Why Remote Real Estate Startups Still Need Face-to-Face Connection, According to Tech CEO

Written by:

Steve Marcinuk

Date:

25 Aug 2025

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The future of real estate technology may be digital, but human connection remains crucial even for remote-first companies, according to Katie Hill, CEO of property platform UNLISTED, who recently hosted her company’s first in-person gathering since its founding.

The Power of Personal Connection

“We just had our first off-site meeting where we were all together in person, the first time in the history of the company, which was amazing,” Hill says. The team, which had previously operated entirely remotely, gathered in Chicago for an innovative approach to team building.

Rather than booking traditional hotel rooms or conference spaces, the company rented several condominiums, allowing team members to work and collaborate in a home environment. “Everybody had their own bedrooms, but we were all able to commune around a kitchen and work in a living room, which felt apropos,” Hill explains.

Impact on Virtual Collaboration

The face-to-face interactions had an immediate effect on how team members work together remotely, according to Hill. “Getting to have dinner together and work in person together does kind of change the way that you show up when you come back to Slack,” she notes. “Now I know who I’m messaging, who’s on the other side of this black box.”

This insight into the importance of personal connection comes as UNLISTED scales up its operations. The company has recently expanded its reach through several initiatives, including a new wait list feature for potential homebuyers and an exclusive zip code program for real estate agents.

Balancing Remote Work with Team Culture

Hill’s experience highlights a growing recognition among tech companies that while remote work offers many advantages, occasional in-person gatherings can strengthen team dynamics and improve virtual collaboration.

“The feedback on that was really, really great,” Hill says of the Chicago gathering. “It’s just so interesting as we move out of COVID, and we’re an all-remote company, just sort of understanding what that means, and then what it means to come back together.”

Looking Ahead

As UNLISTED continues to grow, Hill sees these insights about team dynamics informing how the company approaches its hybrid work model. The company plans to maintain its remote-first approach while finding strategic opportunities for in-person connection.

The success of this first gathering has already prompted discussions about future team events. “We’re gonna have to do more,” Hill acknowledges, suggesting that finding the right balance between remote efficiency and personal connection will be crucial for scaling the company’s culture alongside its technology.