Summary of Key Insights

The Realtor.com Real Estate & Rent app generally receives positive feedback, with a high percentage of 5-star ratings. Users appreciate its ease of use, comprehensive information, and up-to-date listings. However, there are significant pain points related to inaccurate data, intrusive notifications, and usability issues with the map and search functions. The app also faces criticism regarding potential data privacy concerns and difficulties with customer support. Addressing these issues would significantly improve user satisfaction and app performance.

Overall sentiment is positive, but negative reviews highlight critical flaws that need attention.

Overall Rating: Approximately 4.1 stars (calculated from the score distribution). Score Distribution:

• 5-star: 53%
• 4-star: 12%
• 3-star: 7%
• 2-star: 10%
• 1-star: 18%

Data & Methodology Overview

• Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
• Time Frame: August 2024 (based on the provided context of the survey in the app description)
• Analysis Methods:
  • Sentiment Analysis: Categorizing reviews as positive, negative, or neutral based on language used.
  • Keyword Extraction: Identifying frequently mentioned keywords and phrases to pinpoint common themes and issues.
  • Frequency Analysis: Counting the occurrences of specific complaints and feature requests to prioritize them.

Key User Pain Points

• Inaccurate/Outdated Listings: Several users reported discrepancies between listings on Realtor.com and other websites, including incorrect status (e.g., showing homes as available when they are already sold), inaccurate pricing, and missing listings.
• Intrusive Notifications: Many users complained about receiving excessive emails and notifications, even after unsubscribing.
• Map Functionality Issues: Users reported problems with the map feature, including missing details (e.g., residential streets), difficulty searching specific areas, and unavailability of the map function altogether. The map also sometimes defaults to an incorrect search radius.
• Search Filter Problems: Issues with saved filters interfering with opening shared listings, and a lack of specific filter options (e.g., one-story homes, accessibility features).
• Slow Loading/Performance: Some users experienced slow loading times for pictures and maps.
• Data Privacy Concerns: One user mentioned concerns about the app sharing credit scores with advertisers.
• Poor Customer Support: Complaints about unhelpful responses and being directed to Facebook or X (Twitter) for support.
• "Already Viewed" Homes issue: Users want a way to filter out previously viewed homes.

Frequently Requested Features

• Accessibility Filters: Specifically, the ability to search for homes with wheelchair accessibility.
• One-Story Home Filter: A dedicated filter to search specifically for one-story homes.
• Lot Outline on Map: Displaying lot outlines on the map for better visualization of property boundaries.
• Filter "Already Viewed" Homes: A function to hide or mark listings the user has already seen.
• More Detailed Unit Information: Including pictures of all rooms, patios, decks, parking, and building exteriors.
• Search Terms for Apartment/Workshop: Specific search terms for different property types.
• Display Prices on Map: Show the price of each house directly on the map without having to zoom in excessively.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

• Ease of Use: Many users praised the app's user-friendly interface and intuitive design.
• Comprehensive Information: Users appreciate the detailed property information provided, including photos, descriptions, and status updates.
• Up-to-Date Listings: Some users found the app to be accurate and timely in providing real estate information.
• Filter Options: The ability to filter search results based on various criteria (price, size, location, etc.) was well-received.
• Map Drawing Tool: The "draw on map" feature was appreciated for refining search areas.
• Collaborative Search Tools: The ability to link accounts and share listings with others was a positive feature.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

• High Priority:
  • Fix Inaccurate Listings: Implement stricter data validation processes and improve data synchronization with MLS databases.
  • Address Notification Issues: Provide clearer unsubscribe options and reduce the frequency of irrelevant notifications.
  • Improve Map Functionality: Enhance map details, fix search radius issues, and optimize performance for faster loading.
  • Address Data Privacy Concerns: Clearly communicate data privacy policies and ensure user data is protected.
• Medium Priority:
  • Enhance Search Filters: Add filters for one-story homes and accessibility features.
  • Improve Customer Support: Provide more responsive and helpful customer support through in-app channels.
  • Optimize App Performance: Reduce loading times for images and maps.
  • Filter "Already Viewed" Homes: Implement a function to hide or mark listings the user has already seen.
• Low Priority:
  • Add Lot Outline on Map: Include lot outlines for better property visualization.
  • More Detailed Unit Information: Encouraging agents to upload more comprehensive photos.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

• Accessibility-Focused Real Estate Platform: A dedicated platform that specializes in listing and finding homes with accessibility features, addressing a clear unmet need in the market.
• Real Estate Data Verification Service: A service that verifies the accuracy of real estate listings and provides users with reliable information, combating the issue of fraudulent or outdated listings.
• Hyperlocal Real Estate Information App: An app focused on providing highly detailed local information, including neighborhood noise levels, traffic patterns, school ratings, and nearby amenities. This goes beyond what Realtor.com currently offers with map layers.

Trends and Observations

• Language Preferences: The reviews are primarily in English, with a few in Spanish, indicating the need for multilingual support or localized versions of the app in specific regions.
• Recurring Complaints: The issues related to inaccurate listings, intrusive notifications, and map functionality are consistently mentioned across multiple reviews, indicating systemic problems that need to be addressed.
• Focus on Usability: Users prioritize ease of use and clear, concise information, suggesting that the app should focus on simplifying its interface and providing intuitive navigation.
• Desire for Transparency: Users are concerned about data privacy and want clear communication about how their data is being used.

Conclusion

The Realtor.com Real Estate & Rent app has a strong foundation with its ease of use and comprehensive information. However, critical issues related to data accuracy, intrusive notifications, and map functionality are detracting from the user experience. By prioritizing the action recommendations outlined above, Realtor.com can significantly improve user satisfaction and maintain its position as a leading real estate app. Addressing user concerns regarding data privacy and providing more responsive customer support are also essential for building trust and loyalty.

Overall Recommendation: Focus on improving data accuracy, addressing notification issues, and enhancing map functionality to improve the user experience.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.move.realtor