#27 - Rishard Rameez, Co-Founder & CEO at Zown
06/17/2025
Episode details
In Episode #27 of Slice of Real Estate, Rishard Rameez, Co-Founder & CEO at Zown.
Listen to the full episode to learn about:
- A viral Reddit post inspired Zown’s creation after Rishard’s frustration with hefty real estate commissions.
- $300M+ in transactions and rapid growth have made Zown Canada’s fastest-growing real estate brokerage.
- Customer obsession drives product success, with a focus on delivering a seamless, anxiety-free buying experience.
- Zown recently launched in California, proving its model resonates beyond Canada.
- Vision to own 60%+ of North America’s homebuyer market by making homeownership radically accessible.
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From Reddit Frustration to Industry Disruption
When Rishard Rameez shared his experience of paying over $70,000 in real estate commissions on Reddit, he had no idea it would spark a movement. His anonymous post quickly went viral, amassing thousands of upvotes and a flood of supportive messages. This groundswell of public frustration was the catalyst that led him to launch Zown, a company dedicated to transforming the outdated real estate system.
Building a Customer-First Real Estate Platform
Zown started with a simple but powerful mission: make homeownership accessible, affordable, and customer-centric. Rishard's team focused on first-time homebuyers—offering a one-stop shop experience that simplifies the complex process of buying a home. From securing the best mortgage rates to closing on a property, Zown streamlines every step.
Traditional real estate agents often face misaligned incentives: they earn more when buyers pay more. Zown flips this model by putting the buyer first, ensuring transparent and fair transactions. This mission has already resonated with the market: in just three years, Zown has processed nearly $300 million in transaction volume and earned a reputation as Canada's fastest-growing real estate brokerage.
Expanding Beyond Canada: California Launch
Recognizing that the need for a better homebuying experience extends beyond Canadian borders, Zown recently launched in California. The U.S. market's enthusiastic response—complete with early transactions in the Bay Area—has validated the company's cross-border potential.
As Zown expands, customer satisfaction remains the north star. The team prioritizes delivering a 10-star experience, aiming to transform homebuying from a stress-inducing event into a joyful milestone. Early results in California have been promising, with glowing five-star reviews and word-of-mouth advocacy from delighted buyers.
Vision for the Future: Owning the Homebuyer Market
Looking ahead, Zown aims to own 60% or more of the homebuyer segment across North America. The company isn’t just targeting current buyers; it’s helping future buyers by turning commissions into down payments, making homeownership possible for those still saving.
Rishard's vision is clear: empower renters to become homeowners and build a thriving community of Zown advocates. The team’s obsession with solving real problems—not just adding flashy features—will be key to achieving this goal.
Lessons Learned on the Journey
Rishard candidly reflects on the lessons learned along the way. Initially focused on the selling side of real estate, Zown soon pivoted to prioritize the buyer journey—realizing that building a robust base of buyers naturally attracts sellers. This strategic shift, along with a commitment to fundamental value over superficial AI tools, has shaped Zown into the sustainable, scalable platform it is today.
Final Thoughts
Zown’s story is a testament to the power of listening to customers and relentlessly pursuing meaningful innovation. As the company continues its North American expansion, one thing is certain: the future of homeownership is being reimagined—and Zown is leading the charge.
