Should Real Estate Agents Have Their Own App?

Last updated on June 23rd, 2022 at 04:28 am

Recently came the news that Smarter Agent was doing away with its mobile app options, but even with Smarter Agent shutting down that part of their business, there are still many platforms that let real estate agents create their own app quickly and easily. Homestuck is one such alternative, but do you really need an app as a real estate professional?

Some people wonder if they need an app if they already have a website, and the reality is that a website and an app serve very different purposes in many cases.

We explore what you should know if you’re a real estate agent and you’re thinking about a custom app to grow your business.

Apps Are Optimized for Mobile

Most people are attached to their mobile devices at nearly all times, and an app is optimized for that experience.

Even if you have a website optimized for mobile, it’s just not the same.

A mobile site will take the information from your desktop site and try to adapt it to a mobile device, but there are a lot of distractions, and there are things that a mobile user isn’t going to need.

A mobile app is going to take away those distractions and give users just what they need at any given moment.

A mobile app is going to be a streamlined way for people to search properties.

Apps Are More Engaging

Apps can double new user retention when compared to a mobile or desktop website.

That’s going to help increase your conversions and improve factors like loyalty.

You can further build your brand and client loyalty with unique app features like push notifications. After someone downloads your app, you can use push notifications right to their device.

These notifications might include property recommendations and updates on pricing, as well as new listings.

Visibility

One of the simplest reasons to have a mobile app if you’re a real estate agent is because it provides you with visibility. You’re there front and center to your user. If they’re thinking about real estate, you may be the closest thing they can reach for, to find properties and information.

With that visibility, you’re also getting complete control over your brand.

Using a Simple App-Building Solution

Building an app from scratch can be expensive, time-consuming and it can be difficult to get what you want and need. Luckily, there are solutions that are created just to help real estate agents build their custom apps.

With an app-building solution, you start by choosing an app name. You’ll want a name that’s in line with your brand and your website.

Then, you can start designing your app based on your branding. You want everything to stay cohesive.

With Homestuck, there’s something called an Express Option. When you use the Express Option, HomeStack looks at your existing website and marketing materials to design your app based on what those look like, so everything is flowing well with one another.

The app creator you use should code everything for you and then submit it to Apple and Google.

At that point, your app can go live, and you can integrate it into your marketing.

By using a solution like HomeStack, you’re actually overcoming one of the biggest potential downsides of a mobile app, which is the investment that it can require to build one. Building an app from scratch without a tool like HomeStack can be tens of thousands of dollars.

Big Names Already Use Apps

If you’re still on the fence as to whether or not a mobile app is right for your real estate business, think about the fact that big names like Trulia and Zillow already have apps. There’s a reason they rely on their mobile apps. To remain competitive, you absolutely need to go mobile.

A customized real estate app creates a better customer experience.

With a mobile app as an agent, you can also be more innovative and you’re going to appear more professional to new and current clients.

If you’re looking for the right way to grow your business in 2021, and you feel like you’re missing a piece of the puzzle that could help you expand significantly, it might be time to develop an app. User engagement, loyalty, and recognition are some of the many benefits you can get from a real estate app.

Invest in something that’s going to set you apart from your competition and ensure you get a healthy return on your investment.