Fredrik Eklund has released a new mobile-friendly app that is changing how real estate agents and homebuyers can connect in real-time. The REAL Messanger app experienced its official kick-off in Las Vegas this week and was named the title sponsor for the Inman Connect Las Vegas event, which connects all those in the residential real estate community together. So, what exactly is REAL Messenger, and how did it get to be?
First off, who exactly is Fredrik Eklund? Eklund is a Swedish real estate broker who just so happens to be a Bravo TV reality star. The NYC Real Estate agent starred in the Bravo franchise series for 11 years, being a part of both Million Dollar Listing New York and Los Angeles. His departure from the show stirred up quite a bit of controversy, but according to Eklund, he "grew so much because of the show," and it was time for his "next chapter." Fast forward a few months, and his next chapter is here - and it's REAL.
The app was developed to connect those looking to sell houses to those looking to buy. And Eklund turned to social media platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram to help create the user-friendly, easily accessible platform. Users can scroll through listed homes tailored to their settings (zip code or certain countries) that are posted in the app by agents and message them through the app for more information. "The most important thing about the app for me was speed," explained Eklund, who claims that "there isn't anything like a REAL app where you want to look at beautiful listings, almost like a magazine."
Sponsored
The app's cofounder and CEO, Thomas Ma, explained the app would eventually get to the point where it will be monetized by offering certain add-on services for various fees - but the app is free and easy to use. "It's very personal buying a house," Ma explained. "So you can find a realtor that understands you. It's like finding your perfect agent" when using the REAL Messenger app. According to Ma, he has a "big team" on board in "5 states, 13 offices, 92 agents," all coming together to communicate with clients in "real-time" to give potential customers a great experience. Stay tuned for more updates.