Redfin App Review: Great for Browsing Homes and Connecting With Agents

Bottom line: The Redfin app is a solid option for browsing real estate listings, but the app is limited compared to Redfin's browser experience. Anyone looking to list their home for sale should be prepared for fees.

At a glance

What is Redfin and how does it work?

Redfin is a full-service real estate platform for buyers and sellers. It caters to homeowners and prospective home buyers who prefer to use an agent, rather than try to buy or sell on their own.

The Redfin app offers most of the features that the Redfin website provides, but not all. For example, you won't find the mortgage calculators that are available on the website. But you will find a menu link that opens the website in your browser so you can access those features.

The Redfin app is a great way to navigate and manage your real estate search from a handheld device. It's a good option for casual shoppers who want to browse the latest home listings. You'll find all the search tools you'd expect from a top-rated real estate app.

Top perks

Comprehensive search filters

Browsing Redfin listings is a breeze, and it's easy to narrow down your results with the robust search filters. You can filter your property search with dozens of criteria. You'll see all of the standard filters, such as square footage, bedrooms, and property type. You can also filter for more specific details, like setting the exact number of stories or parking spaces you want a property to offer.

For the visually inclined, you can choose to only search properties with 3D walk-throughs and virtual tours. And you can even filter by GreatSchools rating and include local schools on the map view. Browse the results in list view or map view, and create custom map lines to narrow your search to your preferred area.

Redfin also recently added neighborhood quality measures to its search filters including Walk Score, Transit Score, and Bike Score, so you can learn more about the area where you might be living.

Save, share, and hide individual listings

One place the Redfin app excels is in its ability to customize your browsing experience. For example, you can save any listing that catches your eye with a simple click of the heart icon. Or you can "X out" a listing that doesn't meet your needs, keeping it from popping up in future searches. This is a helpful feature many other popular real estate apps lack.

If you're shopping with a spouse or friend, share your favorite listings easily through the Redfin app with email, social media, or text.

Ask questions or schedule a tour from the app

When you find a property you like, you can use the in-app contact form to connect with a Redfin real estate agent or partner agent who can help with any questions. You can also reach out to schedule an in-person or virtual tour. In addition, you can browse for more information on Redfin and partner agents, including reviews from real clients.

Track past tours and upcoming open houses

The longer it takes to find the right home, the more organized you need to be. The Redfin app makes it simple to keep track of the homes you've visited with a handy list of your past tours. You can also browse any upcoming open houses in your desired area and save future open houses to your in-app calendar. You'll also be able to see a list of open houses you've been to recently so you don't forget a thing.

What could be improved

Can't list your home for sale for free

While some apps let you list your home for sale for free, Redfin's sales options are limited to its full service offering that includes selling with a Redfin agent. And this isn't free; you'll pay a 1.5% listing fee. If you also buy a house with Redfin, you can get 0.5% of that fee back.

In-app features limited compared to website

Although the Redfin platform has a lot of useful features, many of them aren't usable in the app. For example, the Redfin website offers a ton of home mortgage tools -- none of which are accessible in the app. This includes the mortgage calculator and market insights. You can still find them on the app menu, but clicking takes you out of the app and over to the website.

If you want an app with fee-free listing: Zillow is an easy-to-use, full-featured real estate app that offers the option to list your home yourself for free. Upload photos, post 3D tours, and update listings on the go, all from the mobile app. On the other hand, if you want concierge service from an agent, Redfin may be better for you.

If you want an app with rental listings: Trulia is a great place to find your next rental home, offering extensive rental property listings from homeowners, apartment complexes, and property management companies. Here, you'll be able to filter rentals by price, size, and even building amenities to find the right fit. However, if you'd rather buy than rent and want the help of an agent, Redfin may be a better fit.

You can download the app and browse listings for free.

If you want to use Redfin services or a Redfin agent to buy or sell your home, you'll need to pay associated listing and service fees. All sellers will be charged a 1.5% listing fee. If you also buy a home with Redfin, you can get 0.5% of your listing fee back:

The 1.5% fee is on top of the buyer's agent fee.

You need to buy with a Redfin agent within 365 days of closing on selling your home to get the reduced rate. The 0.5% difference is returned via check after you buy a home.

If you have a luxury home, Redfin also offers a Premier service advertising agents experienced with high-end real estate. It has the same fees as its regular full service option.

The Redfin mobile app is a solid pick for a casual home shopper who wants to browse listings. And it is a very helpful tool for Redfin clients who are already working with a Redfin agent or partner. However, the app lacks some features that the Redfin browser experience offers. You also can't list your home for free if you're trying to sell.