced to the top real estate agents in your area.
Header Image Source: (Rohit Tandon / Unsplash)
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