Casa Blanca Secures $2.6 Million in Seed Funding for Innovative Home Search App

Casa Blanca, a company developing a home-finding application modeled after the “Bumble-like” concept, has successfully raised $2.6 million in seed funding.

Founder's Background and App Launch

Hannah Bomze, co-founder and CEO, obtained her real estate license at the age of 18. Prior to establishing Casa Blanca last year, she gained experience working with prominent real estate firms such as Compass and Douglas Elliman Real Estate.

The application was initially launched in October with the intention of connecting prospective homebuyers and renters with suitable properties. This is achieved through an in-app matchmaking algorithm, supported by the expertise of real estate agents. Buyers are eligible to receive up to 1% of their home purchase price back at closing.

Investment Details and Market Traction

Samuel Ben-Avraham, a partner and early investor in Kith, and also an initial investor in WeWork, spearheaded the funding round for Casa Blanca. This brings the company’s total funding to $4.1 million to date.

Recently, the New York-based startup expanded its operations into the Colorado market and has demonstrated significant progress in a relatively short timeframe.

Since its October launch, Casa Blanca has facilitated sales exceeding $100 million. Projections indicate this figure will rise to $280 million this year, encompassing both the New York and Denver markets.

Personalized User Experience and Streamlined Listings

Bomze emphasized that the app’s functionality will be tailored to each city. The goal is to deliver a uniquely personalized experience for every user.

Casa Blanca asserts its ability to efficiently organize and filter property listings based on individual user preferences and lifestyle considerations.

Key Features include a centralized platform for booking, managing feedback, scheduling appointments, and communicating with a dedicated, branded agent, providing a unified experience.

Direct-to-Consumer Approach and Agent Support

Unlike many of its competitors, Casa Blanca employs a direct-to-consumer business model, as highlighted by Bomze.

While real estate agents are a crucial component of the company, they are relieved of the responsibility of generating leads and receive enhanced organizational support. This allows them to concentrate on providing individualized attention to clients, resulting in an improved overall experience for the consumer.

Growth and Expansion Plans

Currently, Casa Blanca employs over 38 agents across New York City and Colorado, a substantial increase from the 15 agents on staff at the same point last year.

Bomze observed that the company is experiencing a period of growth and is capitalizing on a unique opportunity, particularly as more women seek flexible employment options.

The newly acquired capital will be allocated towards continued expansion into new markets, both domestically and internationally, as well as enhancements to the company’s technology and overall scaling efforts.

“The app experience will be curated for each city as we grow,” Bomze stated. “For example, in Colorado, users can refine their preferences based on proximity to ski resorts, ensuring a personalized experience.”