Development of a Scalable Online Marketplace for Customized Tiny Home Listings

The client operates a niche online marketplace for tiny homes and similar mobile dwellings, currently built on an outdated platform with limited functionality. As the client seeks to grow its user base and monetize the platform more effectively, they face challenges related to limited scalability, insufficient features for user engagement and communication, and outdated technology infrastructure hindering future expansion.

A mid-sized online platform specializing in niche real estate markets, focusing on alternative housing options such as tiny homes, mobile dwellings, and off-grid cabins, aiming to connect buyers and sellers through an enhanced digital experience.

• Implement a scalable, custom-built marketplace platform capable of handling increased user traffic and listings.
• Increase user acquisition and engagement, aiming for significant growth in user base metrics within the first year.
• Enable comprehensive listing management with multimedia support and approval workflows.
• Develop integrated communication tools to facilitate interaction between buyers and sellers.
• Introduce monetization features such as pay-per-lead and dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Enhance user experience through intuitive interfaces and additional functionalities like wish lists and pre-approval financing options.

• User registration, login, and profile management with seller approval workflows.
• Listing management system allowing users to create, edit, and upload photos/descriptions, with a multi-step approval process for sellers.
• Advanced search and filtering capabilities for buyers to find relevant tiny homes based on various criteria.
• In-app messaging system to enable direct communication between buyers and sellers.
• A pay-per-lead monetization system supporting automated billing based on listing prices.
• A dispute center to handle cases where users do not wish to be charged for certain leads.
• Dream list or wishlist functionality for users to save and sort potential properties for marketing or planning.
• Integrated financing options, including pre-approval forms and partnerships with financial service providers.

• External financing providers for pre-approval mortgage or loan services.
• Payment gateway systems for handling transaction billing.
• Dispute resolution and customer support systems.

• Scalability to support growth to over 200,000 users and 3-4 million page views per month within the first year.
• High performance with minimal latency to ensure seamless user experience.
• Security measures for sensitive user data and transaction processes.
• Reliable system availability and uptime to support continuous operations.

The new platform is expected to significantly increase user engagement, resulting in approximately 200,000 new users within the first year. It aims to boost page views to 3–4 million per month and facilitate a 300% growth in the user base over two years, while generating improved monetization opportunities through integrated lead charges and financing partnerships.