Tech Bytes: RatePlug debuts integrated home search, financing platform
The offering combines affordability-based search, mortgage rates, pre-approval and lead scoring for agents and lenders. Plus, news from Goby Homes and more.
Editor's note: Technology is a driving force in real estate. From startups to established players, tech companies are constantly innovating, growing and forging partnerships. Here we highlight some of the latest news about the companies that help power the industry.
Afordal 'solves one of the biggest pain points' for buyers
RatePlug has launched Afordal, a platform that combines home search with financing tools — including live mortgage rates, pre-approval and eligibility for special loan programs — in one system. The product is designed to help agents, loan officers and MLS partners connect more efficiently with qualified buyers and streamline collaboration across the transaction.
"Afordal solves one of the biggest pain points in residential real estate: aligning what homebuyers want with what they can afford," Brad Springer, co-president of RatePlug, said in a news release. "Afordal unites home search and financing to give buyers a clear path forward, allowing professionals to engage their customers more effectively."
Built on RatePlug's recent acquisition of HomeASAP, the platform combines IDX search, agent marketing and mortgage infrastructure. It also incorporates AI-driven lead scoring and CRM integration to help professionals prioritize contacts based on credit behavior, life events and listing readiness.
With existing partnerships across major MLSs and more than 700,000 agents using HomeASAP tools, RatePlug expects wide adoption.
Goby Homes product aims to reduce failed transactions
Goby Homes has launched a communication platform designed to minimize disruption and delays in residential real estate transactions. The tool gives brokers, agents and clients a secure, centralized space for managing documents, tracking responsibilities and improving transparency throughout the deal process.
"Transactions still fall apart because key information gets missed, roles and responsibilities are unclear, and real-time transparency is almost nonexistent," Founder Terrence Nickelson said in a news release. "Without a shared source of accountability, confusion builds, leading to friction, a poor client experience, and ultimately, fallout."
Goby Homes also emphasizes security, pointing to research that nearly half of real estate businesses have experienced a cyberattack in the past two years. The platform is designed to reduce blind spots and streamline collaboration while keeping sensitive information protected, the company said.
More tech news
RentSpree launches RentEdge for MLSs: RentSpree has introduced RentEdge, a modular platform designed to help MLSs boost rental activity, agent engagement and member value. The system includes tools for tenant screening, market insights, listing distribution and client retention — all accessible through embedded widgets inside the MLS interface.
"Rentals continue to represent one of the most underutilized revenue streams in today's market," said Michael Lucarelli, CEO and co-founder of RentSpree. "RentEdge is designed to bring rentals to the forefront of the MLS experience, helping agents start, grow, and sustain success while providing MLSs with the tools to support and scale rental activity."
HomeSmart integrates Realtors Property Resource info: HomeSmart has become the first national brokerage to integrate Realtors Property Resource (RPR) data into its proprietary RealSmart Agent platform, enabling single sign-on access and direct links to RPR tools such as property and seller reports, the company announced.
"With SSO and Deep Links into RPR, we've eliminated workflow friction and improved adoption of one of the most powerful data tools in real estate," said Katie Cooper, chief operating officer at HomeSmart, which says that more than 11,500 of its 25,000 agents already use RPR.
REcore, Lundy team up: REcore, a technology company built by and for MLSs, has partnered with Lundy Inc. to bring Navigator— an AI-powered assistant for MLSs and associations — to markets nationwide. Under the new agreement, REcore will serve as the exclusive reseller of Navigator, a move designed to accelerate access to this real estate-specific AI assistant across the MLS landscape. Lundy also offers voice-powered home search for consumers.