A
new real estate platform is changing the way people buy homes by providing unprecedented insights into their potential neighborhoods. Oyssey, launching in South Florida and New York City, allows buyers to view neighborhood demographics, including political affiliations based on election results and campaign contributions.

    The platform's CEO, Huw Nierenberg, believes that today's homebuyers prioritize social connections over physical features. He says buyers often ask about their neighbors' values during house tours, shifting focus from a home's condition to whether they'd feel comfortable inviting them to dinner.

    Oyssey streamlines the home-buying process by integrating block-by-block data with real estate tools. The platform markets its service to agents and brokers via a subscription model, while buyers can use it for free with an invitation from their agent. By combining consumer and political data, Oyssey aims to cater to buyers' preferences while simplifying the process.

    The launch comes at a time of turmoil in the real estate industry, following a class-action lawsuit that requires buyers to sign contracts and negotiate commission fees upfront. Oyssey sees this as an opportunity to simplify the process for both parties, offering agents exclusive data and buyers unique insights into their future neighborhoods.

    However, some experts worry that providing such information could deepen social divisions in an already polarized country.