Eight Essential Apps to Navigate Quarantine

Technology has made it easier than ever to stay connected, maintain healthy habits, support local businesses, and plan for the future—even during life's unexpected changes. Whether you're spending more time at home or simply looking for ways to simplify your daily routine, these eight apps can help you stay productive, informed, and connected.

Stay Connected with Family and Friends

Houseparty (Free)

Houseparty makes virtual gatherings fun and interactive. The app allows you to video chat with multiple people, play games together, share your screen, and easily join ongoing conversations. It's a great way to stay connected with family and friends no matter where they are.

Instagram (Free)

Instagram continues to be one of the best platforms for discovering live content, educational resources, and entertainment. Follow local businesses, chefs, fitness instructors, community organizations, and even zoos that offer live educational sessions for children. It's an easy way to stay engaged and discover new interests.

Support Local Restaurants

Uber Eats (Free)

Ordering takeout is a convenient way to support local restaurants while enjoying your favorite meals at home. Uber Eats lets you search by cuisine, dietary preferences, or popular recommendations and offers convenient delivery options from participating restaurants.

Postmates (Free)

Postmates delivers more than just restaurant meals. You can order groceries, convenience items, and other essentials directly to your door. Since some restaurants partner exclusively with one delivery service, it's worth checking multiple apps when searching for your favorite local spots.

Stay Active at Home

Nike Training Club (Free)

No gym? No problem. Nike Training Club offers hundreds of guided workouts for every fitness level, including strength training, cardio, yoga, mobility, and recovery sessions. Many premium workout programs are available at no cost, making it easy to stay active from home.

Freeletics (Free with Optional Upgrades)

Freeletics provides personalized workout plans that adjust based on your available equipment and fitness goals. Whether you're exercising in your living room or backyard, the app helps you maintain a consistent routine with minimal equipment.

Prepare for Your Financial Future

Unexpected changes often remind us of the importance of financial planning. These apps can help you stay organized and work toward your long-term goals.

Zillow (Free)

If buying a home is part of your future plans, Zillow is an excellent resource for browsing available homes, saving searches, and receiving alerts when new properties hit the market. Many listings also include immersive virtual tours, allowing you to explore homes from wherever you are.

If you're considering purchasing a home in Arizona, it's also helpful to understand your financing options. Learn more about available mortgage programs at https://www.thepoldergroup.com/mortgage-loan-programs-tucson or begin your homebuying journey at https://www.thepoldergroup.com/buy.

Mint (Free)

Mint helps you organize your finances by tracking spending, creating budgets, monitoring savings goals, and providing valuable financial insights. It's a useful tool for anyone preparing for a future home purchase or working toward greater financial stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can budgeting apps help me prepare to buy a home?

Yes. Budgeting apps can help you monitor spending, build savings for a down payment, and better understand your monthly finances before applying for a mortgage.

Is Zillow a good place to start my home search?

Zillow is an excellent starting point for exploring neighborhoods, viewing listings, estimating home values, and identifying homes that match your budget and preferences.

When should I speak with a mortgage lender?

Many homebuyers benefit from speaking with a mortgage professional before they begin shopping for homes. Getting pre-approved can help you better understand your budget and strengthen your position when making an offer.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're strengthening relationships, supporting local businesses, improving your health, or preparing to purchase a home, the right technology can help you move closer to your goals.

If homeownership is part of your future plans, The Polder Group at CrossCountry Mortgage is here to help. We can answer your financing questions, explain available loan options, and guide you through every step of the mortgage process.

Ready to take the next step? Contact The Polder Group at CrossCountry Mortgage today to discuss your home financing goals, explore mortgage options, or get started with a pre-approval.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or mortgage advice. Loan programs, rates, and guidelines may change at any time. All loans are subject to credit approval and underwriting. For guidance tailored to your situation, consult a licensed mortgage professional.