Empowering Homeownership: A New Path to Real Estate Investment with Shannon Diesch of Quarter

Written By Aggie And Cristy ProveHER

In this episode of Badass Women in Business, hosts Aggie and Cristy sit down with Shannon Diesch, CEO and co-founder of Quarter, to discuss her innovative approach to making homeownership more accessible through equity-based co-ownership. Shannon shares how her company is reshaping the real estate landscape by providing Millennials, Gen Z, and financially underserved communities with a new way to own property. They explore the challenges and opportunities in affordable housing, Quarter’s unique business model, and Shannon’s journey as a young CEO committed to building socially responsible investments in real estate.

What is Quarter?

Quarter is a Colorado-based startup founded with a mission to address the housing affordability crisis by offering a co-ownership structure. This structure allows investors to own a fraction of a property, making it a hands-off, hassle-free investment with a positive impact. Instead of managing properties or dealing with tenants, investors buy into a pool of owner-occupied homes. Quarter’ co-ownership model lowers home financing costs for homeowners while giving investors a straightforward, steady return.

Why Quarter Matters

Shannon explains that her vision for Quarter is to create housing stability and financial freedom for a generation priced out of traditional homeownership. Quarter provides a middle ground between renting and buying by allowing homeowners to own a portion of their home, with the option to increase their stake over time. This model provides flexibility for investors, who benefit from stable returns, and homeowners, who gain security without high down payments.

The Challenges of Leading a Tech-Driven Real Estate Startup

As a young CEO, Shannon faces unique challenges in a traditionally risk-averse industry. Her experiences with naysayers and the obstacles of navigating an innovative business model have taught her the importance of mission-driven leadership. She emphasizes that a clear vision and family support system keep her grounded, especially when faced with difficult decisions and setbacks. Shannon’s passion for Quarter’ mission shines through as she speaks on staying true to her purpose in the face of external pressures.

How Quarter is Different

Quarter isn’t just another real estate platform; it’s focused on fostering real homeownership rather than traditional rental models. Homeowners can buy in at a lower equity requirement than a standard mortgage, providing greater flexibility and affordability. Investors gain a pro-rata share in property appreciation and receive monthly payments without the headaches of property management. This co-ownership model allows for a level of diversification that traditional real estate investment often lacks, reducing risk for all parties involved.

Technology’s Role in Quarter’ Success

Quarter leverages technology, including blockchain, to streamline property transactions and ensure transparency. Shannon shares how her team uses blockchain as a ledger to manage property data, making the entire process more efficient. Although not from a tech background, Shannon took it upon herself to learn the intricacies of blockchain, realizing its potential to simplify the company’s operations. Her journey is a testament to the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in leadership.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Shannon encourages new entrepreneurs to stay grounded in their mission, especially on tough days. She emphasizes that a supportive network—whether family, friends, or mentors—is invaluable in maintaining confidence and perspective. For Shannon, her family’s support has been crucial in overcoming the pressures of leading a growing company. She believes that a strong support system and an unshakeable commitment to one’s vision are essential for any entrepreneur.

What’s Next for Quarter?

Quarter aims to expand its reach beyond Colorado, targeting other areas where housing affordability is a pressing issue. Shannon envisions creating a secondary market for co-ownership, allowing everyday investors to participate in real estate without the traditional barriers. By enabling more people to invest and access housing, QuarterHomes hopes to make a lasting impact on the real estate industry.

To learn more about Quarter and Shannon’s work, connect with her and the company through the following channels:

Catch the full episode of Badass Women in Business for a deep dive into Quarter’s mission and the journey of Shannon Diesch as she paves the way for a more accessible future in real estate.

Aggie And Cristy ProveHER

Aggie Chydzinski and Cristy O'Connor

Aggie Chydzinski and Cristy O'Connor are seasoned business veterans with a distinct focus on the realities of owning a small business.

Aggie, with over two decades of experience, excels in operational strategy and finance. Her primary mission? To empower and uplift women in business, providing them with the tools and insights needed to thrive in competitive markets. When not steering business transformations, she co-hosts a podcast, offering practical advice drawn from real-world scenarios.

Parallelly, Cristy's robust track record in achieving revenue growth speaks volumes. Her passion lies in working alongside women entrepreneurs, guiding them towards achieving their goals and realizing their business potential. Like Aggie, Cristy uses their joint podcast as another platform to engage, inspire, and assist.

In short, Aggie and Cristy aren't just business leaders—they are trusted allies for women navigating the challenges of business ownership.

https://proveHER.com
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