At Home Implements Two-Step Verification for Real Estate App Inquiries

Enhancing Security with Two-Step Verification at At Home

At Home Co., Ltd., headquartered in Ota, Tokyo, has recently announced the introduction of two-step verification for inquiries made through its real estate information app, 'At Home'. This new feature is designed to enhance the accuracy of inquiries from consumers, whether they are using a PC, smartphone, or the app, ultimately easing the operational burden on real estate agents.

Background of Two-Step Verification Implementation

In the real estate sector, there is a common issue where inquiries from consumers can be hindered by errors in inputting phone numbers or email addresses. These mistakes often result in uncontactable leads post-inquiry, creating a significant challenge for real estate companies. As a solution to this, At Home is set to implement two-step verification in October 2024, specifically targeting inquiries sent to real estate companies from smartphones. This process will utilize phone number validation to confirm the identity of the inquirer.

With the recent rollout of this functionality in the 'At Home' app, inquiries made across all platforms—be it PC, smartphone, or app—will now have reduced chances of failed follow-ups, thereby lessening the workload for real estate professionals.

Overview of the Two-Step Verification Process

The two-step verification enhances security by ensuring that the phone number provided by the user matches the registered number before forwarding inquiries to the real estate agency. Here’s how the process unfolds:
1. User Inquiry: A user submits an inquiry for a property through the app, providing their phone number.
2. Verification Step: The app then sends a verification code via SMS to the provided number.
3. Code Confirmation: The user must enter this code back into the app to confirm their identity.
4. Forwarding Inquiry: Only after successful verification will the inquiry be forwarded to the respective real estate agent.

It's important to note that certain services, such as 'At Home New Apartments', 'At Home Sold Houses & Land Premium Publication', 'At Home Custom-Built Homes', and a few partnered or public sites, are currently excluded from this two-step verification process.

About the 'At Home' Real Estate App

The 'At Home' app serves as a comprehensive platform for finding a vast array of properties across Japan, including condominiums, apartments, single-family homes, and commercial spaces. Packed with a variety of thematic property features and helpful content, the app accommodates a wide audience—from singles and couples to families looking for rental or ownership opportunities, as well as businesses in search of commercial property.

As digital verification processes gain traction among the real estate industry, At Home’s commitment to enhancing user security signifies a pivotal shift towards improved communication between consumers and agents, ensuring a seamless experience in property inquiries. The adoption of a two-step verification process underlines At Home's dedication to maintaining high standards of data integrity and customer service in an increasingly digital landscape.