Realtors have long been seen as the "connectors" between property buyers and sellers. However, in 2024, this role is increasingly being taken over by real estate websites like Zillow.
So, what does this shift mean for real estate companies, startups, and agents?
The demand for real estate apps is on the rise. People now prioritize quick and convenient ways to buy, sell, or rent properties, with about 95% of homebuyers beginning their search online. Offering a powerful real estate app with comprehensive features can lead to rapid success.
Yet, developing a product from scratch comes with its own set of challenges and potential hurdles because not every website can be a success like Zillow.
But, how did Zillow rise to such prominence? What are the essential steps to create a real estate website similar to Zillow? And how much would it cost to develop a two-sided real estate marketplace?
Well, in this blog, we’ll address all these questions and provide practical tips on building a real estate website without breaking the bank.
To successfully develop a real estate app, there are a few key rules that should guide the process. Let's break them down in a more detailed way so that each aspect becomes clear and easy to understand.
Whether we like it or not, competition is a big part of any industry. For a real estate app, the first thing you should do is get a clear picture of who your competitors are. What are their strengths? Where do they fall short? What value are they offering to users? Understanding this will help you differentiate your product from the start.
Using some of the online tools, you can find the top players in the global real estate app market. These apps typically have high user traffic, generate significant revenue, and have strong marketing strategies.
For example, Zillow, one of the giants in the real estate world, drew around 231 million unique users in Q2 2024 alone. Its appeal lies not just in real estate listings, but in its ability to attract everyone involved in the real estate process- from buyers and tenants to agents, property owners, and even mortgage agencies.
The common characteristics of market leaders include:
To get started, list your direct competitors based on the type of app you want to build. This will help you develop a strategy that stands out from the crowd.
You don’t need to replicate Zillow’s success to be a winner in the real estate app market. What really matters is whether you are meeting the most important needs of your users in the most convenient way.
In real estate apps, there are typically three main types of users:
Most users share common challenges, like lack of time and insufficient information. That's why they value:
The better you can address the specific needs of each user group, the higher your chances of building a successful app.
One of the biggest challenges in creating a real estate app is building a reliable property database. The data you provide needs to be accurate, up-to-date, and easy to access.
Here are some ways you can build your real estate database:
The database is the backbone of your app. Make sure you integrate reliable data sources and regularly update the listings.
Developing a real estate app requires an investment, so you need to figure out how to make money from it. While your app might be free for users to browse, there are various ways you can generate revenue:
Apps like Zillow and Redfin have perfected this art. For example, Zillow Rentals charges property management companies to list their rentals, while RedfinNow buys homes directly from sellers and resells them.
The key is to experiment and find the best combination of revenue streams that work for your app.
Your app's features are what will ultimately define the user experience. Start by focusing on the basic features that address the core needs of your users:
In addition to these basics, consider adding extra features like:
By prioritizing features that truly add value, you’ll create an app that people will want to use regularly.
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All in all, building a successful real estate app comes down to a few essential elements which are stated above. By keeping these rules in mind, you’ll be well on your way to developing a real estate app that stands out in the market. But what all features can make a site like Zillow more interesting? Let’s read ahead.
Building a real estate website like Zillow requires more than just flashy design. You need features that make life easier for buyers, sellers, and agents. Here's a rundown of must-have features that will keep users coming back to your site.
Imagine looking for a house and having to sift through hundreds of listings. Not fun, right? That’s why an advanced search feature is essential. Let people narrow down options by location, price, property type, number of bedrooms, and more, so they can find what they need without the hassle.
People love maps, especially when they’re house hunting. A map feature that shows property locations and nearby amenities like schools or parks gives users a bird’s-eye view of what they’re getting into. It’s a great way to help them visualize the neighborhood without driving all over town.
When someone clicks on a listing, they want more than just a couple of blurry pictures and a vague description. Give them high-quality photos, detailed property info (like square footage, year built, etc.), and virtual tours if possible. The more info, the better!
This is a must-have. Let users play around with numbers to see what their monthly mortgage payments could be. It helps them figure out if a property is within their budget without having to jump through hoops.
Who doesn’t read reviews before making a big decision? Let your users see reviews of properties or agents right on the site. This gives your platform more credibility and helps buyers feel confident about their choices.
Help users connect with the right real estate agents by showing agent profiles. Include things like contact details, experience, and client reviews. This makes it easier for buyers to reach out and get help from professionals.
Don’t make it hard for users to get in touch. Include easy contact forms on every property listing and agent profile, so users can ask questions or schedule a viewing in a snap. Adding a chatbot for instant replies can also help keep users engaged.
More people are browsing on their phones than ever before, so make sure your site looks and works great on mobile devices. A smooth mobile experience is key to keeping users around.
When people are torn between a few houses, a comparison tool can help. Let users compare properties side by side, so they can weigh things like price, square footage, and amenities to make a smarter decision.
People love being in the loop. Let them sign up for alerts, so they know when new properties hit the market, prices drop, or when there’s a status change on a property they’re interested in.
Help users understand the market better by offering insights like average prices, neighborhood trends, and future forecasts. A little bit of data can go a long way in helping buyers and sellers make smarter decisions.
To keep your listings up-to-date, integrate with the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). This ensures that users are always seeing the latest available properties and have access to the widest range of options.
Allow users to create accounts where they can save searches, bookmark properties, and set up personalized alerts. This keeps them engaged with your platform and coming back for more.
Make it easy for users to share listings or agent profiles on their social media accounts. This not only spreads the word about your site but also helps users share potential homes with friends or family for their opinions.
If your site deals with property rentals or management, a secure payment gateway is a must. Make sure people can safely pay deposits, rent, or other fees directly through your platform.
A blog with home-buying tips, market trends, and how-to guides for sellers can go a long way in building trust. Plus, it shows your audience that your site is more than just listings - it's a resource they can rely on.
Therefore, when building a real estate website like Zillow, it’s all about making the experience as easy and informative as possible. If you include these key features, you’ll not only attract users but also keep them coming back to your platform.
Zillow offers several promotional services to generate income:
All in all, a website like Zillow has become the go-to real estate platform in the U.S., connecting buyers, investors, agents, home builders, and rental professionals. Its unique tools and features make it easy for homebuyers to find the perfect property and for real estate agents to grow their businesses.
Building a real estate website like Zillow can be a game-changer for your business, but the costs vary significantly depending on the complexity and features you want to include. Zillow is a well-established platform with advanced search functionalities, map integration, property listings, and various user-friendly features. Creating a similar platform requires a substantial investment in terms of both time and money.
Here’s a detailed look at the costs involved, followed by a comparison chart for different types of real estate apps (simple, complex, and advanced)
Several factors contribute to the overall cost of building a real estate website. These include-
The more advanced the features, the higher the cost. Basic websites with simple property listings will cost less than websites with virtual tours, advanced search filters, or AI-powered recommendations.
Custom UI/UX design adds significantly to the cost. Simple designs with pre-built templates will cost less than a fully custom-designed website that aligns with your brand identity.
Whether you hire freelancers, a small agency, or a well-established development company will also impact the overall cost. Costs will differ depending on the region and expertise of the developers.
The tools and platforms used to build the website (like programming languages, frameworks, and third-party integrations) can influence development costs.
Features like MLS integration, third-party APIs, and secure payment gateways add to the complexity and cost of the website.
Ongoing costs for hosting, maintaining, and updating the website should be factored into your budget.
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You’ll need to invest in SEO to ensure your site ranks well on search engines, as well as marketing efforts to attract users. This could add anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000+ annually to your budget.
If you plan to create a mobile app alongside your website, this will increase your costs by $20,000 - $100,000+ depending on the features and platform (iOS, Android, or both).
Real estate websites often deal with sensitive financial data, so investing in security features like SSL certificates, encryption, and regular audits is crucial. This can cost around $2,000 - $10,000 annually.
All in all, building a real estate website like Zillow requires a significant investment, especially if you want advanced features. The exact cost will depend on the scope of your project, the technology stack, and the team you hire. Thus, by planning your budget wisely and prioritizing features that will add value to your users, you can create a powerful real estate platform that stands out in the competitive market.
We being a real estate website and app development company not only specialise in building functional websites and apps but also user-friendly and engaging. So, whether you're aiming to create a platform like Zillow or something tailored to your brand, we’ve got you covered. Our team handles everything from sleek, intuitive designs to advanced features like property searches, interactive maps, and virtual tours.
What sets us apart is our dedication to customizing solutions that meet your specific needs. Whether it's integrating MLS databases, optimizing your platform for mobile, or ensuring top-notch security, we make sure your site is equipped to grow alongside your business. In short, we bring the technical expertise and creativity needed to help you stand out and succeed in the competitive real estate market. So, get in touch with our experts right away!
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