A majority of homebuyers are turning to artificial intelligence tools to search for and evaluate properties as they seek more efficient ways to buy homes.
This shift reflects a desire for speed and scale in a real estate market that is often costly and time-consuming. However, experts warn that relying solely on algorithms can lead to missing critical nuances that only human judgment can identify.
Recent data suggests a significant embrace of the technology. According to a survey released June 11, more than half of prospective buyers are ready to let artificial intelligence do the heavy lifting during the home-buying process [1]. Another report indicated that 75% of buyers assume AI plays a role in the homebuying process [2].
Despite the efficiency, there is a strong preference for maintaining human involvement. Amy Gromowski, head of data at Cotality, said homebuyers want the speed and scale of AI, but not at the expense of certainty [2].
Real-estate expert Lane Lyon noted that while AI can surface listings a buyer might never have found on their own, the technology has limitations. Lyon said a human agent is still necessary to interpret market dynamics and negotiate [3].
Buyers are using these tools to reduce stress and manage the scale of available listings across different regions, including the U.S. and Australia [3]. The integration of AI is intended to streamline the initial discovery phase, though the final decision-making process remains human-centric.
A spokesperson for Veterans United said more than half of prospective buyers are ready to let AI handle the primary tasks of the search [1]. This trend highlights a growing trust in tech for data aggregation, even as the emotional and financial stakes of homeownership demand professional human guidance.
“Homebuyers want the speed and scale of AI, but not at the expense of certainty.”
The integration of AI into real estate represents a hybrid model of property acquisition. While AI optimizes the 'top of the funnel' by filtering vast amounts of data and identifying hidden listings, the 'bottom of the funnel' — negotiation and risk assessment — remains a human domain. This suggests that while AI may reduce the time spent searching, it is not yet a replacement for the fiduciary role of a licensed real estate agent.
