Being in real estate, mortgage, and design, it is no surprise that we are architecturally obsessed as well. In fact, Thomas, one of our founders, is an architect by trade. Architects and designers have always inspired our team. Joseph Eichler and his vision for the middle class were always at the top of our list.
Eichler was a developer who believed exceptional homes should be within reach of the middle class. Much of the modern architecture of his time was considered a luxury. Eichler, like most entrepreneurs, decided to break the rules.
Working with architects, he brought modern design to homes built at scale for middle-class buyers. We at Ike absolutely fell in love with this concept. He decided to build a new status quo from the ground up. Eichler proved that suburban housing did not have to be generic, boring, or uninspired.
Mortgage has long been stuck in its ways. Legacy infrastructure, distribution models, products, and design have been stuck in a repeated cycle. We decided to build a new system, just like Eichler did several decades ago.
Mortgage origination has traditionally been controlled by loan officers with access to systems, products, and operational support. We are building Ike to put that infrastructure into a Realtor’s hands once they have the required mortgage license, approvals, and sponsorship. Eichler made modern homes accessible to more people. We want to open up mortgage origination to the agents who already guide their clients through buying a home.
Lastly, and not surprisingly, we are all design nuts. So was Eichler. He believed in a feeling of openness, natural light, indoor and outdoor spaces, and how they worked together. It was user experience design in its rawest form. We face the same challenge: building an application that feels light, effortless, and empowering. We cannot wait to put it in your hands.
Shane