Real Estate Industry Change: Is It Time for a New Approach?

The way we buy and sell homes hasn’t changed much in decades.

Sure, we’ve added online listings and digital signatures, but at its core, the real estate process is still built around the same systems, the same expectations, and often, the same frustrations. For many buyers, sellers, and even professionals, it can feel overwhelming, expensive, and more complicated than it needs to be.

So we’re asking—is it time for a new approach?

The Current System: Familiar, But Flawed

We know the traditional model inside and out. It’s reliable in some ways, but also full of hidden stressors: high commissions, unclear roles, too many moving parts, and too little transparency. Buyers are left unsure who to trust. Sellers worry they’re leaving money on the table. Agents and pros often wear too many hats just to keep up.

It’s not anyone’s fault. It’s just the way things have always been done.

But what if always doesn’t mean best?

What We’re Seeing—and Feeling

In the conversations we’re having every day, it’s clear that people want more flexibility. More control. More clarity. We’ve seen homeowners who are savvy and resourceful—people who can take on parts of the process themselves, but just need the right support. And we’ve met professionals who are eager to serve clients in more personalized, modern ways—but feel stuck in outdated structures.

That’s where opportunity lives. Not in tearing things down, but in building something better.

What Could a Better Way Look Like?

We’re not claiming to have all the answers. But here’s what we’re exploring at Side Door:

• Giving buyers and sellers a step-by-step toolkit that guides them through the process—on their terms.
• Helping people match with trusted local professionals only when (and where) they need them.
• Allowing agents and pros to clearly share what they do, what they charge, and what value they bring—so there’s no confusion.
• Creating transparency around costs, timelines, and roles from the beginning.

The result? A process that’s less stressful, more empowering, and better aligned with how people actually want to work today.

This Isn’t About Replacing People. It’s About Respecting Them.

At its core, real estate is about people. Families, individuals, professionals—all trying to make smart moves and meaningful decisions. We don’t think technology should replace relationships. But we do believe it can support them, helping each person play the role they’re best at, with clarity and confidence.

What Happens If We Don’t Ask These Questions?

That’s the heart of it. If we don’t step back and ask, “Is this still working for everyone?”—we miss the chance to grow.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But we believe a more flexible, more transparent, and more inclusive approach can help all of us—buyers, sellers, agents, lenders, title companies—do our best work and serve people more meaningfully.

We’re still learning. Still listening. And we’d love to hear your perspective too.

So… is it time for a new approach?