New real estate platform aims to ease California down payments

“In today’s market, the biggest barrier to homeownership isn’t the mortgage, it’s the down payment,” Rishard Rameez, Zown’s co-founder and CEO. “Most middle-income earners are stuck paying someone else’s mortgage via monthly rent. At the same time, they earn too much to qualify for traditional assistance programs, but not enough to save for a down payment as home prices climb.

“That’s where Zown steps in. We’re setting a new standard for the industry by providing upfront, tangible support where buyers need it most, at the start of their journey.”

Rameez added that his own frustrations as a home seller led to the creation of Zown.

Platform features

Zown pairs buyers with a licensed agent who uses the company’s tools — such as artificial…