How to build

How to Build Apartments.com Style App on Webflow, Wized, and Xano

Building a rental listing platform like Apartments.com helps users find rental properties and connect with landlords. Using Webflow for the design, Wized for interactivity, and Xano as the backend, you can develop a platform where users browse rentals, view floor plans, and schedule tours.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to bring your vision for Apartments.com Style App to life using Webflow, Wized, and Xano.

1

User Flow and Project Scope

To kick things off, we need to set a clear scope and requirements. I recommend creating a user flow that maps out the main app functions and core business logic. This way, we’re clear on the size and complexity of the project from the start.
After defining the flow, we’ll compile everything into a Product Requirements Document (PRD). This document will outline what’s included in the first version and what isn’t, so we stay aligned and keep things moving smoothly.

Typical users for your Apartments.com Style App

Renters: Search for rental properties.
Landlords: List rental properties.
Property Managers: Manage property details and tenant inquiries.

To ensure the app functions well, we’ll include these essential flows:

Main user flows for your Apartments.com Style App

App User Main Flows

Rental Search: Allows users to browse listings by location, price, and amenities.
Floor Plan View: Displays property layouts and features.

Client App (If Applicable)

Landlord Dashboard: Landlords manage listings, respond to inquiries, and schedule tours.
Property Listings: Displays rental details and contact options.

Intranet (Internal App for Managing Flows)

Admin Dashboard: Manages rental listings, landlord activity, and user engagement.
Reports: Tracks rental trends and property engagement.

2

Database Structure on Xano

To build an efficient and scalable Apartments.com Style App, we’ll design a flexible database structure on Xano. Even if not all features are in the initial version, this structure will make it easier to expand and adapt as the app grows.

3

UX & UI Design

Once we’re clear on the scope and user flows, we’ll start with wireframes to visualize how each flow looks in the app. After the wireframes are approved, we’ll select a design direction and build high-fidelity visuals. By leveraging Webflow’s capabilities, we’re not limited in creating interfaces that look fantastic in production.
4

Frontend Development in Webflow

Webflow gives us a powerful platform for frontend development, allowing us to achieve pixel-perfect design and faster results compared to traditional development methods. Using Webflow’s visual editor for HTML and CSS, we’ll speed up the build process while maintaining flexibility.

wEBFLOW DEVELOPMENT FOR tWIRL BY PRODULIS
5

API and Logic Creation in Xano

Once the planning is complete, or even alongside frontend development, we’ll build the app’s core logic in Xano. Here, we’ll create the APIs to connect the backend with the frontend securely. Xano’s visual interface supports everything from database management to API creation and server-side logic, so we can handle complex workflows as needed.

6

Connect Frontend and Backend with Wized

Wized allows us to bring all the business logic, workflows, and APIs created in Xano into the Webflow frontend. Wized supports both visual JavaScript development and custom code if needed, giving us flexibility to include standard JavaScript libraries and meet specific requirements.

7

Quality Assurance Process

Quality assurance is essential to make sure everything works perfectly before launch. Our team will do thorough testing, and I encourage you to participate in the review as well. This way, we can ensure the app meets your expectations and provides a smooth experience for your users.

Conclusion

Creating Apartments.com Style App involves more than just putting features together—it’s about building something scalable, efficient, and secure. By following this structured development process and using tools like Webflow, Wized, and Xano, we’ll have a strong foundation. Working with experienced professionals and prioritizing QA will ensure the app’s success. Check out our case studies to see similar projects we’ve brought to life and what’s possible for your vision.

Case Study, Twirl
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"If you work with Produlis, you will not look back."
Lara Stallbaum
Founder, Twirl