Leveraging technology to revolutionize an industry

Background

YourHomeDirect (YHD) was founded in December 1998 for one simple reason—to save home buyers and sellers money. After careful research and consideration, its founders determined that savings alone was not enough. They saw a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to revolutionize an industry. By combining the power of Internet technology with top-notch professional service, they have created a low-cost, efficient, and convenient way to buy and sell homes.

Michael Kane, the founder of Verascend, served as YHD’s Chief Technology Officer in their first year and successfully launched one of New Jersey’s most successful brands.

Objectives

In order to take this innovative idea from business plan to launch, we had to:

• Build the technology infrastructure that would support the operation of the business 24/7;
  
• Develop a sophisticated Web site that simplifies the home buying and selling processes for the consumer;
  
• Facilitate the management of large listing inventories;
  
• Develop an intranet solution for the call center operation.
  

Solution

In a five-month period we took YHD from a great idea to a highly successful launch. The infrastructure securely connects five locations and the co-location. The public Web site offers home buyers and sellers personalized applications to manage their appointment calendar, contacts, and personal list of favorite homes. Home sellers can view real-time statistics on buyer interest in their homes.

YHD home consultants use a suite of personalized applications in their Web-based portal to manage their listings and clients. Call center personnel use an intranet-based set of applications for capturing clients’ personal information, setting appointments, and gathering pre-appointment information such as house specifications.

YHD is very successful in New Jersey and gaining market share in a highly competitive industry. The infrastructure and systems in place support tremendous volumes that continue to grow daily. YHD has become a leader in the category it helped define, the Internet-backed discount realtor.