BETTERHOMES was founded twenty years ago in Zurich and is now one of the leading real estate agents in Germany. The anniversary is much more than a symbolic milestone: It shows how consistent digitalization,sound training and lived values ​​have sustainably changed real estate brokerage – and continue to shape it. BETTERHOMES stands for a hybrid broker model that combines technology and personal advice, redefining transparency, efficiency and fairness in the real estate market. With over 7,360 properties brokered, a proprietary Swiss-made technology platform and a uniform training standard, the company sets standards in the DACH region and beyond.

The most critically important thing in brief

• As 2005,BETTERHOMES has developed from a start-up in Zurich to the largest self-reliant real estate agent in Switzerland.
• The hybrid broker model combines proprietary technology with local expertise. The aim is to make real estate brokerage simpler, more clear and cheaper.
• With the immolicence franchise model^® starts the next expansion phase; Regional franchise licenses in Germany and Austria mark the start of international scaling.

From a start-up to the largest independent real estate agent in Switzerland

The history of BETTERHOMES begins in Zurich in 2005 with the founder Cyril Lanzwho, together with a software developer, pursued a clear goal: to make real estate brokerage easier, more transparent and cheaper. Back then, classic brokerage structures seemed rigid, inefficient and not very customer-oriented. The solution was a new, hybrid business model that combines technological innovation with local expertise.

With the specially developed platform BETTERHOMES Betternet^® Processes were digitized, procedures standardized and simultaneously occurring space was created for personal advice. The concept caught the spirit of the times.Today, BETTERHOMES has over 30,486 brokered properties, currently 2,148 real estate offers and 112 brokers in Switzerland. This makes BETTERHOMES not only the largest independent real estate agent in Switzerland,but also a symbol of the change towards more efficiency,fairness and transparency in the real estate industry.

Expansion to Austria and Germany

After successfully establishing itself in the home market of Switzerland, BETTERHOMES gradually expanded into the DACH region. The Austrian national company was founded in 2007 and entered the German market in 2013. The aim was to establish the triumphant hybrid broker model – the combination of proprietary technology and local expertise – outside of Switzerland.

Today, BETTERHOMES Austria is one of the leading real estate agents in the country with 5,104 properties brokered, currently 378 real estate offers and 21 real estate agents. BETTERHOMES Germany is also at the top with 7,360 properties brokered, currently 1,337 offers and 122 real estate agents.

While BETTERHOMES operates in its home market of Switzerland with its own national company and employed brokers, the model in Ger“`html

The Rise of Hybrid Financial Advice

The financial advice landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by technological advancements and evolving client expectations. Hybrid financial advice – a blend of automated digital tools and human expertise – is rapidly gaining traction, offering a compelling alternative to conventional, fully-human advisory services and purely robotic “robo-advisors.” This model aims to deliver personalized guidance at a lower cost, with increased accessibility and convenience. As of late 2024, hybrid advice is poised for significant growth, projected to manage trillions in assets in the coming years.

What is Hybrid Financial Advice?

Hybrid financial advice combines the efficiency and scalability of digital platforms with the personalized touch of a human advisor. Typically, clients interact with an online platform to input their financial information, goals, and risk tolerance. Algorithms then generate a preliminary financial plan, frequently enough including investment recommendations. However, unlike robo-advisors that operate autonomously, hybrid models offer access to a human advisor for consultation, plan review, and ongoing support. This access can take various forms, including scheduled phone calls, video conferences, or secure messaging.

Key Components of a Hybrid Model

• Digital Platform: The core of the service, providing tools for data input, goal setting, and plan visualization.
• Algorithmic Planning: Automated tools that generate initial financial plans and investment recommendations based on client data.
• Human Advisor Access: The crucial differentiator, offering personalized guidance and support from a qualified financial professional.
• Real-time Tracking: Clients can monitor their portfolio performance and track progress towards their goals through the digital platform.

The Benefits of a Hybrid Approach

Hybrid financial advice offers several advantages over traditional and purely digital models:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Hybrid models generally charge lower fees than traditional advisors, as the use of technology reduces operational costs. Investopedia details the typical fee structures.
• Accessibility: Digital platforms make financial advice accessible to a wider range of investors, including those with smaller account balances who may not meet the minimum asset requirements of traditional advisors.
• Convenience: clients can access their financial plans and communicate with advisors anytime, anywhere, through online platforms.
• Personalization: The combination of algorithmic planning and human guidance allows for a more personalized approach than robo-advisors alone.
• Enhanced Client Experience: Many clients appreciate the ability to self-serve through digital tools while having the option to consult with a human advisor when needed.

Who is Utilizing Hybrid Advice?

Several major financial institutions are actively deploying hybrid advice models. Charles Schwab’s Intelligent Portfolios Premium is a prime example, offering automated investing with access to certified financial planners. Similarly, Fidelity Go combines digital tools with advisor support. Vanguard also offers hybrid solutions, catering to different investor needs. These firms recognize the growing demand for a more flexible and affordable approach to financial planning.

The role of Technology and Data Security

The success of hybrid advice relies heavily on robust technology and stringent data security measures. Platforms must be user-friendly, secure, and capable of handling sensitive financial information. Financial institutions are investing heavily in cybersecurity to protect client data from breaches and fraud. Moreover, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is becoming increasingly prevalent in hybrid models, enabling more sophisticated financial planning and personalized recommendations. However, it’s crucial to remember that technology is a tool, and human oversight remains essential to ensure responsible and ethical use of these technologies.

Training and quality standards: the foundation of success

For a hybrid model to work, it takes more than technology – it needs people who understand

Looking ahead: The Future of Financial Advice

Hybrid financial advice is not merely a trend; it represents a basic shift in how financial advice is delivered. As technology continues to evolve and client expectations change, we can expect to see even greater integration of digital tools and human expertise. The future of financial advice is likely to be characterized by personalization, accessibility, and affordability, with hybrid models playing a central role. The ability for clients to retain control of their property at any time, while tipsters can track the status of their recommendations in real time. This digital infrastructure enables market-wide