Cave or Castle

THE PROJECT: Cave or Castle
We have built a real estate search app and web app with several unique competitive advantages. Our focus is first on the end user. The only way we succeed is making the site attractive to buyers and to constantly entice them to come back to our app.

THE TEAM
I started building the app by myself in 2019. Currently I have 1 developer (contractor) I hire out at about 10hrs/week @ $50/hr

PROJECT STATUS
We have a pretty efficient app/website code base and support 4 key platforms:
- Android App (PlayStore)
- iOS App (App Store)
- Desktop WebApp (large aspect screens)
- Mobile WebApp (mobile screen sizes)

PROJECT UNIQUES
- Users and agents can share feedback with each other (more details with NDA)
- Multiple potential revenue sources: REALTORS and Lenders monthly membership fee  (more details with NDA)
- Machine Learning: The app learns what you are searching for and recommends more listings for you  (more details with NDA)
- Unique Map/Listing interface design gives users more searching options
- Reverse prospecting for agents (agents can actually start finding and engaging/SELLING to buyers)
- Built a process to make it super efficient for REALTORs to constantly touch clients and new customers  (more details with NDA)

MARKETING PLAN
- Agents will drive users to the site because the site will be branded to whomever sends them a link first
- Buyers will drive users to the site so they can get more feedback on their listings
- Traditional marketing and personal outreach especially to new agents and lenders

STRENGTHS
-  New, efficient code base
- Nimble code base/processes - our code base is small enough where changing directions is doable, quick
- Most of the codebase for all 4 platforms only needs to be updated in 1 or 2 places.
- Project owner lives and breathes the intersection of tech and real estate. "I use my own software to make money."
- Owner is financially cashflowing (no debts) - estimate $50,000 so far
- Unique ideas to drive end users to use the platform and separate ourselves from other apps/sites
- Owner is extremely passionate about this project and wants to devote the next 3-5 years to make this site a reality
- Owner is very team-oriented

WEAKNESSES
- Beta Only: Still not production-ready
- Currently we are not monetizing the app or website because we are focused on maximizing user experience and user adoption. However, I definitely do have a plan for monetization similar to Zillow but more than just "advertising".
- Owner does not have the capital to invest beyond our current pace
- Currently lack integrating outside data sources such as schools, etc...
- Only Great North MLS at the moment, but our system was built to eventually add on many more MLSs

CREDENTIALS
As a top REALTOR in my agency at Century 21 for 8 years, I understand the business. As a software developer and project manager for more than 20 years (the largest online website in the state of ND), I am fluent in all aspects of the software development lifecycle and world.