Guide to Real Estate App Development: Functions, Processes, and Costs

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Nowadays, the housing sector is strengthening and growing fast. The competition in the housing sphere is exploding, while promoting the realtor business through traditional marketing or advertising is no longer that effective. Most real estate queries are now done via the Internet, amounting to 90% of people statistically. Customers are also more likely to apply smart gadgets for their search today. So how can you ensure that your real estate product is visible among the competitors? Real estate app development can provide this broad audience with all the required services and bring new prospects for your business.

Functional Advantages of App Development for Real Estate

A custom application may perform plenty of functions. But to launch a top-rated service, you should consider your customer’s pain points, wishes, and whims in your real estate mobile app development.

We break down all housing app users into three types: buyers, sellers, and realtors. Each of these types is looking for particular benefits in your app.

You wouldn’t want to rush your development too much, however. Do your homework first. Analyze your ideas, information, and knowledge. See our simple guide to launching your successful real estate app below for a step-by-step process breakdown.

Read more in our eBook: Top 7 Technologies for Improving Customer Experience in Real Estate through Digitization

Or find more information in the web conference recordings: Digital Transformation in Real Estate

How to Develop a Real Estate App

Step 1: Market Analysis

Look at the economic environment, consider supply and demand rates in the cluster you’ve chosen, and get comprehensive data about the sector in which you intend to work. This vital step enables us to design a cost-effective real estate mobile app development project.

A preliminary study helps to determine the following:

• Market trends;
• Competitors and their methods;
• Industry regulations;
• Technological know-how;
• Statistical patterns;
• ROI projections;
• A platform that meets revenue expectations;

There are plenty of web platforms with the abovementioned data. However, an untrained user may need help understanding. For a complete and reliable analysis, leave the cluster health audit to professionals.

The real estate tech scene is very broad, with various solution options. The specific of this industry is little to no restrictions and compliances. Yes, we should follow the personal data protection principles, but other than that, real estate has no limitations. That gives room for creativity.

So the goal of the initial project implementation phase, which is discovery, is to understand expectations for the future solution, mainly what needs to be covered by it and for what audience. If required, we initiate market research or customer interviews. We choose the most appropriate format and develop an implementation roadmap based on this knowledge.

Anna Vozna

Client Success Manager, Glorium Technologies

If the result of market research is convincing, proceed to the next step – selecting the core functions and tools.

Step 2: Selecting your app’s features

Selection of features allows you to plan your solution to stand out among other platforms. In general, real estate app features get created for agents and customers. Pick one category or target both of them. In the latter case, you can generate more revenue, but keep in mind that it will increase the real estate mobile app development costs.

Below are the most popular real-estate app features in 2022:

Extensive database. Application success relies on the database you add. The broader it is, the more chances it can reach the top.

Registration. Besides formal signing up, offer an option to log in through social networking or a browser.

User profiles. Develop different profile types for each type of customer.

Search query. Each search feature must include such parameters: location, housing type, cost, dwelling/plot area, date of construction, etc.

Categories and filters. This option can make your search easier. The developers can add analytics to the prototype when talking about software implementation. Thus, beta testers and first exploiters will provide their feedback.

Navigation and outside view. Map integration helps your prospects find the right place thanks to its exact location. You can look closely at the area via Google Maps and get a deeper understanding. The Smart Map can identify landmarks or well-known places.

Calculator. It helps obtain up-to-date estimates and loan rates. The usual approach is to use calculator with artificial intelligence and algorithms for working with large data arrays. It displays loan fees, different insurances, commissions, etc.

Virtual tours. Complete visualization through 3D pictures and tours around the facility. Such panorama presents the entire apartment or dwelling before visiting. Clients appreciate this option, so they often use it.

Augmented reality. AR feature allows you to design your interior virtually. Change the color of the walls, select furniture, and update the interior design.

E-signature. Blockchain technology multiplies app security and offers to conclude electronic agreements and make e-payments securely.

Save search results and favorites. Prepare and store your search list. Agents may discover what their customers are interested in so they can offer similar features.

Ratings and reviews. Actual ratings and reviews about realtors, housing conditions, neighbors, and the environment. All users should enjoy the opportunity to leave reviews and set their scores. More people will benefit from the program since they will recommend it to their acquaintances.

Chatbot. This type of real-time consultation deals with frequent queries in no time. Find prompt answers through the FAQ.

Display. This is the way we present visual and motion media. And don’t forget about drawings. Pictures, graphs, and charts are always better than descriptions. Information display is always more attractive and easier to grasp. Well, present the dynamics of house prices in a given area, loan rates, etc.

Push notifications. Messages are sent automatically at various events: new entries, price changes, quotations, promotions, and urgent offers. This provides potential customers with live and exciting information.

Schedule. Here, buyers can look through free dates and plan their appointments. Realtors can run their businesses efficiently.

The features above are a reasonable basis for a state-of-the-art app. When appropriately combined and framed in an intuitive user interface, these tools will bring in new visitors and likely turn them into potential customers.

There is no need to chase all these features at once. Go from simple ones to the more complex ones. You can continually refine the gaps later and add more options.

Step 3: Choosing the tech

Once the app’s basic concept has been approved and its significant functions have been defined, go to the technical side. Reaching the top requires as much information on current offerings as possible. This involves substantial data sets.

Use external databases through third-party APIs to avoid running on a dedicated server that hosts all the information you need. An API (or application programming interface) stands for several rules for communicating between databases. APIs may provide data about offers and display them in a mobile or web application.

Let’s consider the technology stack needed to develop online platforms in housing:

• Log in/Sign up. Make your users free to log in through a browser or social network. You may determine their list based on the audience details.
• Lists and directories. IDX stands for specific regulations, standards, and infrastructure marketers stick to. We need this technology to monitor the details shared from the database to the app. After that, the APIs are added to get adaptable data from the web.
• Advanced search with filters. Multiple ways to adjust your search preferences.
• Mapping. Offering info about the territories the clients are interested in will require third-party APIs.
• 3D tours. Use EyeSpy360 to prepare 3D tours through the dwelling.
• Data storage. Mobile app databases like MySQL may be integrated for this purpose.
• Push notifications. Decide between APN and Firebase SDK for sending messages.
• Android development language.
• iOS development language.

While the same technologies can be utilized for developing solutions for various industries, the type of issues to solve differs. In the real estate industry, it is more about algorithmic and computational tasks. So it comes naturally that experts with relevant backgrounds will perform better. That is why at Glorium Technologies, we adhere to the principle of developing the hands-on industry-related expertise of our engineers.

Anna Vozna

Client Success Manager, Glorium Technologies

This basic technology stack and API comprise the significant functions of any app of this kind. APIs may change along with the tool list you prepare. The more parts involved, the more APIs you’ll have to add.

Step 4: Design stage

The first thing in developing web platforms is to make them feature-rich, reliable, and technically sound. However, making a solid visualization is essential, too. The very first session is often the most decisive moment. Would it be liked or deleted?

Below are specific trends and real estate app development solutions to follow for your customers to enjoy a unique experience:

Simple interface. The service should be simple, user-friendly, and accessible to everyone.

Easy navigation. Refrain from overcomplicating navigation with cumbersome menus. Its absence is equally unacceptable. The menu should be as thought-out and concise as possible. The navigation block should not overlap the main field. Use intuitive icons found in most apps to perform actions. Together, this allows users to quickly and efficiently navigate the service.

Simple backgrounds. Mobile designers create monochrome or blurry experiences that make the app’s navigation and features more expressive. This also reduces loading time and makes user interaction more comfortable.

Cross-page feature. The cross-page feature ensures greater user interest and engagement. This solution has a higher effect on further SEO optimization. You can also integrate analytics tools. This allows analyzing pages and information to keep improving them.

Dark mode. This model has become the new standard for users. Studies show that 87% of smartphone users use their phones every evening for an hour before bed. So, it should be possible to set a dark mode as the interface style.

Design optimization. 70% of app installations result from search queries. The way an app is displayed in search can significantly influence its popularity. You need to pick up a specific color palette, header style, navigation mode, launch screen, and other design elements that are most popular.

The three-click rule. This is an unofficial rule of website navigation. It implies that the user can find anything in less than three clicks.

Swiping gestures. You should discover the gestures used by the user on the service. There are several gestures for you to choose from. Analyze which gestures are most often used by your clients. Only then include them in your design.

Color palette. Be wise when deciding on the color palette. You’d better use more brand colors and place them strategically. Emphasize where readers can find the most relevant information. An excellent color-matching method is the Mood board. It creates a color scheme that evokes the right emotions and provokes the right action.

Gadgets we take with us. Different gadgets (smartwatches, fitness trackers) have recently become extremely popular among users. They have become not just single-tasking devices but have combined many functions. Consider that such gadgets’ information should be delivered concisely and concentrated.

Real Estate App Development Cost

After we’ve dealt with those technical aspects, the client may wonder what the real estate app development cost is. We have no obvious answer. The significant factors influencing the price of real estate mobile app development are the quantity and intricacy of features, adaptability, design, and other parameters. Let’s consider the key stages and their approximate cost.

The total cost will depend on its complexity. A simple app can cost between $25,000 and $45,000. Nevertheless, advanced platforms may cost over $70,000. The more feature-rich your solution, the larger the fee you pay. Call us immediately. Our experts will run a detailed costing to launch your project.

At Glorium Technologies, we have a defined time-proven flow for implementing any project:

• Analysis and planning (discovery) – an initial point of our cooperation with the client when we investigate areas for improvement of the existing solutions or define requirements for the future solution, determine the solution plan, technical team composition, and product details.
• MVP design and development – execution of the plan developed within the discovery phase.
• Product growth – the ongoing process of the product roadmap implementation within a tight cooperation with a Product Owner.

Initially, we provide ballpark estimates for each stage so that a client can understand the lower and upper bounds of the cost. The price is adjusted throughout the project implementation based on the rates of experts involved. A client gets a detailed monthly report on project progress and precise calculations.

Anna Vozna

Client Success Manager, Glorium Technologies

Handle self-development issues

Those who wish to develop their solution independently should know their obstacles. Below is a shortlist of potential issues.

• Too competitive market. There is enormous competition in real estate. Market players try to make a powerful impression on users to gain their preference. Therefore, before starting, study the leading companies carefully. Clearly define and work out your target audience. Consider various aspects. Develop software that provides flawless service regardless of the device. It might be challenging without expert support.
• High-security requirements. Creating such tech implies storing a whole range of sensitive information. It might be user profiles with financial information, as well as current transaction data of your dealers. You must ensure strong security and succeed in preventing any disclosure of personal information.
• Costly development. The more advanced features your project will include, the more expensive it will be. It would be best if you implemented 3D virtual tours, and keyless access systems, among other things, for your audience’s requirements. It’s expensive, but a soft launch model might lower your costs. Contact our consultant. You’ll discover other effective ways to reduce development costs while getting a high-quality final product.
• Lack of necessary skills. Draw up the system requirements for your project. Then you will identify the specialists and skills required to implement your concept. If your team lacks them, it is better to entrust them to professionals. They already have experience in developing real estate apps.

Look at your task list. Can you solve everything at a high level? After all, your business relies on your team’s skills, which will directly affect the quality.

Hire a professional team

Consider whom to trust when projecting your solution. You’d better trust professionals if you want to launch the product on time without spending extra funds.

Being a real estate app development company, we know the price of creating successful software. We have vast experience and plenty of exciting ideas. This knowledge will make your project succeed on all levels: financial, marketing, and communication.

Overall, we follow the scrum framework for managing projects. The typical team composition is illustrated in the scheme below:

For industry-specific projects, the team always includes a superstar – an expert that has already implemented numerous projects in the respective industry and knows it inside out, which allows them to understand the business as well as a client, if not better, know in advance what pitfalls may occur and how to prevent them. Thus we ensure the highest quality of a solution delivered.

Anna Vozna

Client Success Manager, Glorium Technologies

For real estate app projects, we employ a team staffed with the following:

• Project manager;
• Front-end and back-end developer;
• Quality control engineer;
• iOS and Android developer;
• UX/UI designer;
• Test team;
• System administrator.

Our team approaches the implementation with complete expertise. Designers, developers, and testers get on well together, so the products bring joy to our customers.

Moreover, we keep streamlining the project after each iteration. Our products are consistent, and users enjoy using them.

Business Model for Real Estate Application

Every effort and investment you make in design might benefit if it generates a profit. The software may draw in prospects or investors if it offers something unique and relevant. We provide several models you can follow to profit.

Enterprises that change the usual patterns in the tenant-broker-buyer-lessee chain are the future of this industry. Hi-Tech makes leasing or purchasing housing more straightforward and more transparent. They minimize the chances of cheating. Start-ups that offer the market new solutions and solve existing problems will find their role and succeed.

How to Ensure the Strong Launch of a Real Estate App

You need clear goals for a strong start-up.

Quantifying your progress by the rate of active installations is a good idea. You might discover the actual percentage of individuals who install it without uninstalling it. You will also see your median ranking in the marketplace.

Start with a soft launch

We talk about a start-up in a limited market before it is released and rolled out to a broader audience. It allows you to do a “life-size” test based on the beta version and ensure everything works well. In doing so, the risks will be limited.

Use ASO to stay visible in marketplaces

Apple App Store, and Google Play: this is where you can download the application. You want your software to be in these stores. Otherwise, it may go largely unnoticed.

App Store Optimization is a set of methods aimed at ranking higher. Here are a few fundamental ASO principles to boost your project and downloads:

• Choose a stand-alone headline of a certain length. Be sure to include keywords for better results;
• Upload screenshots and presentation videos;
• Provide a company description and paste keywords;
• Collect positive feedback. They greatly influence in-store rankings.

Publish information about your project on social networks

Create separate social channels to get more reviews and improve your image (and SEO indicators). You define the exact list in the market analysis step.

Consider your media relations

The media, prominent bloggers, and news websites might attract your attention. For example, your project is top on a specialized and respected website. Here, you can be sure about future visits and downloads. You can order a press release to make the media talk about you.

Takeaway

These tips will help you succeed. Keep in mind that there are many solutions you can apply when implementing each one. Only a professional team can work it out perfectly. We guarantee that real estate software development will help you unleash the actual value of your business.

Our team starts with a preliminary prediction of the client’s return on investment and guides you through to the final point. We stick to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and make sure we comply with the law so that our apps are secure and ready to use anytime, anywhere.

Keep up with the competition! Contact us now and put your solution on AppStore or Google Play as soon as in a few months.

AboutVladyslav Donchenko

Delivery Officer with 18 years of experience in IT and management, including 10+ years in delivery management. Experience in enterprise applications, Agile, and end-to-end development for global clients in various industries, including investment banking, real estate, and healthcare.