Real Investor Radio

Episode 40 | Josh DeShong – Trelly Wholesaling Platform, Industry Optimism, & Securitization Trends

April 5, 2024

Episode Summary:

In this conversation, the hosts discuss securitization in capital markets, specifically the rated securitization of RTL loans. They explore the impact of regulatory issues and credit spreads on the cost of capital. The hosts also share their experiences at the National Association of Home Builders Conference and highlight the optimism in the industry. The conversation then shifts to the genesis of the idea for Trelly, a marketplace for wholesalers. Josh DeShong discusses the challenges of building a marketplace platform and getting the word out to wholesalers. He explains how Trellyy seeded their platform with their own inventory to attract buyers and create a network effect. The revenue model for Trelly is currently based on a sponsorship fee, but they plan to focus on services like connecting lenders and borrowers in the future. Josh also discusses the differences between Trelly and Sunday, and the importance of protecting against unscrupulous operators in the industry. He shares his vision for the future of wholesaling and the role of real estate agents.

Overview of Episode 40

In this episode, Craig Fuhr and Jack BeVier discuss building a real estate wholesaling platform with Josh DeShong, founder of Trelly. Trelly offers wholesalers and investors an efficient, centralized marketplace.

Identifying Gaps in the Real Estate Market

DeShong identified that traditional MLS platforms did not meet investors’ needs for quick transactions. Building a real estate wholesaling platform like Trelly aimed to fill this gap, providing speed and ease for investors.

Overcoming Challenges with Trelly’s Design

Initially, Trelly faced the “chicken-or-egg” challenge of attracting both sellers and buyers. By leveraging their existing inventory, Trelly attracted buyers first, eventually growing a robust network of 20,000 users.

Fostering Quality and Trust on Trelly

Trelly implements tools like real phone verification and transaction reviews to maintain quality control. Additionally, these features foster trust and reliability, ensuring buyers and sellers have confidence in the platform.

Scaling and Future Goals

DeShong envisions Trelly expanding nationally before adding monetization features. The platform’s focus remains on ease of use, democratization, and optimizing processes for real estate investors.

Conclusion: Trelly’s Vision for the Future of Wholesaling

Ultimately, Trelly aims to simplify wholesaling, fostering a standardized, reliable, and transparent platform that meets the evolving needs of real estate investors.