WILMINGTON, DE — Mayor Mike Purzycki and Brendan Kennealey, founder and CEO of the Wilmington-based startup NESTER, have announced a new partnership aimed at supporting local homeowners. The initiative is set to provide a convenient tool for eligible city homebuyers, helping them determine long-range costs of ownership and avoid unexpected repair and maintenance expenses.
NESTER, founded in 2022 and recognized by Drexel University as one of the top 50 companies using data to assist consumers, has been contracted by the City of Wilmington. The service will be offered free of charge to individuals and families participating in one of four homeownership programs run by the Administration’s neighborhood revitalization partners: the Wilmington Conservancy Land Bank, Woodlawn Trustees and the Todmorden East Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and the Wilmington Housing Authority.
NESTER’s technology allows potential buyers to calculate the true cost of home ownership beyond just the sales price. This includes determining significant maintenance and repair costs down the line. The company generates a comprehensive report providing owners with:
- A timeline of all major maintenance a home will need over the next 15 years.
- The NESTER Fund – the monthly savings needed to cover all costs.
- The NESTER Score – a ranking system for houses based on timing and total costs of repairs.
- Expert tips for maintenance jobs of all sizes.
- An inventory of major home systems with useful product information.
The initial contract between the City and NESTER is for one year, providing unlimited access to NESTER for the City’s four housing development partners and their clients. In recognition of the benefits homeowners can derive from this service, the City Administration is also providing NESTER to its employees and retirees at no cost over the next year.
Mayor Purzycki stated, “One of the main ways to rebuild neighborhoods – and strengthen the City as a whole – is to increase opportunities for people to achieve their dream of being a homeowner. NESTER fits into this vision by taking away some of the stress and uncertainty that has traditionally come with homeownership.”
Brendan Kennealey added, “As a Wilmington-based startup, we’re thrilled to be partnering with the City of Wilmington. It’s exciting to be part of a city that is focused on innovation and wants to be the first to use our technology.”
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