Homier’s founding members. Provided by Homier.

By Mariana Sotelo (2021230072@korea.ac.kr)

On its own, finding a place to live is already a difficult task. Throw into the mix a foreign country and language, and you get the recipe for one of the most anxiety-inducing experiences encountered by expats in Korea. Or at least it would be if they had to do it alone. A recently founded Korea University (KU) startup, Homier is a housing service that guides foreigners through every step of the house-hunting process. From accompanying them to house viewings to going over the contract with them, Homier ensures that each client gets the best deal possible within their budget and preferences.

Complicated and not always welcoming to foreigners, the Korean housing system is too often an obstacle to finding the right place. To find out how Homier can ease this challenge, *The Granite Tower* (GT) interviewed the startup’s founding members: Ravael Rajan (‘21, Psychology), Kim Jinha (‘20, Psychology), and Byun Hyun-do (‘20, Psychology).

GT: What inspired the creation of Homier?

Kim: After joining Korea University Buddy Assistants (KUBA), I saw my foreigner friends struggling with accommodation and it was an eye opener. It was disheartening to witness some of them give up outrageous sums of money on deposits — up to ten million won (KRW) — just to move into a decent house accompanied by expensive monthly rents. These students came to Korea seeking new experiences in a whole new environment, but housing problems were hindering them from fully enjoying their life here.

GT: What are some common problems foreigners encounter during apartment hunting?

Ravael: Korea’s complicated real-estate system and the language barrier are usually major problems. Plus, there are also issues after signing the contract. For example, difficulties communicating with landlords, or realizing that the accommodation has problems and that they’re paying hidden fees. For that reason, Homier has a post-purchase service where we provide extra translation services with our clients’ landlords after signing contracts. During house viewings, we have a checklist to see what facilities are working and break down the contract to make it clear for the client. Additionally, we prevent scamming by partnering with trusted real estate agencies.

GT: Beyond translation services, in what other ways is Homier different from real estate companies?

Byun: Homier offers the value of “emotional stability” by accompanying our customers on a journey. The options available to foreigners who may not be familiar with the country are somewhat limited, and some agencies even take advantage of this and overcharge for their services. Homier takes a different approach. We apply the methods that local students use to find housing with our local field managers. Thus, we’ve set ourselves apart by embracing local tools, ensuring that you get a tailored experience, and facilitating your transition into Korean university life.

More information about Homier is available at their website (homier.kr), as well as their Instagram page (homier_kr).  For those interested in their services, Homier is also providing a five percent discount on any purchases that use the promo code “GTHOMIER”.

*This article was not sponsored nor reviewed by Homier in advanced*

출처 : 고려대학교 고파스 2024-04-28 00:47:37: