A revolutionary platform that empowers Kiwis to swap, not sell, to find their dream home has launched, offering a new opportunity for New Zealanders to save thousands of dollars on their most significant life purchase.
Hermitty is a web-based platform that assists New Zealanders to swap homes with other likeminded homeowners. For a fraction of the cost of the traditional sale process, clients can now list their home for free on the Hermitty website and take control of the marketing process.
Much like a dating app, homeowners will have the ability to search through and show interest in other homes simply by ‘liking’ them. Once the homes have been mutually ‘liked’ by the homeowners, a one-off fee of $98 plus GST is paid in order to start a conversation.
The fee allows the visitor to message as many other homeowners as they like, and market their own home. Who knows their own home better than the owner?
This represents a massive saving. The commission fee on a home valued at the national median house price of $550,000 is between $17,000 and $25,000.
Hermitty was co-founded by Chris Mackenzie and Nic Foote. “Having previously switched my own home when it was up for sale, I found it was the easiest sale and purchase of a home I had ever done,” says Mackenzie.
“Nic and I both realised that this happens a lot and that there are a multitude of reasons where it makes sense for New Zealanders to switch homes.
This could include a shift in region, wanting to secure more desirable school zones or a change in circumstances that necessitates a downsize or upsize.
“We wanted to create a community that would facilitate bringing New Zealanders who are looking for a new home together, with a focus on swapping not selling. Our platform empowers the home owner to change house easily, saving stress and expense in the process,” says Foote.
Hermitty is offering unlimited free chat with other listings to the first 100 people who list their home on the site.
Visit Hermitty, including terms and conditions, on www.hermitty.co.nz.
