With over 3,000,000 people living in Orange County, the competition for homes for sale in Orange County is high. This constant struggle for housing means that the old ways of looking for properties are out. Looking for signs in the yard or reading the local paper no longer gets you the house you are looking for, and house hunters have now turned to technology to aid in their search.
As your Orange County real estate expert, it’s our mission to match you with the perfect home. That’s why we scour the market every day, attend private tours, and maintain a wide professional network of local realtors. We understand that sometimes during the house hunting process it’s only natural for buyers to want to browse the market themselves. There’s no doubt that looking through the gorgeous Laguna Beach or Newport Beach oceanfront homes for sale is exciting. With all kinds of real estate apps available these days, it makes it easy for our house hunting clients to browse through the inventory and bring ideas to us. Although nothing replaces the knowledge, experience and personal customer service that you gain from working directly with a realtor, there are some benefits in utilizing these apps in conjunction with your agent.
Since you may be inclined to browse the market in your spare time, we’ve listed some of the key features of the most popular home-search apps. Have a look:
Zillow
Many people consider Zillow to be the best home searching app. Zillow provides what it calls a Zestimate, which allows you to see the estimated worth of the property you are interested in. (Read a comparison we did on a few online home value estimators.) Bear in mind that this is just an estimate, so it’s always smart to work with a realtor to come up with the most accurate home value based on the current market and your needs. Tools on this app also give you the opportunity to look up various statistics and even search properties based on certain specifications, such as property type, price, region, and features. You can create your own account on Zillow to keep track of your searches and the information you gather.
Redfin
This app is helpful because of its holistic nature. The app updates every 15 to 30 minutes to keep you on top of the game. You can also draw a box around the area you are searching, and only see homes within that perimeter. Search on Redfin for homes for sale in Orange County, and get a thorough list of short sale alters, foreclosures, and sale-by-owner properties. Discuss your favorites with friends, family or your realtor by using the sharing tools that the site provides.
Realtor.com
The National Association of Realtors designates this app as its official search engine. Additionally, the organization has various connections with Multiple Listing Systems, meaning the app updates faster and lists more properties. Connect to your Google Chromecast through this app and stream information to your television. Filter your search based on price, square footage, or even schools in the area.
Trulia
This app is a great choice for those actively seeking to buy an Orange County home. The tools that the app provides have the sole purpose of helping you find the perfect home to purchase. One tool, for example, allows you to filter for very specific features, such as type of flooring. You can also utilize the mortgage calculator as you become more serious about a property, as well as take a thorough look at the home through the various photos and immersive video tours.
LoopNet
This option is great for those looking for properties with multiple units. It provides a wider range of detail about these properties than many of the other apps. LoopNet offers data on traffic, financial details, street views, and geography of Orange County real estate. The app allows the opportunity to consider these commercial or multi-unit properties whether you live in the area or not.
HomeSnap
This app is especially useful for buying a home with your partner or getting input from family and friends. HomeSnap has special features specifically designed for sharing and messaging not only home listings but also home features and details. The app also has the capability of displaying details of a home from just a quick photo of the exterior. Take a picture and see the estimated home value, related schools and ratings, taxes, interior photos, and more.
While nothing compares to the personalized experience you get from working with a seasoned Orange County real estate agent, in certain situations utilizing these apps may be beneficial in helping you get ideas on the type of home, price range, and the area you want to target. Having an idea of what you are looking for, whether it be one of the gorgeous Laguna Beach ocean view homes for sale or a brand new Corona del Mar home, although not a requirement, often makes the job of the real estate agent easier in locating your dream home, as well. Whatever step you are at in your house hunting process, we are honored to help you get you where you want to be. Please don’t hesitate to contact us today so we can discuss your home buying plan and get you into the Orange County home of your dreams!
