The verdict in three sentences
A custom real estate agency platform in Miami sits between 28,000 and 55,000 EUR (roughly 30,000-60,000 USD) depending on the sales + rentals scope. A SaaS tool runs 50-150 USD per user/month, a cost that climbs with every agent you hire. Custom pays off once you pass 5 to 6 users and multi-portal syndication (Zillow, Realtor.com, MLS feeds) becomes a daily lever.
What a custom agency platform covers
The core need is the same in most agencies: centralize listings, run matching between properties and buyers, drive portal syndication, and manage rentals (applications, leases, inspections, receipts). Custom lets you add your own rules: buyer scoring, expiring-listing alerts, automatic matching, e-signature on listing agreements.
| Module | 2026 scope | Indicative timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Listings + prospecting | Entry, expiry, follow-ups | 4-6 weeks |
| Buyer matching | Scoring, automatic alerts | 3-5 weeks |
| Portal syndication | Zillow, Realtor.com, MLS, XML feeds | 4-6 weeks |
| Rentals + leases | Applications, receipts, inspections | 5-7 weeks |
| Owner/landlord portal | Showing reports, offers | 3-4 weeks |
| E-signature | Agreements, leases, addenda | 2-3 weeks |
The overall timeline for a full sales + rentals project fits within 5 to 7 months for a first production version.
Custom vs SaaS: the real 3-year cost
The comparison must fold in recurring fees, syndication and per-user cost. Here is a 2026 order of magnitude for a 6-agent Miami brokerage.
| Item | SaaS | Custom Kolonell |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | 500-1,500 USD | 28,000-55,000 EUR |
| Monthly subscription | 100 USD x 6 = 600 USD | Hosting 130-270 USD/month |
| Portal syndication | Included (partial) | Included (dedicated feeds) |
| Year 1 cost | ~8,700 USD | ~40,000 EUR |
| Year 3 cost (cumulative) | ~24,000-27,000 USD | ~46,000-49,000 EUR |
| Cost per new user | +100-150 USD/month | 0 |
| Code ownership | No | Yes |
SaaS stays cheaper the first two years. The switch happens with headcount growth (every seat costs) and the need for specific features the vendor will not ship.
Mini case study
Laurent, director of a 6-agent brokerage in Miami, pays 600 USD/month for SaaS today, plus 160 USD/month in prospecting and reporting add-ons. He plans to grow to 9 agents within 18 months, pushing SaaS to 900 USD/month.
Over 3 years, his SaaS path totals roughly 28,000 USD, with no code ownership and no custom automation. A custom project at 42,000 EUR amortized over 3 years works out to about 1,280 USD/month including hosting, but absorbs growth to 9, 12 or 15 agents with no per-seat surcharge. The real break-even lands around year 3, after which custom is markedly cheaper while eliminating double entry (estimated 6 hrs/week/agent saved).
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FAQ
How much does syndication to Zillow and MLS cost?
The technical connection (XML feeds) is included in the custom project. The portal subscriptions themselves remain, on the order of 300 to 1,500 USD/month depending on listing volume and premium visibility, billed directly by the portal.
Can I manage sales AND rentals in one tool?
Yes, and that is the main upside of custom. You unify the contact base, avoid duplicates and drive both activities from one dashboard, saving on average 5 to 7 hrs/week of re-entry.
How long before go-live?
Expect 5 to 7 months for a full sales + rentals version. A sales-only first release can ship in 3 to 4 months to start faster.
What happens to my current SaaS during migration?
We run a gradual cutover: import listings, contacts and history, then run in parallel for a few weeks before canceling the subscription, with no business interruption.
Do I really own the code?
Yes. With custom you own the source code and the data. You are no longer tied to a vendor's per-user pricing grid or any price hike.
Let's scope your project. Tell us about your brokerage (number of agents, sales and/or rentals, target portals) and your indicative budget: we will frame the scope and priorities. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
