Houm

Houm is a revolutionary real estate technology (PropTech) company transforming the property market in Latin America, with operations in Chile, Mexico, and Colombia. Founded in 2018 and backed by Y Combinator, Houm's mission is to digitize and streamline the entire property lifecycle, making it easier, faster, and more secure for everyone to rent, buy, sell, or invest in a home. By integrating cutting-edge technology and AI, Houm eliminates traditional bureaucracy and offers a seamless digital experience.

How to use Houm

The platform is designed to be intuitive for all user types, simplifying complex real estate processes.

For Property Owners (Selling or Renting):

1. List Your Property: Start by registering your property on the Houm website. It's a quick and simple process.
2. Professional Showcase: Houm schedules a visit to take professional photographs and create 360° virtual tours. Their experts use market data and AI-driven analysis to recommend an optimal rental or sale price.
3. Maximum Exposure: Once listed, Houm promotes your property not only on its own platform but also on the main real estate portals in your country, maximizing its visibility.
4. Smart Candidate Selection: The platform manages viewing requests and uses technology to screen potential tenants or buyers, evaluating their financial reliability and background.
5. Digital Closing: You review the candidates and choose the best fit. Houm then handles all the paperwork, facilitating a fully digital contract signing process.
6. Worry-Free Management: For rentals, you can opt for a management plan. Houm takes care of collecting rent, handling maintenance requests, and even offers guaranteed rent payments.

For Renters and Buyers:

1. Find Your Home: Use the advanced search filters on the Houm website to browse thousands of listings.
2. Explore Properties: Take immersive 360° virtual tours from the comfort of your home or schedule an in-person visit online with just a few clicks.
3. Apply with Ease: Once you find the perfect property, you can apply directly through the platform with a simple, fully digital process.
4. Secure the Deal: Sign contracts and handle payments securely online, avoiding the hassle of traditional paperwork and in-person appointments.

Core Features of Houm

• AI-Powered Property Valuation: Utilizes machine learning algorithms and vast market data to provide accurate, data-driven rental and sales price recommendations.
• Digital Real Estate Marketplace: A comprehensive and user-friendly platform for searching, listing, and managing properties online.
• Professional Photography & 360° Virtual Tours: Provides high-quality visual assets to showcase properties effectively and attract more potential clients.
• Automated Tenant & Buyer Screening: Employs a tech-based system to efficiently evaluate candidates, ensuring property owners find reliable and trustworthy occupants.
• Guaranteed Rent Plans: Offers financial security to landlords with plans that guarantee monthly rent payments, even if the tenant defaults.
• Full-Service Property Management: A complete hands-off solution for owners, handling everything from payment collection and financial reporting to maintenance coordination and contract management.
• End-to-End Digital Transactions: Streamlines the entire process with secure, legally binding digital contracts and online payment systems.
• Multi-Portal Syndication: Automatically publishes property listings on the most popular real estate portals to ensure maximum reach and faster transactions.

Use Cases for Houm

• Landlords & Property Investors: Individuals or companies looking to rent out their properties quickly and securely, with options for guaranteed income and hassle-free management.
• Home Sellers: Property owners who want a fast, efficient, and technology-assisted sales process with professional marketing and a wider reach.
• Renters: People searching for a new home who desire a transparent, fast, and fully digital rental experience, free from traditional bureaucracy.
• Home Buyers: Individuals and families looking to purchase a property through a modern, streamlined platform with comprehensive information and virtual viewing options.

Advantages of Houm

• Speed: The platform's technology and streamlined processes make renting or selling a property up to 10 times faster than with traditional agencies.
• Security: Reduces financial risk for owners through thorough tenant screening and innovative products like guaranteed rent insurance.
• Transparency: Offers clear, upfront pricing and a digital process that keeps all parties informed at every step.
• Convenience: Manages the entire real estate journey online, from initial listing to contract signing, saving users significant time and effort.
• Technology-Driven: Leverages AI and data analytics to optimize pricing, tenant matching, and property management, leading to better financial outcomes and experiences.
• Professionalism: Ensures every property is presented in the best light with professional photos and provides expert support throughout the process.

Pricing and Plans

Houm operates on a transparent, service-fee model, where owners typically pay only after a successful transaction. The plans are tailored to the specific needs of property owners and vary slightly by country (Chile, Colombia, Mexico).

• For Rentals: Owners can choose from several tiers.
  • Brokerage Plan (Corretaje): A one-time fee for the service of finding and vetting a tenant, usually equivalent to 50% of the first month's rent.
  • Management Plans (e.g., Basic, Premium, Plus): These plans include the initial brokerage service plus ongoing property management. They involve a recurring monthly fee, typically a small percentage of the rent (e.g., 7-9%). Higher-tier plans include benefits like guaranteed rent for 6, 12, or even 24 months, and coverage for unpaid utility bills or property damages.
• For Sales: The service fee is a commission based on a percentage of the property's final sale price. This commission is competitive with traditional market rates but includes all of Houm's technological advantages and professional marketing services.