In a rapidly changing housing market, Utah startup Stairtop is offering a fresh approach to help real estate agents price homes more accurately and effectively. Founded by Lauren Treasure and Chantal Ball, Stairtop utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze market data and listings, providing critical insights that aim to eliminate the confusion surrounding home valuations. With the real estate landscape in Utah experiencing significant fluctuations over the past few years, the need for clarity in pricing has never been more crucial. Founded in 2022, Stairtop’s innovative platform leverages a comprehensive database containing thousands of housing listings and historical sales data. This AI-driven technology assesses various factors such as neighborhood trends, current market conditions, and property characteristics to determine whether a home is overpriced, underpriced, or priced just right. The platform aims to guide real estate agents in making informed decisions, ultimately benefiting both buyers and sellers. "We've had a crazy few years in Utah, and prices were all over the place," said Lauren Treasure, the CEO of Stairtop and a former product leader at prominent companies like Chatbooks and Ancestry. She emphasized that the erratic nature of the housing market has left many agents and clients perplexed about the true value of homes. "Even small pricing errors can make a big difference. Homes listed just 3 to 10 percent above market value can sit for three times longer than those accurately priced," Treasure noted. The implications of accurate pricing extend beyond mere statistics; they touch on broader issues of affordability in the housing market. With many potential buyers feeling the strain of rising costs, providing better pricing clarity can empower both buyers and sellers to make smarter decisions in a competitive market. This is particularly important as interest rates continue to fluctuate, further complicating the decision-making process. Sandra Sweetland, a seasoned real estate professional with 34 years of experience, expressed her support for Stairtop's platform. She emphasized the importance of data in reinforcing agents' recommendations to clients. "Buyers are understandably nervous. Sellers are still demanding a lot of money for their homes. They need some kind of evidence that when I tell them that they should be listed in this range, it’s not just coming from someone with a lot of experience, it’s also coming from a vast amount of knowledge," Sweetland stated. The unique selling proposition of Stairtop lies not only in its technology but also in the fact that it is co-founded by women, a rarity in the tech startup ecosystem. According to industry data, only about 13-15% of tech startups are founded by women, highlighting the significance of Stairtop’s presence in Utah’s tech landscape. Chantal Ball, the co-founder and design lead at Stairtop, underscored the importance of diversity in tech. "We represent an important voice in Utah's tech landscape. This is the future," she remarked, reflecting on the company’s mission to not only innovate within the real estate sector but also to inspire other women to pursue careers in technology. As the housing market continues to shift, the demand for tools that facilitate informed decision-making among real estate agents and their clients is expected to grow. Stairtop’s AI-powered platform is poised to play a vital role in this evolving landscape, addressing the challenges that both buyers and sellers face. By providing data-driven insights, Stairtop aims to reduce the anxiety associated with home buying and selling, making the process smoother and more transparent. In conclusion, Stairtop stands at the intersection of technology and real estate, offering a solution that addresses pressing market needs. The company is not only facilitating smarter pricing strategies but also contributing to a more inclusive tech environment in Utah. As the real estate market remains unpredictable, tools like Stairtop’s platform will likely become essential for industry professionals seeking to navigate the complexities of home pricing effectively. With its commitment to innovation and empowerment, Stairtop is set to leave a lasting impact on the housing market while championing diversity in tech entrepreneurship.