The digital shift in the real estate business is clear to see. Thanks to apps like Zillow, the task of buying, selling, or renting properties is now simpler than before. The way Zillow puts users first, with advanced statistics and extensive catalogs of listings, has made it an example for others to imitate. At this point, building a commercial real estate app like Zillow is a great business opportunity for professionals, brokers, and entrepreneurs alike.
What is the Zillow Real Estate App about?
Zillow’s real estate app is a favorite for many people in the United States. It provides users with:
A variety of properties for sale (residential as well as commercial)
- Property value estimations (Zestimates)
- Interactive map search
- Mortgage calculators
- 3D home tours
- Neighbourhood insights and school data
The main reason for Zillow’s success is its easy-to-use interface and the combination of many real estate services on its site.
Why would someone want to build an app like Zillow for commercial real estate?
Entire sectors of the commercial property market are fast becoming digital. People involved in property, investors, managers, and brokers expect data to be ready when they need it, high-quality imagery, and quick and easy communication at all times. An app like Zillow in commercial real estate helps by providing these services.
- Enhancing property visibility
- Streamlining client-broker communications
- Providing market trends and analytics
- Making it possible for customers to browse properties and make bookings from a distance
Modeling yourself after Zillow’s approach and applying it to commercial use may help you enter a growing market for real estate technology.
Important Elements That Every Commercial Real Estate App Needs
Your app has to offer plenty of features and be easy to use to keep up with the top competitors. Here are the essential components:
- User Registration and Profiles
Provide the option for buyers, sellers, brokers, and managers to set up accounts.
- Advanced Property Search and Filters
Users have the option to search for places based on their location, size, specific prices, facilities available, and the kind of property it is (retail, office, industrial, etc.).
- Interactive Map Integration
A map that shows heatmaps, zoning details, and nearby services helps a lot, just like the map on Zillow.
- Virtual Tours and High-Resolution Media
Use 3D tours, drone shots, and photo portfolios to let buyers see the commercial proaperties clearly.
- AI-Powered Recommendations
Let machine learning algorithms suggest properties that are fitting for the user according to their behavior.
- Real-Time Messaging
Makes it possible for brokers to instantly contact potential buyers or lessees through chat.
- Property Valuation Tools
Make available a CAP rate, ROI, and lease value tool that works in a way similar to Zillow’s “Zestimate” for home values.
- CRM Integration
A commercial app should allow brokers to use Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools to manage the database of potential clients.
- Push Notifications
Remind people about new listings, updates in prices, and searches they have recently saved.
- Analytics Dashboard
Show you what is currently happening in the market, with properties, and among users.
The Technologies Used for Designing a Zillow-Type Real Estate App
The technologies usually used to make an app like Zillow are mentioned below.
- Frontend: Developers are encouraged by the company to use React Native, which helps build cross-platform apps, as well as Flutter.
- Backend: Node.js, Python (Django/Flask)
- Database: PostgreSQL, MongoDB
- Cloud Services: AWS, Google Cloud
- APIs: You can also try using the Google Maps API or, if allowed, Zillow API.
- Security: OAuth 2.0, SSL encryption, two-factor authentication
Great advantages of building a commercial real estate app similar to Zillow
- Higher Market Reach
Try to connect with both domestic and foreign investors and buyers.
- Increased ROI
When manual processes are replaced with automation and more services are offered digitally, the business can bring in more revenue.
- Brand Recognition
Building a strong app establishes your company as an innovator in the field of commercial real estate tech.
- Data-Driven Decisions
Make sure investors have access to detailed analysis for good decision-making when it comes to investing.
- Scalability
Since the app is cloud-based, it can adjust its resources based on the number of users.
Costs for Building an App Similar to Zillow
Many things can impact how much it costs to build a commercial real estate app similar to Zillow.
Platform (iOS, Android, or both)
Number of features
UI/UX complexity
Development team’s location
Estimated Cost:
MVP version: $25,000 – $50,000
Full-featured app: $80,000 – $150,000+
The choice to work with top app developers in real estate will enhance ROI and help shorten the time it takes to get your app to users.
Monetization Strategies
Here are the steps to turning your app into a profitable one:
- Options for agents and brokers to subscribe as users
- Featured Listings for property owners
- Commission Models on closed deals
- Advertisement Slots within the app
- Data Analytics Solutions for big businesses
Conclusion
Creating an app like Zillow in commercial real estate can help bring new ways of managing real estate business into the market. Developing the platform with the right tools and strategies allows it to grow and bring consistent profit in the commercial real estate market.
A real estate app developed like Zillow works well for all types of clients and offers a time-proven way to grow online.
FAQs
Q1: In what ways is a commercial real estate app different from the popular Zillow real estate app?
A: While residential properties are the main focus on Zillow, a commercial real estate app is for finding office spaces, warehouses, retail units, and industrial properties and provides details on investments, leasing, and big property stats.
Q2: Am I allowed to use MLS data in my app, just as Zillow does?
A: There are many MLS databases available for commercial and residential use, and most do allow access through APIs, as long as you follow the rules and licensing.
Q3: What is the typical timeframe for making a real estate app, such as Zillow?
A: An MVP typically takes 3–5 months to finish, but completing a full-featured application can require 6–12 months, dependant on how many features, team members, and what technology is used.
Q4: Are updates to be sent in real time, or can they be spaced out?
A: Absolutely. The constant updating of listings, tracking of market trends, and signaling of available properties greatly boost user experience and trust in the app.
Q5: Does Zillow’s business work well in the commercial real estate industry?
A: With modifications, yes. The efficiency Zillow has brought to real estate can also be used for commercial settings by highlighting leasing, returns on investments, and growth.
