Renting an apartment in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos, can be an arduous and time-consuming endeavour. It often involves dealing with unreliable agents, challenging and profit-driven landlords, substandard living spaces, and inefficient rental platforms and apps. This process is not only frustrating but also costly. I'm currently researching the most effective way to connect individuals seeking rental homes with verified listings and certified agents/landlords tailored to their specific requirements.
There are currently a few products similar to Homelly, so I did a competitive analysis to understand what’s currently in the market and our two main reference points were Nigeria Property Center and Propertypro.ng. I highlighted two main goals we wanted to have on the first version of the Homelly product and they are;
Homelly is crafted to redefine the rental experience with efficiency and simplicity at its core. I deliberately structured the user journey to begin with a personalized profile, allowing users to share their preferences, budget, and location choices. This strategic decision guarantees tailored recommendations, a key feature of Homelly’s user-centric approach.
Once users have fine-tuned their preferences, they seamlessly navigate a vast database of rental listings. Filtering by location and amenities streamlines the process, while the option to save favourites ensures easy reference. Additionally, for those who prefer in-person visits, scheduling viewings is a seamless process within the app.
Applying for the perfect rental is a straightforward endeavour, marked by a simple application submission. The experience concludes with an invitation for feedback, fostering a trusted community.
For listers, the process mirrors this user-centric approach. Their profiles and listings undergo a thorough review and verification process to ensure authenticity. Recognizing the importance of communication, I incorporated a dedicated channel on the platform, ensuring seamless interactions between listers and potential tenants. Homelly is more than a rental platform; it's a testament to thoughtful decision-making and a commitment to a seamless rental experience.
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Designing the process for renting an apartment was a task that needed careful thought. I knew it was crucial to figure out the main things users needed to rent an apartment. This helped me break the process into smaller, manageable steps.
Since renting an apartment involves gathering a lot of information, I made sure to split it into smaller, easy-to-handle stages. This way, users wouldn't feel overwhelmed.
After getting all this information organized, I created a user flow. This is like a big-picture view of the whole process. It helped me see the entire journey in one glance and know what to ask for at each step.
This methodical approach to designing the user flow is what underlies Homelly. It ensures that every step of the process is easy and straightforward for both renters and listers. It's how I aim to make the renting experience better for everyone involved.