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Zillow Vs AppFolio: Which Property Management Tool Is Best?

Updated on 09 Sep 2024

OneBrowsing

 4.7

(Reviews: 1.2M)

Est. users: 25M

 4.5

Price Ranges: $50 - $250

Zillow vs AppFolio

Zillow and AppFolio both serve the real estate market but cater to different needs. Zillow is a consumer-focused platform widely used for home buying, selling, and renting, offering listings and market data to users. AppFolio, on the other hand, is a property management software designed for property managers and landlords, providing tools for managing rental properties, accounting, and tenant communications.

Zillow

  1. Real estate marketplace platform
  2. Used for buying, selling, renting homes
  3. Provides home value estimates
  4. Extensive property database
  5. User-friendly home search tools
  6. Publicly accessible for general users

AppFolio

  1. Property management software
  2. Used for property leasing, accounting, management
  3. Offers tenant screening services
  4. Integrated maintenance management
  5. Cloud-based platform
  6. Designed for property managers and landlords

Key Differences

  1. User Base and Reach

    Zillow has a broader and more diverse user base, being more well-known among consumers looking to buy, sell, or rent homes. AppFolio, however, is more focused on property management professionals and businesses.

    Winner: Zillow

  2. Feature Set

    AppFolio offers extensive property management features such as accounting, maintenance tracking, and communication tools designed for property managers. Zillow provides robust property listings with a focus on consumer real estate needs.

    Winner: AppFolio

  3. Ease of Use

    Zillow's interface is highly intuitive and user-friendly for the general public. AppFolio, while rich in features, can be more complex due to its professional property management tools.

    Winner: Zillow

  4. Integration and API

    AppFolio offers more comprehensive integration capabilities with other property management software and services. Zillow's integration options are more limited and generally focused on listing aggregation.

    Winner: AppFolio

  5. Cost

    Zillow primarily makes money through advertising and offers many free features to consumers. AppFolio, on the other hand, requires a subscription or service fee, which can be significant.

    Winner: Zillow

  6. Target Audience

    Zillow targets a wide audience of general consumers who are interested in buying, selling, or renting property. AppFolio specifically targets property managers and real estate professionals, offering specialized tools and services for them.

    Winner: Its a tie

  7. Market Data and Analytics

    Zillow offers comprehensive market data and analytics, readily accessible to users looking to evaluate property values and trends. AppFolio offers analytics more geared towards property management and operational efficiency.

    Winner: Zillow

Distinct Features

ZillowAppFolio
Zestimate (Zillow's proprietary home value estimate)Powered by AI Lead to Lease feature
Zillow Offers (iBuyer service for selling homes quickly)Maintenance request and management system
Zillow 3D Home toursComprehensive accounting tools for property management
Zillow Rental Manager (listing and management service for rental properties)Online rent payment processing
Publicly accessible home listings and market dataTenant and owner portals
Zillow Premier Agent (advertising platform for real estate agents)Vendor management system

Pricing Overview

AppFolio

View Pricing Plans  

  1. Basic Plan ($50) - Suitable for individuals or small property management firms
  2. Plus Plan ($250) - Suited for medium to large property management companies

Basic Plan

$50 / Monthly

Ideal for smaller property portfolios

  • Online Owner Portal

  • Maintenance Requests

  • Professional Websites

  • Owner Statement & Direct Deposit

Plus Plan

$250 / Monthly

Advanced tools for growing businesses

  • Basic Plan features

  • Leasing & Marketing

  • Renters Insurance

  • Utility Management

Indepth Overview

ZillowAppFolio
Key Features
Property Search ★4.6 - One of the largest real estate marketplaces
Property Management ★4.5 - Comprehensive property management tools
Mobile App ★4.7 - Offers a user-friendly mobile app ★4.7 - Feature-rich mobile app for property managers
Rental Listings ★4.5 - Extensive rental property listings ★4.6 - Centralized rental listings management
Mortgage Calculators ★4.4 - Accurate and easy-to-use mortgage calculators
Agent Finder ★4.3 - Helps users find real estate agents
Market Trends ★4.6 - Provides real-time market trends and analysis
Home Value Estimates ★4.7 - Offers estimates of property values
Neighborhood Information ★4.5 - Provides data on neighborhood demographics, crime rates, and schools
Foreclosure Listings ★4.4 - Manages foreclosure listings
Customer Support ★4.6 - Responsive customer support ★4.5 - Dedicated customer support for property managers
eCommerce
Property Listings ★4.5 - Large number of property listings for buying and selling
Transaction Fees ★4.4 - Transparent transaction fee structure
Payment Gateway Integration ★4.3 - Supports online rent payments through payment gateways
Inventory Management ★4.5 - Track and manage property inventory and maintenance
Order Tracking
Marketing
Digital Advertising ★4.4 - Offers digital advertising options for real estate professionals ★4.3 - Advertising options for property managers
Lead Generation ★4.5 - Generates leads for property agents ★4.4 - Generates leads for property managers
Email Marketing ★4.5 - Tools for email marketing campaigns
SEO Tools ★4.2 - SEO tools for property management websites
Social Media Integration ★4.4 - Integrates with social media platforms for property promotion
Portfolio
Property Performance Analysis ★4.5 - Analyzes property performance and profitability
Financial Reporting ★4.6 - Detailed financial reporting for investors ★4.6 - Comprehensive financial reports and statements
Document Management ★4.4 - Manages property-related documents and contracts
Tenant Screening ★4.7 - Screening tools for background checks and credit reports
Lease Management ★4.6 - Tracks lease agreements and automates rent collection
Business
Employee Management ★4.5 - Streamlined employee management
Task Management ★4.4 - Task management system for property managers
Accounting Integration ★4.6 - Integrates with popular accounting software
Customer Relationship Management ★4.5 - CRM features for managing customer interactions
Data Security and Privacy ★4.6 - Strong data security measures in place ★4.7 - Robust data security and privacy measures

Comparision Reviews

Alexa Rogers

Austin, TX

Zillow is excellent for user-friendliness and has a wealth of listing options, making it easier for users to find what they are looking for. However, AppFolio stands out with its robust functionality and superior property management tools, which are particularly useful for real estate professionals.

Zillow 4.2

AppFolio 4.5

Sam Turner

Portland, OR

For a casual user, Zillow provides a simple interface and great usability. Conversely, AppFolio offers more comprehensive support and better value for money due to its extensive property management capabilities, which can save time and effort for property managers.

Zillow 3.8

AppFolio 4.7

Jordan McKinney

New York, NY

Zillow shines in terms of accessibility and features aimed at general consumers. In contrast, AppFolio's extensive property management tools and exceptional customer support make it a powerhouse for professionals in the real estate industry.

Zillow 4

AppFolio 4.8

Taylor Benson

Chicago, IL

While Zillow offers an excellent starting point for home searches with its easy-to-use platform, AppFolio provides a more advanced set of tools that are indispensable for property managers, including functionalities for leasing management and bookkeeping.

Zillow 4

AppFolio 4.6

Morgan Lee

Los Angeles, CA

Zillow is a great tool for those looking to buy or rent a property, with a smooth interface and vast database of listings. However, for property managers, AppFolio is hard to beat due to its superior management features and efficient customer support.

Zillow 4.1

AppFolio 4.9

Comments

Alice Baker
Hey everyone, I've been thinking about the tools we use for property management. Have you guys compared Zillow to AppFolio?
Charlie42
Charlie42 here! I’ve used both. What specifically are you curious about?
David Johnson
David Johnson: Same here! I found AppFolio to be a bit more robust. What do you think, Alice?
Alice Baker
Alice Baker: Yeah, that's kind of the sense I got too. But what about usability? Zillow seems easier to use.
EmmaL87
EmmaL87: Totally agree! AppFolio has so many features that it can get overwhelming. Zillow's interface is cleaner.
Frank Miller
Frank Miller: But isn’t AppFolio better for larger property portfolios? Zillow seems too basic for big operations.
Grace Wong
Grace Wong: For sure, Frank. Also, AppFolio has more advanced reporting features. You can't beat that.
Charlie42
Charlie42: True, but AppFolio’s customer support can be hit or miss. Zillow might have fewer options, but they’ve got better support.
EmmaL87
EmmaL87: Oh, that’s good to know! Support is so important when things go sideways.
David Johnson
David Johnson: All in all, I’d say: Zillow for ease of use and basic features, AppFolio for complex needs and larger portfolios?
Alice Baker
Alice Baker: Good summary, David! That’s pretty much how I see it too. Thanks, everyone!

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