1.9
Editor's Rating (13 Reviews)1
User Rating (3 Reviews)Homefinder is an online real estate marketplace. They cater to buyers and renters. They help users search homes for sale in their area. Their website also supports users looking for rental properties nearby.
Pros
Cons
Homefinder is a California-based online real estate marketplace for buyers and renters. The platform focuses on property search rather than transactions. You can search homes for sale and browse rental listings across the US.
When you browse homes for sale on Homefinder, your options remain basic. You can contact an agent through the platform. After that, the process stops. You cannot schedule a showing. You also cannot check pre-approval or place an offer.
In contrast, Houzeo gives buyers more ways to move forward. You can contact an agent when you choose. You can schedule a home tour online. Plus, you can check pre-approval and submit an offer online. This gives you more control and flexibility.
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✍️ Editor’s Take: We recommend Houzeo over Homefinder. Houzeo is America’s #1 homes for sale platform that makes the home search process a breeze. You can also view loan offers, schedule showings, and contact agents.
Key Takeaways
- Homefinder helps buyers and renters browse MLS listings and rental properties easily.
- The platform limits buyer actions like scheduling showings, pre-approval, and submitting offers.
- You can contact agents through the site but cannot complete next steps directly.
- Some listings may be outdated, which can affect the overall experience.
Is Homefinder Legit?
Yes, Homefinder is a legitimate real estate platform based in Irvine, California. The website operates as an independent portal and uses listing data powered by Realtor.com®. Plus, Realtor.com, operated by Move, Inc., also lists Homefinder in its privacy policy.
This supports Homefinder’s credibility as a genuine property search website. However, Homefinder is not a BBB-accredited business. Additionally, homefinder.com has low ratings across several review platforms.
How Does Homefinder Work?
Jump to: Buy | Rent | New Homes
Homefinder.com helps users search properties across the U.S. You can browse homes for sale from MLS-sourced listings. You can also browse rental properties in many cities. The platform also features new construction homes from builders.
1. Buy a Home on Homefinder
You start by selecting the Buy option. You then fill out basic details.
After submission, you see this message:
“Thank you for your interest. A realtor.com coordinator will call you shortly.”
This shows that your inquiry goes to the realtor.com network for follow-up.
2. Rent a Home on Homefinder
You select the Rent option and enter your details.
After that, you get multiple options.
Free Moving Quotes
You can request up to four free moving quotes.
This service comes from Moving.com, which is part of the realtor.com network.
Request a Tour
You can select up to three preferred dates for a property tour.
3. Find New Construction Homes
You choose the New Homes option.
You fill out a form with your full name, email, and contact number.
After submission, you see this message:
“Thank you for your interest. A builder will follow up. Please check your mail for details.”
This means your details go directly to the builder.
Homefinder Coverage
They offer their services in all 50 states and DC.
How Does Homefinder’s Rent-to-Own Service Work?
Homefinder is one of the rent to own legit sites. When you choose a rent-to-own home, you make an agreement with the homeowner. In this homeownership model, you pay a down payment and monthly rent. Once you pay the full price, you own the home.
On www.homefinder.com, you can search for rent-to-own properties and view photos. They also provide details about local schools, jobs, and cost of living. To access the full address, more photos, and contact information, you will need to register on a new website.
Homefinder Reviews
Homefinder has a 1.9 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot, based on 13 reviews. None of these reviews are positive. Plus, they have a 1-star rating on ConsumerAffairs based on 16 reviews. We checked multiple review platforms but did not find any positive reviews.
❌ Maria G reports poor follow-up with Homefinder. The company did not return calls as promised. They also asked inappropriate questions about disability and health, which were unrelated to the property.
Letting agent said they would call the next day after viewing a property and didn’t, so I tried to call them a few times and couldn’t get through. Agent inappropriately asked about the nature of my disability/health issues, when it had nothing to do with the property.
Source: Trustpilot
❌ Jason found Homefinder unreliable and unresponsive. The company did not reply to their messages and often dismissed their inquiries with excuses. This lack of communication left them frustrated and dissatisfied with the service.
Homefinder a joke like rct council. Homefinder a joke like rct council. No one replies to messages, then get fobed of with excuses
Source: Trustpilot
Homefinder Reviews: Pros and Cons
Let’s assess the pros and cons of Homefinder to see if they are the best option for you.
✅ Pros
- Extensive Information: Homefinder’s listings offer detailed information about local schools, job opportunities, cost of living, etc.
- Wide Range of Properties: Homefinder allows you to search for homes to rent or buy. Plus, they also let you explore rent-to-own properties.
- Excellent Technology: Their web portal is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
❌ Cons
- Limited Options for Buyers: You can only contact an agent through Homefinder. You cannot schedule a showing, get pre-approved, or submit an offer directly.
- Incorrect Categorization: Customer reviews of Homefinder.com mention that their rent-to-own listings are FSBO properties, and some of them are sample listings.
- Lack of Positive Reviews: Homefinder does not have positive customer reviews on credible websites like Trustpilot or Google.
Homefinder Competitors
Jump to: Homefinder vs. Houzeo | Homefinder vs. Trulia
Here are some competitors to Homefinder. These platforms also focus on helping buyers search for homes across the U.S.
Homefinder vs. Houzeo
Homefinder focuses on property search for buyers. They let you browse MLS listings, rentals, and new construction homes. You can contact an agent through the platform. You cannot schedule showings, get pre-approved, or submit offers directly.
Houzeo offers a more action-oriented experience for home buyers. You can browse homes for sale and take next steps within the platform. Plus, Houzeo also supports offer submission and transaction tools. This gives you more control beyond simple property search.
Homefinder vs. Trulia
Homefinder allows you to browse rental listings within your budget. For a small fee, a real estate agent can offer detailed guidance and help you find the best options in your area.
Trulia offers a variety of filters and search options to help you find apartments or homes for rent. Further, you also get local insights that can help you choose the right rental.
Homefinder Reviews: Are They Worth It?
Yes, Homefinder can help you search for homes and rental properties. It works well for listing discovery. You can browse MLS listings and contact agents. However, buyer actions stay limited. You cannot schedule showings, get pre-approved, or submit offers directly.
If you want a more buyer-focused experience, Houzeo offers practical tools. You can schedule showings, connect with lenders for pre-approval, and submit offers online. This helps you move from search to purchase without delays.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homefinder.com
Is Homefinder a fake website?
No, Homefinder is not a fake website. However, their customer reviews point out that some properties on their site are only sample listings.
Is Homefinder rent-to-own legit?
Yes, Homefinder's rent-to-own service is legitimate and offers renters the option to purchase the home they are already living in.
How does Homefinder work?
Homefinder is an online real estate platform where buyers and renters can search homes for sale or rent. Check how HomeFinder works to simplify your real estate journey.
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Reviews
(3 Reviews)
Bad Info
Verified Reviewer
Geraldine Reckner
Verified Reviewer
17th Jan 2024
Not a review. Continuous phone calls. When told not interested they change extensions.
Annoying and endless calls
Verified Reviewer
14th Dec 2023
They have no life. They will call you in the middle of the night to tell you that they’re interested in listing your house for sale so Riddick
23rd Feb 2024
HOMEFINDER.COM IS FULL OF BAD INFO AND LISTS PROPERTIES THAT ARE NOT EVEN FOR SALE OR FORCLOSED-PRE FORCLOSED WHAT A SCAM STAY AWAY