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Zown Enters California to Give Homebuyers Upfront Down Payment Boost, Tackle Housing Crisis

via Business Wire

Tech-forward real estate platform brings transparency, AI tools, and upfront cash to one of the nation’s toughest housing markets, enabling Californians to achieve the American dream

Zown, a tech-powered real estate platform on a mission to make homeownership more accessible, today announced its U.S. debut with an expansion into California. Zown’s full suite of services — including its innovative upfront down payment boost — is now available to homebuyers, sellers, and real estate agents across California. The U.S. expansion follows Zown’s rapid growth in Canada, where the company has already supported over 250 homebuyers and facilitated more than $300 million in real estate transactions.

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Zown CEO Rishard Rameez (left) with first-time homebuyers who turned to Zown to upsize as their family grew, and got rewarded in the process.

Zown CEO Rishard Rameez (left) with first-time homebuyers who turned to Zown to upsize as their family grew, and got rewarded in the process.

Zown was born out of Co-Founder and CEO Rishard Rameez’s own frustrating experience as a home seller, an experience echoed by thousands of households navigating the traditional real estate process. After sharing his journey on Reddit and finding widespread resonance, Rameez set out to transform how people buy and sell homes by removing the pain points and financial roadblocks that hold many back. At the core of Zown’s model is a restructured commission system that offers buyers an upfront down payment boost — up to 2% of the home purchase price — to help overcome financial barriers and compete in high-cost markets.

“In today’s market, the biggest barrier to homeownership isn’t the mortgage, it’s the down payment,” said Rameez. “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. Our mission is to level the playing field with greater transparency, real financial help, and smarter tools, while delivering a seamless experience that’s empowering and unforgettable. Everyone deserves the opportunity to own a home, and Zown’s here to make that a reality.”

A Smoother, More Transparent Path to Homeownership

Zown streamlines the homebuying journey with a model designed for flexibility, speed, and real financial impact. Here’s how it works:

  1. Personalized Consultation: Buyers start with a consultation to assess financial readiness and homeownership goals.



  2. Fast Pre-Approval: Buyers can get pre-approved through their preferred lender or via Zown’s in-house system, which delivers approvals in under five minutes.



  3. Dedicated Account Manager: Each buyer is paired with a licensed agent who uses Zown’s AI-driven tools to find budget-matched homes, share real-time comparables, and predict winning offers, while handling negotiations and paperwork to ensure a smooth transaction.



  4. On-Demand Showing Agents: Zown’s statewide network of “showing agents” provides flexible, on-demand home tours, eliminating delays common with traditional one-agent models.



  5. Upfront Down Payment Boost: Instead of pocketing the standard 2.5-3% buyer’s agent commission, Zown retains just 1% and returns the rest to the buyer as an upfront down payment boost that saves thousands of dollars on their transaction or can be used to buy down mortgage rates and lower monthly payments.

This reimagined approach makes buying a home more accessible and affordable, especially in California’s ultra-competitive housing market.

“California’s housing market poses steep challenges for first-time and budget-conscious buyers. Sky-high prices and fierce competition make it hard for even well-qualified buyers to break in,” said Afraj Gill, President of Zown. “In cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, average down payments have soared by 86% in under two decades. Some buyers now face a 20-year uphill battle just to save enough to get started. That’s simply unsustainable. Zown’s model puts real cash back in buyers’ hands so they can compete and win in today’s market.”

Empowering Agents to Deliver a Better Experience

Zown’s model isn’t just built for buyers; it also redefines the agent experience. By offering agents a consistent salary, Zown removes the typical commission pressure that can rush clients through a transaction. Instead, agents are empowered to prioritize service over sales, providing honest, consistent support at every stage of the homebuying journey. Whether a client is ready to make an offer or just starting their search, Zown’s agents are incentivized to act as trusted partners, not salespeople.

“Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones, and you deserve an agent who sees you as more than just a transaction,” said Lisa Touney, Lead Real Estate Agent for Zown in California. “Zown’s technology was built to ensure fast, reliable, and human support every step of the way, so while Zown buyers of course praise the savings, just as regarded is the service they receive and the support they feel throughout the process. It’s proof that great service still matters, especially in a process as personal and complex as homebuying.”

Zown also provides agents a competitive advantage with proprietary, industry-leading tools. Its comprehensive listing platform goes beyond commonly used databases, consolidating data on commute times, school ratings, crime rates, and more, ultimately increasing the market insights and value agents deliver to clients. Moreover, with built-in access to real-time comparables, Zown agents are equipped to guide buyers and sellers through each transaction with confidence.

Zown has already revolutionized the homebuying process for hundreds of Canadians, proving that when buyers get real support upfront, the whole journey gets easier, faster, and more equitable. With its launch in California, Zown is bringing that same momentum to one of the toughest markets in the U.S. — redefining what buyers should expect from their real estate experience and changing the rules of the game for good.

To connect with a Zown agent, explore listings, or learn more about Zown’s buyer-first model, visit https://zownhomes.com/.

About Zown

Zown is a tech-powered real estate platform redefining how people buy and sell homes. Founded in 2022, Zown combines modern technology, upfront financial support, and salaried agents to deliver a more transparent, accessible path to homeownership. Through its buyer-first model — including fast pre-approvals, flexible showings, and an industry-first down payment boost — Zown has helped over 250 clients and facilitated over $300 million in home sales, earning the company a 4.9 Google rating with over 150 reviews. With a growing network of 300+ realtors and a platform built for today’s market, Zown is making the dream of homeownership faster, fairer, and more achievable for all.

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