AI-Based Conversational Assistant for U.S. Rental Market Information

I became interested in the Gen AI space and decided to work on a side project to explore the possibilities of Open AI Large Language Models (LLMs). So, I thought it'd be great to develop a rent estimate assistant to help students with rent information and estimates across the US. I named the project Nimbus 😂.

"Nimbus" is designed to empower MBA students with useful rental information before their internship kicks off.

As FY MBAs gear up to travel across the U.S. for their summer internships, Nimbus is here to ensure they have some useful rental information to help with their housing search.

This piece will briefly explore the product specification and some design considerations that went into building this tool.

Product Overview

The AI-assisted GPT chatbot, named "Nimbus," is designed to provide users with comprehensive information on the U.S. rental market. It will offer features like rent estimates, location-based rental insights, and assistance in understanding rental trends. The chatbot will be developed using Python3 and Flask for backend operations, Voiceflow for voice interaction capabilities, and Repl for development and testing. Integration with RentCast API, Google Places, and GeoCoding API will enhance its functionality and accuracy in delivering location-specific rental data.

Target Audience

• MBA Students (Interns & Residential MBA Candidates)
• Prospective renters looking for accommodation in the U.S.
• Real estate agents requiring quick rent estimates for clients.
• Market analysts studying rental trends in different U.S. regions.

Core Features

1. Information Retrieval:
   1. Fetches and presents data about rental prices, trends, and availability across various U.S. locations.
   2. Utilizes RentCast API to provide accurate rent estimates.
2. Location-based Services:
   1. Integrates Google Places and GeoCoding API for precise location mapping and relevant rental data in user-specified areas.
   2. Offers neighbourhood insights like nearby amenities, transport connectivity, and safety ratings.
3. Voice Interaction:
   1. Employs Voiceflow for an engaging and interactive user experience.
   2. Supports voice commands and responses, enhancing accessibility.
4. Rent Estimate Calculator:
   1. Users can input specific parameters (location and housing type) to get customized rent estimates.
   2. Incorporates algorithms that factor in current market trends and historical data for accuracy.
5. User Interaction Logging:
   1. Logs queries and interactions to understand user preferences and improve service.
   2. Ensures privacy and data protection in compliance with relevant regulations.

Technical Specifications

1. Backend Resource:
   1. Language: Python3
   2. Framework: Flask
   3. APIs: RentCast, Google Places, GeoCoding
   4. Server: Repl for initial development, with scalability options for deployment on AWS or GCP.
2. Frontend Resource:
   1. Interface: Voiceflow for voice interactions and chat interface.
   2. Responsive design compatible with web and mobile devices.
3. Database:
   1. Used Airtable API (can scale to MySQL or MongoDB databases) for storing user interaction logs and preferences.
   2. Ensure encrypted data storage and GDPR compliance for user data.
4. Testing & Deployment:
   1. Continuous integration and deployment using tools like Jenkins or Github Pipelines.
   2. Regular updates and maintenance schedules.
5. Security & Compliance:
   1. Implement OAuth for secure API interactions.
   2. Regular security audits and compliance checks with data protection laws.

Success Metrics

• User engagement rates (daily/weekly active users).
• Accuracy of rent estimates compared to actual market prices.
• User satisfaction and feedback.
• API response time and uptime.

Future Enhancements

• Machine learning implementation for predictive analysis of rental trends.
• Expansion to global rental markets.
• Multilingual support for diverse user accessibility.
• Integration with real estate listing services for real-time rental listings.
• Potential SaaS-based platform.

Conclusion

Nimbus Rent Estimate Assistant aims to be a versatile and user-friendly chatbot that provides valuable insights and assistance in the U.S. rental market. By leveraging advanced APIs and voice interaction technologies, it will offer a unique and efficient tool for renters and real estate professionals.

Are you curious about a demo? Find the link below. 📲 And if you're a developer, you can check out our complete code freely on GitHub, and if it inspires you, give it a star! Your support means the world to us and helps more folks discover Nimbus.

🔗 𝗚𝗶𝘁𝗛𝘂𝗯: https://t.ly/a_h3N
🔗 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼: https://t.ly/ImQsV