Zillow's New Tool Speeds Up Home Searches

Zillow has released a new app feature that it claims speeds up house searches by up to five times.

The Multilocation search lets users quickly find properties across different zip codes, neighbourhoods, cities, counties—even states—to widen their property search within multiple desired areas at the same time.

Users create a hand-drawn zone on Zillow's interactive map, and repeat the same search in up to five pre-defined areas, like this:

Multilocation search also lets users sift through the listings on the map or all in the same results feed. In addition, users can save their multi-location searches and opt to receive email and push notifications with results and recommendations.

Zillow's recent technological investments follow the US giant's goal to become an all-in-one platform that lets users search for, buy, sell, rent and finance properties.

Zillow says buyers have been expanding their house hunt farther afield, to more-distant neighborhoods, cities and even states.

Jenny Arden, Zillow chief design officer, said:

"In today's fast-paced market, home shoppers need to see as many options as possible with the fewest clicks.

"This new Zillow feature allows users to refine their search and gives them confidence that all their options are in front of them. Whether they're looking for apartments in only the hippest neighborhoods of Austin, Nashville or Raleigh, or focused on three-bedroom homes in a short list of Los Angeles suburbs, multi-location search will save home seekers time."

Zillow and challenger portal CoStar are investing heavily in technological capabilities, with CoStar's CitySnap launching in June.

Zillow is working hard to strengthen its proposition after the business was forced to make 55 members of staff redundant as a response to its failed iBuying business earlier this year.