Focus on technology yields big dividends at Kiavi

When asked what were the top concerns for real estate investors in 2022, 65% are still most concerned about inflation followed by 63% indicating rising interest rates were top of mind with them and 58% said that access to capital is critical. More than one-third of the respondents reported using technology to assist in locating and financing properties. REIs also said they were most likely to renovate the kitchen, and that kitchen renovation nets the highest ROI.

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Despite such pressing concerns, Bourque found customers making good investment decisions even amid changing market forces. “It is no surprise that inflation is top of mind with real estate investors as I think that’s the case for most Americans today,” he said. “Even still, we’re seeing our customers continue to identify smart investments and make good decisions. With over two thirds of US homes 30 years old or more, REIs will continue to play an important role as they revitalize aged homes and make them move-in ready for millions of families across the country.”

Bourque noted the “pain points” emerging from the study came as no surprise: “I am also not surprised to see some of the pain points that REIs face today,” he said. “The real estate industry is ripe for digital disruption. Oftentimes the processes are opaque and paper heavy. And with our technology and data, Kiavi is truly bringing real estate investors into the digital age. As we continue to grow and bring products to market that meet the needs of our customers, we hope to make the process even more efficient.”     

Yet modernity – with its attendant tools and technology – is nothing new for Kiavi, and largely attributable to its brisk growth, Bourque said. “Last year, the business grew over 100%,” Bourque said in citing a measurable result of the tech focus, noting that a strong growth rate is expected this year as well. Loan originations came in just under $1.6 billion in 2020 to more than $3.1 billion last year, the CEO said. Revenue nearly doubled as well, he added.