Seeking Feedback: Market Rent Research Platform

[Cameron K.]

Hi everyone,

Last week, I was pulling rent comps to prepare renewal offers using my typical process: starting on Ręntometēr or Rēntcast for a rough idea of recently removed comps, then manually researching on platforms like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Facebook Marketplace. One thing I’ve always done is focus on the 75th percentile of the rent estimates, as my properties tend to fall into that range (very nice, but small with no amenities).

While I think there will always be some manual research involved, the current platforms lack key functionality that could be easily implemented with the available market data and technology.

1. Quality Metrics:

• Filter comps to match the quality of your rentals. For example, avoid wasting time comparing new construction with sun-soaked windows to basement units with stained drop ceilings. Looks matter.

• Our company has proprietary AI models designed to accurately assess listing quality through images, which would power this feature.

2. Smart Weighting:

• Automatically weigh comps based on their reliability.

• For example, a listing with three price drops and 180 days on the market would be weighted less than one with 30 contacts, no price drops, and a quick removal after 30 days.

3. Open Data:

• Provide direct access to each comp’s details: price history, leasing schedules, photos, and even links to the original listing sites—all without leaving the platform.

These three issues have been my biggest frustrations with current tools, and I’m building this out for internal use in my market.

My questions to you:

• Is this something you would want to see in your market?

• What challenges have you faced with existing platforms?

• Are there features you’d want to add or problems this doesn’t solve?

Does my experience resonate with yours? I’d love to hear your thoughts!