Our real estate team holds a special place in our hearts for renters. Every day, we help people break the renting cycle by demonstrating that homeownership makes financial sense. We’re always on the lookout for ways to help future homeowners make smart choices.
In this blog, we’re sharing the best apps for renters to use in the 2021’s housing market. And when used smartly, these apps can help you plan to cross the threshold into homeownership.
Read until the end for bonus resources that will help you kick-off your home search like a pro once you decide to buy.
Let’s begin with two key apps that will help you prepare to tackle your eventual home buying goals before we get started.
Get your financial house in order first
Covering the best apps for renters is one thing, but getting your money straightened out is arguably more important.
That’s because you’ll need to make smart choices to get you properly on the road to homeownership.
If you’re reading this now, chances are you know that just because you’re renting doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t make smart decisions that will get you closer to owning a home. That’s why you need every tool available to help you budget wisely so that you can go from renter to homeowner.
Here are helpful apps that will help you set a budget, check your credit score, and generally prepare to tackle your house-hunt with confidence:
- Wally (Free Version & Wally Gold)
This is one of the best apps for renters since it helps you budget your expenses, compare your spending, and make choices that will move you closer to your financial goals. If gathering money for a down payment or padding out your savings is a priority, you can set monthly goals to help you get there. You can even scan receipts to help you keep on top of the everyday spending that will eat into your home buying budget.
- Credit Karma (Free)
If you’re preparing to buy, boosting your credit score is vital. Credit Karma allows you to monitor your credit score safely and receive updates on ways to improve it over time. They provide financial calculators and educational articles to help you better understand what credit is all about. Check as often as you want, and it doesn’t hurt your score.
These are just two options available to help you get a handle on your finances. Of course, any app that lets you set a budget, achieve monthly goals, and check your credit penalty–free is a good resource. The important thing is that you use these digital tools to act in ways that will move you closer to owning a home.
Next, we’ll explore some apps that allow you to search for low-cost apartments that can free up more of your monthly budget.
These apps can help you find a well-priced apartment
If you’re not quite ready to jump into the real estate market, you can still use your apartment search to move you closer to your homeownership goals.
The trick here is to find apartments that meet your needs while saving you money. Below are three apps that do just that.
- HotPads
Having roommates can be a great way to save money while preparing to buy a home of your own. HotPads is an app that makes finding roommates and housing a simple and straightforward process.
Here some of the benefits of using the HotPads app:
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- Use the map feature to search for hot rental markets. This feature could also be used to avoid hot markets that can help you save money on rent that can be used for a down payment later.
- Want to cut through the competition? The interactive map will show you how many other prospects have viewed a unit, helping you set your sights on other less competitive options.
- Zumper
Who doesn’t like easy, especially when it comes to finding a place to live?
Zumper lets you get prequalified for a lease right through the app. Once you’ve been approved for a lease, you’re able to submit your deposit through the app, too. There’s also a feature allowing you to apply instantly for an apartment. That way, you don’t miss out on a bargain. When you use this feature, a landlord review is guaranteed, meaning you won’t be dumped into the digital dustbin. - RENTcafé
You may not be ready to buy a home just yet, but that doesn’t mean that your next rental should be a challenging experience.
The RENTcafé app makes finding, renting, and sustaining your new pad a breeze:
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- View listings exclusively from property managers. There are no rental broker fees and pricey commissions that may come out of your pocket.
- Submit your application directly through the app.
- Pay your rent through the app, too!
- Request maintenance or report issues in one easy-to-use platform.
Talk about taking the headache out of renting. That’s the kind of convenience that can free you up to put more energy into your home search.
The best apps for renters is just the beginning
We offer digital resources to help first-time buyers and millennials prepare for homeownership. These free, downloadable guides will answer important questions that will get you ready for a serious house hunt.
Also, we offer other blogs that provide deep-dives into the importance of getting a mortgage preapproval, among other topics.
Most importantly, our team is here for you. Whenever you’re ready to open a conversation about homeownership, we’re here to guide you through the steps so that your goals can become a reality. We’re ready to put our expertise and top-notch resources to work for you.
Contact us with any questions you may have about how to go from renter to homeowner.