Z
own, a real estate platform that provides upfront financial assistance to homebuyers, is expanding into California. The goal is to alleviate the burden of down payments and high home prices in the state.

    After gaining traction in Canada, where it supported over 250 homebuyers and facilitated $300 million-plus in transactions, Zown has launched in California. The platform offers a "down payment boost" by redirecting up to 2% of the buyer's agent commission towards the buyer.

    Zown's co-founder and CEO, Rishard Rameez, notes that the biggest barrier to homeownership is often the down payment, not the mortgage. He aims to change this with Zown's upfront support, which sets a new standard for the industry.

    Key features of the platform include:

    * Pairing buyers with licensed agents who use AI-powered tools and real-time data to navigate the market

    * Quick preapprovals, sometimes in under five minutes

    * A statewide network of listing agents allowing buyers to schedule home tours on demand

    Zown retains just 1% of the buyer's agent commission and returns the remainder as an upfront down payment boost or to buy down mortgage rates. This model is designed to help first-time and budget-conscious buyers compete in California's challenging housing market.

    Agents working with Zown are paid a salary rather than solely on commission, encouraging service over sales volume. They also have access to proprietary tools that provide deeper insights into factors like commute times, school ratings, and crime statistics.