Move Inc., a subsidiary of News Corp. and operator of realtor.com, an online destination for real estate services, has acquired Chicago-based Avail, a platform that seeks to improve the renting experience for do-it-yourself landlords and tenants with online tools, educational content and support. Avail CEO Ryan Coon and co-founder Laurence Jankelow, as well as the company’s 30 person-plus team will join Move Inc. Terms of the acquisition were not made public.
The Avail platform helps independent landlords manage rental properties more easily and efficiently, almost all of which are free; more than 90% of landlords use the Avail free product, while some landlords upgrade for premium functionality and customizations, the company said. Landlords use the Avail platform to create and market rental listings, screen applicants, access state- and city-specific lease agreements, process payments and track maintenance requests. The platform also offers tools for renters, including easy ways to complete rental applications, sign leases, pay rent, submit maintenance requests and access related products and services like renters’ insurance.
“This acquisition is a key part of our strategy to make finding a home easier and more rewarding,” said David Doctorow, CEO of realtor.com. “We believe that Avail is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of the DIY landlords and tenants in a large, growing and underserved market. By combining Avail’s rentals listing content and easy-to-use tools with realtor.com’s large audience, consumer experience platform and insights, we believe we can deliver more value to DIY landlords and tenants.”
