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Rate my startup: 200 Square (100% online real estate agency in NZ)

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Rate my startup: 200 Square (100% online real estate agency in NZ)

#1
Our new startup is called 200 Square, and we're trying to change the way real estate is sold in New Zealand.

200square.co.nz

Basically, we manage the whole process online - you list your house for sale, order marketing and even negotiate with potential buyers all online. The legal environment here means you can even digitally "sign" agreements using a credit card!

There's no human "agent" in the process - 200 Square manages it all, although you can get in touch with someone for help if you need it. We also charge a fixed "success fee" instead of the usual commission paid to an agent (2% - 4% of the sale price here, depending on a number of things).

I'm really interested in what you guys think of the concept, and the home/info pages - we are trying to explain a complicated process as concisely and simply as possible.

Appreciate anything you might suggest however!

Re: Rate my startup: 200 Square (100% online real estate agency in NZ)

#5
post #4

I think that the design works well. How's traction so far?

You can see we've got 13 properties listed publically - there are quite a few more in the pipeline, including deals with some building companies.

We've only been live a couple of weeks, and it's the main holiday time (summer) over here, so we'll see in the New Year.

People seem to either "get it" and love it, or dismiss it as "it'll never work". We take the polarization as a positive.

EDIT: oh, and thanks for the design comments - I'll pass those on (I'm the tech guy)

Re: Rate my startup: 200 Square (100% online real estate agency in NZ)

#6
Design is very good. But one suggestion is to include at least glimpse of some properties available for buying. Right now homepage has lot of literature, but for a new site its important to show that you have some traction and gain further clicks from user.

Re: Rate my startup: 200 Square (100% online real estate agency in NZ)

#7
One thing that would be important, and I'll admit I didn't register for an account to see if this is possible, but I don't believe anyone will buy a home sight unseen or without and inspection. Is there a facility to book a viewing or book an inspection?

Re: Rate my startup: 200 Square (100% online real estate agency in NZ)

#8
I recently bought my first house in the greater Wellington area, so have spent the last four or so months dealing with real estate agents. I think anything to reduce their influence is probably going to be popular. The fixed commission is probably a good move as it makes you look more neutral, unlike agents who wants the highest sale price possible.

From a buyer's point of view the biggest problem with the site is the low number of listings, but I imagine that will grow with time. Best of luck.

Re: Rate my startup: 200 Square (100% online real estate agency in NZ)

#9

Design is very good. But one suggestion is to include at least glimpse of some properties available for buying. Right now homepage has lot of literature, but for a new site its important to show that you have some traction and gain further clicks from user.

Hmmm - we had kept it like that to be focused on the seller - there's more buyer info under the "buy" tab. We hadn't considered the "traction" angle. I'll bring it up with the others - thanks!

Re: Rate my startup: 200 Square (100% online real estate agency in NZ)

#10

One thing that would be important, and I'll admit I didn't register for an account to see if this is possible, but I don't believe anyone will buy a home sight unseen or without and inspection. Is there a facility to book a viewing or book an inspection?

You generally get in touch with a buyer directly to book inspections.

We might develop something to make that a little easier though, so thanks for the suggestion.

We definitely don't expect anyone to buy a house without seeing it!

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