Teen Innovators Launch Affordable Housing Platform in NYC
January 3, 2026
In an ambitious move to tackle New York City’s housing challenges, two 17-year-old friends have developed an innovative solution to aid residents in finding affordable housing options.
Beckett Zahedi and Derrick Webster Jr. / ABC7NY
Beckett Zahedi and Derrick Webster Jr. are the masterminds behind Realer Estate, a website devised to streamline the search for rent-stabilized and below-market-value apartments. The initiative, driven by a commitment to make affordable housing more accessible, addresses the significant challenge of high living costs facing many New Yorkers.
The teenagers’ dedication to Realer Estate has been unwavering; they have invested countless hours outside school, even sacrificing their participation in basketball and devoting their past two summers to develop the platform.
By integrating public data with real estate listings, Realer Estate simplifies the complex process of finding affordable housing. This user-friendly platform aims to transform what is often a daunting experience for renters into a straightforward task.
The inspiration for the project stemmed from Zahedi’s personal experiences. His father struggled to secure affordable housing post-divorce, highlighting the pervasive nature of the housing crisis. This personal insight was further reinforced in an 11th-grade economics class, sparking the pair’s determination to address the issue.
Although aware of the broader challenges that remain, Zahedi and Webster are committed to making a tangible impact in the community, focusing on assisting one renter at a time.
“I’ve always loved helping people,” Webster expressed, emphasizing his motivation behind the project.
