Buying a home has become simpler and more accessible than ever, thanks to these companies that are digitizing the real estate process in nearly every aspect. No matter your situation or what you need help with, there's probably a tech start-up that can make it easier for you to buy a home! Here are a few to keep an eye out for:
UNISON
If you're worried about a down-payment, check out Unison. Unison is a home-buyer program that will give buyers money for a down payment in exchange for a share of the home's equity. Although they won't be able to provide 100% of the down payment, they will contribute up to 50% which is still a great deal! That's 10% of your home's total cost. Once the house is sold, they take a share of either the profit or the loss-- usually 35% for both. You can qualify for this program if you're using a partner lender that has been approved by Unison. ZERODOWN
Zerodown is a San Francisco-based program that will do just what it sounds like: give you the option of buying a house without a down payment, and without any mortgage debt. Once you're approved through their online approval process, you can choose the home you want to buy, and Zerodown will buy it for you. You'll be able to move into the house within a week! However, you won't own it: Zerodown will. That's why you don't have to pay a mortgage. Zerodown can own the house for up to five years, and you'' make lease payments for at least two years. After two years, you'll be able to buy the home if you choose to. Keep in mind that although you don't technically pay a downpayment, there is a $10,000 fee. SPRUCE
Founded in 2016, Spruce is working to digitize every aspect of the homebuying process and cut out paperwork and complications. They work with and help everyone at every stage, from home buyers to real estate attorneys. As a homebuyer, they can help make the process much simpler for you. They'll help you out with all of your transactions between you and your lender, and they'll take care of the title search, policy, settlement, and escrow, so you can have complete peace of mind and way less confusion. Less paperwork means a simpler, stream-lined process that will leave you with less stress and more excitement about your new home! DIGS
Digs offers two different programs: one for homeowners and one for those saving to buy a house. With the saver program, Digs will help you prepare to buy a home by creating and keeping track of your savings goals, keeping an eye on your credit, and learning about the homebuying process. You can set up automated saving deposits that recur daily, weekly, or monthly, so that you can save effortlessly. They also offer homebuyer rewards, which will help you increase your buying power. If you already own a home, their homeowner program offers free valuations from the data providers the experts use. Digs will also help you monitor and track your equity, optimize your mortgage, and learn all about the best ways to build long term wealth. UPEQUITY
If you're looking to make the most competitive offer possible to make sure you get your dream home, Upequity is the way to go. They help you make competitive offers by backing your offer with cash. A cash offer is twice as likely to be accepted as a financed one. It could even get you a 2-5% discount! Upequity also guarantees a close on time, which is helpful considering 24% of mortgages get delayed, and this sometimes leads to deals falling through. Upequity gives you peace of mind in that respect. It's also free! There's no additional cost with Upequity. EASYKNOCK
Easyknock is available in all 50 states and has several sale-leaseback programs that will fit all sorts of families and their needs. They buy your house so that you can lease it back. Easyknock three programs: Sell & stay, MovAbility, and ReLease. With Sell & Stay and ReLease, you have the option to sell your house without moving, because Easyknocks buys it. You can lease it for as long as you'd like, and you can buy it back or move whenever you're ready. MovAbility is a great program for those looking for a new house, but wanting to sell their current home first. Easyknock will buy your house and lease it back to you until you find your next dream home and are ready to move out. BETTER
Currently available in 44 states, Better may be able to help you fund your loan and cut down the length of the mortgage process. While mortgage applications can usually take weeks (and the entire process can be up to 60 days!) with Better's automated process you can be pre-approved within 20 minutes and get your loan closed in just 10 days. What's more, they don't charge any fees or commissions, since they make their money from interest.