PropTech for Remote Apartment Tours
Client: Unseen Apartments is a US-based proptech platform that connects apartment seekers with verified local gig workers who conduct in-person apartment tours on their behalf. The platform enables prospective renters to evaluate properties remotely, saving time while providing authentic, on-the-ground insights.
The Challenge
As an early-stage startup, Unseen Apartments needed to validate its business model and launch a market-ready MVP within a limited timeline and budget.
The platform needed to provide a simple experience for both apartment seekers and gig workers while establishing a technical foundation that could support future growth.
Key requirements included:
- Fast MVP delivery within budget
- Intuitive apartment discovery and booking
- Reliable tour request workflows
- Simple coordination between renters and gig workers
- A scalable technical foundation
- Differentiating features that could add value for prospective renters
The objective was to get the product to market quickly without compromising the foundation required for future evolution.
Our Approach
We worked closely with the founders to define the MVP scope, prioritize essential functionality, and translate the product vision into a focused, market-ready solution.
1. Built the Core MVP Platform
We developed the frontend and backend using React.js and Ruby on Rails, creating the core workflows for:
- Apartment discovery
- Gig worker interactions
- Tour requests
- Booking management
- Tour coordination
The solution was designed around the core user journey, keeping the MVP lightweight while leaving room for future functionality.
2. Introduced AI-Powered Apartment Scoring
To provide additional value to renters, we introduced a lightweight Generative AI-powered apartment scoring capability.
Using Python and OpenAI, the system analyzed property descriptions and generated additional insights to help prospective renters evaluate properties more effectively.
3. Implemented Automated CI/CD
We established automated GitHub CI/CD workflows to streamline development and deployment. This enabled the team to release changes quickly while maintaining a consistent and reliable deployment process.
4. Built for Future Growth
The application was deployed on AWS, providing a cloud-based foundation capable of supporting future product enhancements and increasing usage.
We maintained a focused MVP architecture while avoiding unnecessary complexity that could slow down the startup's initial go-to-market efforts.
Key Business Outcomes
- Successfully delivered a production-ready MVP within the planned timeline and budget.
- Enabled the customer to launch quickly and begin validating its business model.
- Delivered intuitive workflows for apartment discovery, booking, and tour management.
- Introduced AI-powered apartment scoring to provide renters with additional property insights.
- Established a scalable cloud-based platform ready for future product enhancements and business growth.