8 Best Real Estate Websites in USA
- Zillow
- Realtor.com
- Redfin
- Foreclosure.com
- Auction.com
- Apartments.com
- NeighborhoodScount
- FSBO.com
1. Zillow
Zillow is the best real estate website in the United States as it has the most traffic and a lot of tools and guides for buyers and sellers. Launched in 2006 by two former Microsoft executives, this website offers users an easy way to find and compare property and has one of the most downloaded apps on both Android and Apple platforms. Both the website and app are easy to use and pull data from MLS and non-MLS sources. Complementary tools featured with this service include customized property searches, for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) listings, and rental market information. Additionally, Zillow provides a “Zestimate” on every home, which is their estimation of what a home is worth based on previous local sales. Overall, Zillow is easy to use and widely appreciated as the number one go-to real estate website.
2. Realtor.com
The second largest real estate website in the USA is Realtor.com. This database is affiliated with the National Association of Realtors and is considered to have the most accurate market data on the web. The site pulls data from MLS listings, which are sourced from hundreds of accredited regional online listing services. Featured tools on the Realtor.com website include a comprehensive list of for-sale listings, a home estimate calculator, market value comparisons, and local rental listings. Additionally, the Realtor.com app allows users to conveniently search for listings with specific criteria and contact realtors directly. Both the website and app are free to use, helping to make this the second-best real estate site for home buyers and sellers.
3. Redfin
Redfin is another one of the top real estate websites in the USA. Redfin functions similarly to Zillow and Realtor.com by giving users an overview of local market listings and presenting buyers with resources for finding the best home for their needs. Sellers can take advantage of the website’s wide range of tools, including add-on services such as professional real estate photography, MLS listing, open house scheduler, and more. Redfin real estate agents are also available to help throughout the entire home buying/selling process – from understanding the basic steps to making negotiations. Redfin has also recently included a rental section available to tenants and landlords to help them find, list, and research local rental properties. While the mobile app allows users to browse homes and listings and speak directly to agents, all of Redfin’s paperwork is done offline. Overall, Redfin is another great option for understanding local real estate markets.
4. Foreclosure.com
Foreclosure.com is the best real estate website for finding homes in foreclosure. This website was developed to answer the problem of finding up-to-date information on foreclosure listings, which can be elusive and difficult to track down. Foreclosure.com provides its users with an all-inclusive database of foreclosure listings, which is updated twice daily from sources such as tax rolls, government agencies, and lending institutions. Additionally, this website helps its users understand the foreclosure process through abundant user education, including articles, checklists, and state-specific documents. Users can even find homes in different types of foreclosure situations, such as tax liens. While the website has a monthly subscription to unlock all its advanced features, those interested in acquiring a great deal are likely to find it money well-spent.
5. Auction.com
Auction.com is another one of the best real estate websites for finding distressed properties. Since 2007, this online marketplace has been helping investors find foreclosure listings more efficiently through its extensive online database. Through this website, buyers can access thousands of foreclosure and bank-owned listings across most of the United States. Users can do quick property searches, save their favorite listings, and even place bids on properties online. Or, if bidding online isn’t ideal, users can use Auction.com to find local auctions and attend them in person. Properties on this app are typically cash-up-front purchases, so users should be prepared to pay for any properties out-of-pocket. Ultimately, this app is perfect for buyers who are interested in the gritty investment side of real estate.
6. Apartments.com
Apartments.com is one of the most popular real estate websites in the United States for renters. This resource was developed specifically for tenants who need information about rental listings and local communities. Since its establishment in 1992, Apartments.com has become a top choice for understanding an area’s rental market, and its app has had over five million downloads between Google Play and Apple. After viewing 3D tours, floor plans, and showing dates, users can look at the surrounding area’s noise level ratings, transportation systems, and amenities to better understand the neighborhood. Once satisfied, users can apply for available listings straight from the app. Overall, Apartments.com is a great resource for finding comprehensive rental market data.
7. NeighborhoodScout
NeighborhoodScout is another one of the best real estate websites, as it’s great for learning about different housing markets. This data-driven website is filled with information about neighborhoods across the country and features tools to help users find the best area for their unique situation. Users will find an abundance of useful neighborhood reports at their fingertips, including statistics on local crime rates, populations, school districts, employment opportunities, and more. Though some reports cannot be accessed without payment, a large portion of the website’s information is public and free to access. Be sure to include this tool when deciding on where to make your next big move.
8. FSBO.com
FSBO.com is a great real estate website for home sellers who prefer an alternative approach to the traditional market. All homes listed on FSBO.com are For Sale By Owner listings, meaning they do not involve a traditional real estate agent and are not listed on the MLS. The website offers sellers numerous packages, including unlimited photos and broadcasting a listing to other websites such as Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor. While FSBO.com does charge a fee for its services, many sellers prefer this option because it allows them to save money on the traditional agent commission. Ultimately, FSBO.com is one of the best resources for sellers looking for an alternative to on-market listings.