HousingYarn
Housing Yarn is a hybrid platform that combines a property listing marketplace with a community forum, creating a unique digital ecosystem where users can search for properties while engaging in housing-related discussions with other members.
Problem Statement
The client envisioned a platform that did not exist in the market—a space where property seekers could not only browse listings but also tap into community knowledge about neighborhoods, landlords, and the rental experience.
Off-the-shelf solutions could not accommodate this dual functionality. They needed a development partner capable of architecting a custom solution that would handle complex property data, deliver an intuitive search experience, display listings on interactive maps, and integrate community features—all within a single cohesive platform.
Our Approach
This project represented one of our most technically ambitious WordPress builds to date. The client required functionality that extended far beyond standard theme capabilities, necessitating a custom development approach from the ground up.
Discovery & Architecture Planning
Our team began by mapping out the complete data architecture required to support the platform’s dual functionality. We identified the need for a flexible system that could handle complex property data while remaining intuitive for end users and administrators alike.
Custom Data Structure Implementation
We leveraged JetEngine to construct the foundational data layer, building custom post types for property listings alongside a comprehensive taxonomy system. This included hierarchical location taxonomies, property type classifications, and amenity categories. Custom meta boxes were developed to capture granular property details such as pricing, specifications, and listing status, ensuring administrators could manage listings efficiently.
Location Services & Mapping Integration
A core requirement was the ability to visualize properties geographically. Our development team implemented custom mapping functionality that plots properties on interactive maps at both the individual listing level and across archive views. This required custom code to handle coordinate data, render map instances dynamically, and ensure performance optimization when displaying multiple markers simultaneously.
Advanced Search Functionality
We engineered a smart search system capable of querying multiple property attributes in real time. The solution filters by location, price range, property type, bedrooms, and amenities, delivering relevant results instantly. Critically, we integrated this custom search logic with the theme’s native WordPress search, ensuring a consistent user experience regardless of how visitors choose to explore the platform.
Community & Forum Integration
The final layer involved weaving community features throughout the property experience. Users can transition seamlessly between browsing listings and participating in neighborhood discussions, creating a cohesive platform that serves both transactional and informational needs.
Technologies Used: WordPress, Elementor, JetEngine, Custom PHP, JavaScript, Google Maps API
The Results
Housing Yarn launched with a fully functional property listing and community platform that delivers on the client’s original vision. Users can search for properties using multiple filters, view listings on interactive maps, and engage with the community—all within a unified experience. The custom architecture ensures the platform can scale as the user base grows, while the administrative backend allows the client to manage listings and content without technical assistance.
$25-$30
Cost per lead each month on
non-branded keywords.
$120-$160
Total leads generated each month
66%
Percentage of leads from mobile devices.
143%
Increase in overall revenue since switching to Coozmoo
