Unlisted connects homeowners with prospective buyers before they even put their homes up for sale and is part of TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

Neighborly Chats Spark a Real Estate Revolution

I love stories where a simple backyard conversation ignites a big idea, and Katie Hill's journey with Unlisted Homes is exactly that. Picture this: Hill, envisioning her future poolside retirement, casually tells her neighbor she'd love first dibs on his house. What starts as neighborly banter turns into a eureka moment, highlighting how many of us quietly dream about specific homes that aren't even for sale yet.

Unlisted Homes steps in as a clever bridge, building digital profiles for over 121 million properties using public records—think Zillow, but for the hidden gems not yet listed. Buyers can join waitlists to signal interest, notifying owners and sparking those meaningful future talks without the scramble of a sudden 'For Sale' sign. It's not about closing deals on the platform; instead, it connects people to local experts like agents and service pros, keeping things community-focused and practical.

Hill's path from side-hustle to securing $3.25 million in funding, including from HearstLab for women-led ventures, shows the power of persistence and smart connections. Reaching out to Kayak's co-founder for advice? Bold move that paid off with invaluable mentorship. For entrepreneurs eyeing the real estate tech space, this underscores how spotting everyday frustrations can lead to scalable solutions that investors crave—ones with real user traction, like their 5,700-home waitlists worth billions.

It's refreshing to see innovation that's grounded in personal need rather than hype. If you're navigating the startup world or just curious about shaking up housing markets, dive into the full story—it's packed with inspiration for your next big pivot.