How it all Began

Timothy Van Strien worked as a realtor for 8+ years. Over time, he realized the industry (real estate) was built on relationships, but whenever business got in the way, the relationship suffered. Sometimes vice versa. As the saying goes, “it’s just business.” The problem: Tim was truly interested in people, yet worked in an industry that encourages selling to everyone he’s ever met.

He started to ask questions: Could the model be more transparent? What is the actual job of a realtor? Why do we charge 3% commission to everyone? Would I pay myself this much knowing what I know now?

After nearly a year of hard thinking with his closest friends and trusted people, the hourly model was born. This model brings accountability to the entire equation, for both client and agent alike.

Why the Traditional Real Estate Model (TREM) Causes Distrust

While conflict of interest is rampant in Traditional Real Estate, not all traditional Realtors are driven by money. There are exceptional people in the industry who will move Heaven and earth to meet their clients’ needs. If they have integrity and are professionals in the business, why are their efforts overlooked? Why is the “used car dealership” stigma for Realtors still going strong?

Well, realtors only get paid by selling houses—that is, if they sell the house. I believe this to be a massive oversight of the entire industry. I want people to know, above all, realtors provide advice, but because the only way they get paid is “selling” houses, it’s hard to know which ones are the good ones and which ones just want to get paid.

We wondered, what if we added transparency and structure? Could clear options, boundaries, pricing, and hours, remove “selling” from the equation?

That’s what we are intending to find out.