Dear house hunter,
If you have been searching for a while, you may start to think it is down to you. That you are missing something others do know. That your profile needs to be better, your story more convincing or your subscription bigger.
We understand that feeling. What bothers us are services that make that feeling bigger and then sell you the solution.
For years we stood on the other side. We read applications, held viewings, signed rental contracts and handed over keys. Along the way we saw house hunters putting in more and more effort to match an ideal picture that often played hardly any role in the selection.
To be honest, it bothered us more and more. It created extra work, but above all expectations that did not match practice. People did their best and sometimes paid a lot for it. When it came to nothing, they were left feeling that they apparently had to do even better.
We think that is unfair.
A landlord looks at concrete conditions, such as whether you can afford the rent. You need to meet those. A nicer version of yourself does not change those conditions. Once you meet them, what you mostly want to know is where you can still reply.
Looking for a home is hard enough already.
To services that present themselves as guides to this market, we say: be honest about what you offer. Your own house hunt can be the start of a business. Helping and guiding people looking for a home also takes knowledge of the rental market, the rules and everyday practice. We bring that, along with years of experience and a network in the sector. We use it to help you understand what is useful, what to look out for and what steps you can take.
An alert can be useful. A tool can save time. Say that. Don't give people a list of supposed shortcomings for which you happen to sell something every time. A hefty price tag is no proof that something helps.
Examples of claims about reach and speed
We built OpenSein because we felt it could be simpler and fairer. With estate agents and property specialists who know the process, developers who build the technology and people who answer when you have a question.
What we do is straightforward: we keep an eye on the listings and send you an alert. You look at the home and reply yourself, directly with the provider. As yourself.
OpenSein has paid options too. We are clear about them: more providers, filters and channels. We do not deliberately hold back alerts to sell you a more expensive subscription. We do not promise you a home, because that decision lies with the provider.
We want to help you with the part we can influence. Seeing new listings in time, without having to chase them yourself all day. The technology may be complicated. Explaining what it does for you should not be.
For years we opened the door for you. Now we stand beside you on the doorstep, with the knowledge from inside.
We hope you soon find a lovely place and no longer need us.
Love,
Team OpenSein / Ailurii