Just because we live on our smartphones doesn’t mean we have to neglect our real homes. In fact, some of our favorite apps are designed with homeowners in mind. So, whether you are looking to buy a new property, explore the rental market, or make some home improvements, we’ve compiled a list of apps to make your home life that little bit better.
Real Estate Apps
Finding a new home can be one of the most stressful things you ever do in life. Thankfully, there are a number of real estate apps that can help you take the stress out of finding the perfect place. Whether you are taking your first steps on the property ladder, looking for a bigger family home, downsizing after the kids have left home, or on the hunt for a new apartment to rent to suit your current lifestyle, your smartphone is the first place you should look.
Zillow
The Zillow Real Estate App has everything you need to find a home on the move. Users can use the app to browse Zillow’s living database of more than 110 million US homes, including homes for sale, homes for rent and upwards of one million+ listings not currently available on multiple listing services (MLS) provided by real estate brokers. The app enables users to search for properties using a number of criteria including geographic location and desirable local amenities such as top-rated schools, restaurants, grocery stores, parks, and coffee shops.
The Zillow app also alerts users to new listings the moment they hit the market and grants free, exclusive access to foreclosure listings in your local area, including pre-foreclosures, foreclosure auctions, and bank-owned properties.
Zillow users can also access mortgage calculators, real-time mortgage rates and customized loan quotes, as well as connect with local lenders and real estate experts to help you make the move.
Apartment List
Not quite ready to buy? The Apartment List app could help you find your next rental property.
With an active database of more than four million properties ranging from studios to luxury apartments, Apartment List delivers personalized matches based on a wide variety of homes, prices, and amenities, as well as other factors such as a manageable commute to and from work, or a home that welcomes cats and dogs. The app then enables users to easily compare favorites, and contact apartment landlords directly.
Home Improvements
Sometimes your dream home might already be the place you live. If your home has potential that you want to release to increase its value or just make it perfect for you to enjoy, your smartphone is the perfect place to start a new project.
Thumbtack
Thumbtack was launched in 2008 with the aim of solving the problem: Why is it still so hard to hire a plumber or any other local professional? Fast forward to today and the Thumbtack app connects millions of users with local professionals across a diverse range of specialties.
Whether you are looking for a house cleaner, a painter and decorator, a plumber, a plasterer, or a gardener, Thumbtack will have a local, qualified contractor ready to take on your project.
But Thumbtack’s service doesn’t end with home improvements. If you are looking for a wedding planner, a DJ, a personal trainer, or pretty much anything else you can think about – there will be a local professional listed on the app.
Houzz
The Houzz app goes beyond connecting homeowners with home improvement professionals – by offering project inspiration in the form of photos, articles, decorating tips and DIY tutorials. The Houzz app is also home to a thriving community where users can turn their ideas into reality by seeking expert advice from other homeowners and professionals.
Finally, the app enables users to shop for a wide range home and garden products – everything from picture frames to dining tables — which, we believe, makes the Houzz app a one-stop shop for all things home design.
Community
Of course, the community you live in is just as important as the house in which you reside. Thankfully, there are apps that can bring everyone in the local community together.
NextDoor
NextDoor is a private social network where neighbors can work together to build stronger, safer, happier communities.
It’s like a cross between Facebook and Craigslist – but where you actually know everyone and have the opportunity to engage with them in the real world on a daily basis.
So, if you want to borrow a ladder, track down a trustworthy babysitter, or ask for help looking for a lost dog, the NextDoor app will find the help you need within your local community.
Retail Therapy
Sometimes, the only thing a house needs to make it a home is a little retail therapy and as we love to shop from our smartphones, you can bet we have our favorite retail apps.
Lowe’s
Home improvement retailer Lowe’s have a number of apps available to their customers.
As you would expect from the second largest hardware chain in the US, Lowe’s primarily offers a retail app where you can purchase a complete range of products for your home and garden. Then there is the Iris smart home app which enables users to control their home’s security systems, monitor motion detector powered cameras, turn lights on and off, and lock and unlock doors; as well as control their home’s thermostat to keep their home cozy and warm.
Lowe’s is even entering the world of media streaming with the Lowe’s TV app available on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Roku.
IKEA
Who doesn’t love IKEA? Because a trip to everyone’s favorite Scandinavian homeware store is, viewed by many people as a great day out, the IKEA app enables users to plan their next visit. Not only can users browse Ikea’s complete product range and create shopping lists, but they can also check local store locations and opening times, and when in-store be guided to items specific locations.
Scannable barcodes and QR codes located in the store, also deliver detailed product information and add products to your list.
In fact, the only thing missing from the IKEA app is the recipe for their delicious meatballs.
Home Depot
Home Depot offers another app that seeks to improve your in-app and in-store shopping experience. As well as offering the standard buy now, click and collect, and ship to store options offered by many large retailers today, the Home Depot app also offers in-store assistance, helping users find specific items by GPS.
The app also features voice and image search – incredibly helpful when you have dirty hands or just don’t know what a specific item is called. Meanwhile, a barcode scanner will deliver product reviews and help you find similar products.
And for those last minute house warming gifts – why not use the app to send an eGift card directly to a friend’s email inbox.
Overstock
Everyone loves a bargain, especially when an expensive house move is on the cards. The Overstock app is the place to go for great deals on high-quality furniture and home décor products.
As well as the standard service you would expect from any large online retailer such as free shipping, online customer support, etc., the Overstock app has some interesting functionality. This includes augmented reality (AR) technology to visualize how furniture looks in your home and taking the risk out of any online purchase.
App users also have the benefit of app-exclusive coupons and alerts – meaning they never miss a bargain.
Is Your Favorite App a Household Name?
Do you have a favorite real estate or home improvement app? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
Or to learn more about how Digital Turbine can help your app become a household name, contact our app deliverability experts today.
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