Shared Searching Feature Launched

American property giant Zillow has launched a new feature that allows simultaneous searching.

Users of the Zillow app on iPhones and iPads are now able to search property sale and rental listings in a seamless, synchronous experience with family and friends, or a real estate agent.

Collaborative shopping is enabled by the new feature for FaceTime called SharePlay. During a FaceTime call, users can start a SharePlay session to search together, explore maps and view listing photo galleries in sync on Apple mobile devices.

David Beitel, Zillow’s Chief Technology Officer, said: "Whether you're shopping for a home or a rental, this new feature makes it easier and a lot more fun.”

"The ability to browse together on separate mobile phones allows people to take their Zillow surfing to the next level. It's also a great new way for real estate agents to connect with customers and guide them in their home-shopping journeys."

According to customer research, 86% of Zillow users reported shopping with a partner, spouse or housemate. That's why Zillow provides tools that make shopping with others simple, such as the Shopping Partner feature, which allows each user to see another's saved homes and tags on the "saved homes" tab.

SharePlay powers collaboration that happens in real time and allows input from loved ones that can help buyers winnow their options and save time.

Home shoppers, especially millennials, value input from others. Zillow research found most millennial and Generation Z home shoppers say they discuss their housing decisions with parents (71%) and friends (61%).

Among millennials and Gen Z homeowners, a majority say they chose not to buy a particular home because of the opinion of a significant other (60%) or a parent (54%).

"This new feature is the perfect addition to the suite of technology-based tools — which includes Zillow 3D Home tours and interactive floor plans — Zillow provides to help make people's moving journey easier, less stressful and more fun," added Beitel.