The housing market's slow-but-growing recovery is good news for everyone from homeowners to lenders, and it's particularly welcome news for Minneapolis company
Mobile Realty Apps.
Established in 2009, the technology-based startup entered the market at a tricky time, admits founder and CEO Aaron Kardell. But even with a sickly industry, the firm saw modest growth during its first two years. Over the past year, however, the traction really began to build. "We've seen pickup in a significant way, especially as our apps are getting more noticed," he says.
The company has developed a range of applications for tablet computers and smartphones, and is garnering the most attention lately for HomeSpotter, an app that uses a device with a live camera feed to deliver information on a specific property. A user can just point a smartphone or tablet down a street and instantly get info on all the houses for sale on that stretch.
Mobile Realty Apps has also been upgrading its other applications, drawing customers like
Edina Realty,
RE/MAX, and
NorthstarMLS. "Our local success has positioned us well for rollout on a national level," Kardell says. "We're seeing a convergence of key factors in our growth, including increased credibility based on our local customer base, and pickup in the housing market."
The company's wins created the need to find bigger office space, leading Mobile Realty Apps to recently move into the Grain Exchange building.
Kardell expects the momentum to continue, with an expanded client base, more product lines, and strong growth. As the housing market comes back, Mobile Realty Apps will be ready.
Source: Aaron Kardell, Mobile Realty Apps
Writer: Elizabeth Millard