Real Estate Apps To Consider When Buying A New Home in 2016

In 2016 many buyers are using apps to shop for homes and then contacting an agent to complete the transactions. It costs buyers nothing to use a buyer’s agent and it would be crazy not to.

When shopping for a new home, it’s a good idea to use all of the benefits that modern technology has provided. With just a few quick taps on your cell phone, you can fill your pocket with tools and advantages that weren’t possible to home buyers even just 5 years ago. Listed below are 4 categories of apps that you should consider using, and some examples of the best apps available in those groups.

Listing Apps

Every one of the apps in this group will help you search the local MLS (multiple listing service) to find homes for sale. Potential buyers can search by city, state, or zip code to see up-to-date listings. They all allow you to filter by price, number of rooms (including bedrooms and bathrooms), property type (house, apartment, townhouse, etc.), square footage, lot size, special features, age of home, and listing activity , such as open houses, new listings, and price reductions.

Mortgage Calculators

Almost all homebuyers will need a mortgage to purchase your new home. These apps will help you figure out how much  you can afford to borrow, calculate your monthly mortgage payment, and compare for real-time interest rates. Side-by-side customized loan quotes from a number of lenders, lender ratings comparisons, and lender reviews help you make sure you choose the lender that’s right for you. You can even contact a lender directly from your mobile phone to find out more about a specific quote. Refinancing calculators are also included, so you can see how much you’ll save monthly and in total if you refinance.

Neighborhood Info

If you’re looking for a data-rich neighborhood guide, check out these apps. You can find information on local schools, businesses, and even demographics. Find out how close you are to local shops and restaurants, and how easy it is to walk to everything you might need on a regular basis. It can be a pleasant surprise to find out how many places are just down the street that you didn’t even know where there.

Make It Your Dream Home

Part of the fun of shopping for a new home is imagining how all of your things will look in the new rooms, and how you would decorate once you move in. Below are several apps that will help you both design and implement your dream décor. Place virtual furniture in your digitally recreated home, and compare different layouts and arrangements without all of the heavy lifting. And make sure all the shelves are hung the right way with a digital pocket level.