The application is available for both Android and Apple's iOS operating systems

Oct 26 , 2019
By SEBLE WONDEMAGEGN ( FORTUNE STAFF WRITER )


A local tech firm has developed a mobile application that links up house owners and real estate agents with buyers.

DSD Computer Technology Plc developed Ethio-rental, a programme that aims at saving time and money for buyers and sellers. The app is available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store starting from October 23, 2019.

The application, which took eight months to be launched, also helps property owners and dealers advertise houses. It is developed by lecturers from Jimma University and experts from Australia and the United Kingdom. The application operates in three languages: Amharic, Afaan Oromo and English.



The application will solve common problems around selling and renting houses, according to Debela Tesfay (PhD), general manager at DSD.


"Selling or traditionally renting a house can be extremely time consuming, costly and stressful," he said.

For registration, home seekers will make no payment, while the real state agents are expected to pay for registration, and they are expected to renew their subscriptions every six months. They will also upload eye-catching, crisp and bright photos of the houses.




The company expects to have 1,000 commission agents, who have renewed business licenses and act as a bridge to connect customers and the company, which was established in 2014 with 25 million Br in capital.

DSD Computer has started giving training to commission agents on how to use the application. After the training, the commission agents are expected to sign a contract agreement with the company.


For non-smart phone users, the company has also prepared a call centre, which will receive calls from clients and provide the callers with the required information.

A year ago, the company launched an application and text-based taxi-hailing system called Michu, but due to issues related to government regulations, the system is not currently functional.

Girum Bekele, director at Home Net Commission Agent, is excited with the new application.

"But I wish that the company would charge a fair and lesser fee and come up with diversified services," he said.


Obsa Negassa (PhD), a business developer at DSD, says that the company is working on diversifying its products.

"We'll come up with different projects in the future," Obsa said.

Henok Eferem, an IT expert and a lecturer, says that the application is advantageous in changing manual service to digital and by saving time and money by increasing efficiency.

But Henok fears that people will not widely use the application.

"How many people can use information technology in their daily activities," said Henok.



PUBLISHED ON Oct 26,2019 [ VOL 20 , NO 1017]


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