New platform hopes to become the ‘Uber of real estate’

Another online disruptor has launched in its first market hoping to take a bite out of real estate brokers’ businesses.

ShowPal has chosen the Greater Des Moines area as its debut market offering home sellers the ability to list their homes for sale with no commission fees to pay.

In line with most other new-model real estate firms, ShowPal sellers instead pay a sign-up fee followed by a flat-fee when their home sells.

“In all aspects of life, technology has changed the way consumers do business. Platform networks – such as Amazon, Airbnb, Uber and Expedia – have replaced many human gatekeeper sales models, and real estate will not uniquely avoid this disruption,” says Chad Torstenson, founder and CEO.

ShowPal provides a home appraisal, professional real estate photography, listing and marketing services, ID verification of buyers prior to home showings, an online showing booking and alert system, home showing assistance and access to online data and information about the home.

Showings are booked online with potential buyers accompanied by the firm’s exclusive security service who lock up the home afterwards. Buyers and sellers can negotiate through the platform and are connected with a real estate attorney at the appropriate time.