Zown provides down payment assistance to homebuyers in Ontario by returning up to 80% of the commissions earned from real estate transactions, enabling buyers to access non-repayable funds without incurring debt or giving up equity. This model directly addresses the housing affordability crisis by helping individuals bridge the gap between their savings and the required down payment for home purchases.
Funding
$500K raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Many first-time homebuyers in Ontario struggle to accumulate the necessary down payment, delaying or preventing them from entering the housing market. Traditional methods of saving can be slow and insufficient, especially in a rapidly appreciating real estate environment. This financial hurdle creates a significant barrier to homeownership for many individuals and families.
Solution
Zown addresses the down payment challenge by providing eligible homebuyers with a portion of the real estate commission earned when they purchase a home through Zown's brokerage. Zown returns up to 80% of the commission, effectively boosting the buyer's down payment and reducing the upfront savings required. This model allows buyers to access non-repayable funds without incurring debt or relinquishing equity. By leveraging its commission structure, Zown aims to bridge the gap between a buyer's savings and the down payment needed to secure a mortgage and purchase a home.
Target Audience
Zown primarily targets first-time homebuyers in Ontario with a household income of at least $90,000 and savings exceeding $15,000, who are seeking to overcome the down payment hurdle and enter the housing market.
Features
- Upfront down payment assistance of up to 80% of the real estate commission.
- Access to a network of vetted real estate agents across Ontario.
- Mortgage pre-approval assistance, leveraging the down payment boost to increase purchasing power.
- AI-powered property matching and offer suggestions.
- Data-driven offer negotiations to secure the best deal.
- Access to exclusive mortgage and legal partners.