Realtor.com Launches Overhauled Version of Their Consumer Mobile App

Realtor.com launched a new version of their iOS app today that seeks to simplify the home search process for consumers. In addition to offering users a "streamlined search" experience, those with limited memory on their phones will be happy to learn that the updated app now takes up 40 percent less space.

This pared down version of the app, dubbed v9.0, now puts the search experience front-and-center, sending consumers directly to a map of listings upon opening.

The updated app is only available to users of Apple devices running iOS 9, and it taps into the new features that this operating system offers, like 3D Flyover. With 3D Flyover, mobile users can see listings and nearby attractions from a bird's-eye view, as demonstrated in the screenshot below:

Other features include property details organized into sections that expand to display more information upon a quick finger tap, the ability to view nearby amenities like restaurants and stores, and the ability to share listings numerous ways, including via text, email, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Pinterest, and more from within the app.

Realtor.com's mobile app also takes advantage of Apple's gorgeous Retina display by showing full-size property photos that occupies your iPhone's or iPad's entire screen.

Other features include:

• Quick access to driving directions to listings and open houses
• The ability to stream the app to Apple TV via Airplay
• Support for Turbo Listings on the Realtor.com website
• Listing details like sales history, property tax, school information, and more
• The ability to draw a custom search area with your finger on the map
• Home value estimates for off-market properties

The updated app is a combination the original Realtor.com app and the Express app, which was discontinued with this new version. The company claims that version 9.0 offers buyers "a more streamlined search functionality with access to all their favorite property and search tools."

Too Much Streamlining?

However, in the wake of Realtor.com's quest to streamline the app's interface, some users are complaining that the new version has been overly simplified. Comments on both the app's iTunes homepage and Realtor.com's Facebook page indicate consumer unhappiness with the company's decision to remove several advanced search filters. Users who want to access these filters are instead directed to Realtor.com's website.

However, we notice that Realtor.com has already released version 9.0.1 of the app, post-dated with tomorrow's date on the App store. We'll see if this new iteration addresses consumer complaints.

If not, you can always use the opportunity to talk to your clients and prospects about your own branded agent app. Don't have your own mobile app? You can learn more about their benefits in our article, Agent Mobile Apps: Better for Agents, Great for Consumers, or research agent apps in our Product Directory.