Making Home Buying A Snap
Homesnap (formerly known as Sawbuck), launched a mobile real estate platform that builds on its hugely popular web-based home hunting application. CEO Guy Wolcott says the platform has a unique social graph where home buyers can take photos, post them to the app, and get feedback from friends, family, and realtors. Agents can also instantly chat with clients and recommend homes. Revenue is generated when a buyer uses Homesnap to find a realtor and buy a home.
Guy, who raised $3.5 million from Revolution Ventures last summer, says the app also appeals to people who aren't necessarily looking for a house but are curious about what $20 million will buy you in Miami or Beverly Hills. The entire 14-person company was at SXSW last week demo-ing the product, competing against other startups for funding and bragging rights--and doing the usual schmoozing. Guy says the long-term goal is to add apartments and foreclosed homes. He also envisions forming a partnership or licensing agreement to offer a commercial real estate product.
