Once you’ve chosen your features, it’s time to build your future app. But don’t forget the pitfalls that may appear along the way which are described by our custom software development company below.
Multiple Listing Service DatabasesÂ
Under US law, all public data about real estate must follow certain rules. The National Connotation of Realtors licenses them. This data is stored in multiple list services. MLS is a system where realtors enter information about a property and have it professionally appraised to determine its true value.
Multiple listing service databases do not have a public API, and this information is inaccessible to the general public or anyone looking to sell their home. Only brokers and listing agents have access. Nevertheless, thanks to a system known as IDX or Internet Data Exchange, NAR allows agents to display incomplete data about real estate properties on their websites.
MLS database IDX allows you to display the data such as value, possessions characteristics, and property type. The disadvantage is the fact that the system is virtually non-customizable.
For example
It is nearly impossible if you design your real estate collection to match your website. As you can see, to be good in the real estate marketplace, you need to consider where you get real data about your offers.
Advanced Property Search and FilterÂ
Making a new real estate app takes place in a highly competitive setting, so we highly recommend making it as convenient and useful as possible for your users. If you’ve already completed the first steps of the guide and decided which MLS to use, the list of properties in your database is huge. So that the user does not get lost in such a variety of houses, the application should contain a comfortable and detailed search for real estate substances.
Detailed apartment featuresÂ
Detailed information about properties is less important for user convenience. As noted above, certain publicly available information is uploaded by MLS. But apart from this information, users are also interested in additional details. To do this, you can allow real estate agents to edit information about properties. Also, note that List of Homes is not the only database used by road leaders in the real estate market. For example, Trulia provides information about neighborhood crime levels.
Communicating MapÂ
Objects on the map are noticeable with icons. Upon clicking, visitors receive detailed information and photos of the home. Features like this are not only useful, but they can also increase user participation.
For example, Trulia uses the Google Maps API to easily visualize key information users should consider when purchasing a property. Visitors can use the map to see who lives next door and where the nearest park or mall is.
Additionally, using the Map API ensures that your application works productively on all mobile devices and looks good in the web version.
Pre-select your application’s monetization modelÂ
This article started with the fact that US real estate is a business nowadays. However, we recommend you consider the earning potential to benefit from the application as soon as possible. It affects the functional and technical characteristics of future applications. There are several popular models for monetizing real estate applications.
Advertising functionÂ
The existence of an internal publicity closet is a challenge that requires a complete approach to growth. Nevertheless, this is one of the most effective advertising methods in the real estate market. Mortgage brokers are interested in advertising their services, and realtors are happy to announce homes that have been on the market for a long time.
Additional function feeÂ
A common practice is to offer advanced features to users for a fee. Perhaps brokers want their templates and pages with service descriptions.
In-depth business analysis and quality development help identify the most effective monetization model for your business needs.
Choose the Right Development TechnologyÂ
After considering all the features and deciding on the database source, we reach the most interesting and difficult real estate application development stage. So, which technology stack will you choose? Talking about the technologies used to develop Zillow and Trulia, we can distinguish between:
Postgress, PostGIS SQL database for handling large numbers of MLS. Various APIs such as SimplyRets, iHomeFinder, Spark API Facebook SDK – Log in with your social network account. MapKit – Create interactive maps that can be customized to suit your business needs.
I highly recommend doing multi-platform development to cover all that segments. So when it comes to technology, it’s best to use HTML5 and JavaScript frameworks for the front end. JavaScript has many geo-focused libraries like Leaflet that can greatly reduce your development effort. The most effective way to keep a check on real estate and MLS data is with MongoDB. But MySQL/Postgres is also good for these purposes.
How much does a real estate application cost?Â
Do you want to create your app? Every entrepreneur in the product development phase is concerned with cost issues. We have tried to estimate the approximate time according to the definitive list of the most general features of this type of product above.
Additionally, you need to decide what kind of application you want to develop: a web or mobile app. For your suitability, we have included data about how long it takes to build web applications and iOS apps such as Zillow and Trulia. Our quotation comprises all product launch stages, including business analysis, quality assurance, project management, and troubleshooting.
Real Estate Technology TrendsÂ
Like other industries, the real estate market has been affected by the growing influence of high tech. These and other factors shape the industry and general trends within the industry. For this reason, when talking about trends in real estate technology, we distinguish between factors such as:
Virtual Reality Technology
VR technology takes the process of reviewing homes and properties online to a new level. Users no lengthier need to be physically present at the facility to check their quality. This factor significantly speeds up the process of procurement and selling segments. Global crises like pandemics have only accelerated the acceptance of this skill.
Mobile Service Technology
Over the last few years, his mobile apps have gone head-to-head with desktop apps in every industry, including real estate. The ability to research a house and its parameters, find the one you want, contact a real estate agent and buy it literally with your smartphone is convenient. And while mobile real estate apps are nothing new, they will no doubt be boosted by technologies like AI, big data, and VR. For this reason, the development of mobile apps for the real estate market will be a trend in the coming years.
Endnote:
Remember that the qualitative process of emerging a real estate app involves the work of a team of specialists such as developers, DB experts, UI designers, UX experts, and QA specialists. We hope this guide will help you bring your new business to life. Please contact us if you have any questions about developing mobile applications or web-based real estate platforms. Our custom software development company is happy to answer your questions.
