Stocks

Opendoor Stock Soars 14.5% on Bullish Tesla Comparison

Investor Eric Jackson speculates the proptech firm could capture 10% of the U.S. housing market, sparking a rally on heavy trading volume.

Shares of Opendoor Technologies (OPEN) surged 14.5% in active trading, as bullish commentary from a prominent investor drew an ambitious parallel between the real estate technology company and electric vehicle giant Tesla.

The rally was ignited after investor Eric Jackson suggested Opendoor has the potential to eventually capture 10% of all U.S. housing transactions. In a statement that quickly gained traction, , fueling significant investor optimism and heavy trading volume in the company's stock.

Jackson's thesis rests on the idea that the U.S. housing market is preparing for a new growth phase, especially if the Federal Reserve enacts further interest rate cuts. He argued that as the market evolves, Opendoor's model of providing quick cash offers for homes could become increasingly attractive to sellers seeking certainty and speed. The company's new leadership is reportedly focused on reducing transaction times to as little as three days post-offer, a move aimed at enhancing its value proposition.

The bold forecast comes at a time of significant complexity for the American real estate market. The and a low inventory environment, partly due to existing homeowners being locked in by low mortgage rates. While the Federal Reserve's recent rate cuts have offered some hope, mortgage rates have remained volatile, impacting buyer demand.

Opendoor, which aims to reinvent the home buying and selling process through its digital platform, offers a different path for homeowners compared to the traditional market. The company's iBuying service allows it to purchase homes directly from sellers, a model that could see increased demand from those prioritizing a fast and certain sale over maximizing price in a fluctuating market. According to its , Opendoor's mission is to empower life's progress by making the process simple and fast.

While Jackson's 10% market share target is ambitious, the enthusiastic market reaction indicates that investors are keenly watching for disruptive players who can navigate the challenging dynamics of the current real estate landscape. The surge in Opendoor's stock highlights a growing belief that technology-driven solutions may hold the key to unlocking liquidity and efficiency in a market still governed by decades-old processes.