Homebuyers Have Embraced AI Tools
A new industry survey reveals that 78% of buyers now utilize artificial intelligence to navigate the real estate market.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Residential
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Seventy-eight percent of U.S. homebuyers are using artificial intelligence tools to research neighborhoods, schools, and property comparisons. This shift in buyer behavior coincides with a broader cooling in demand across the national housing market.
Why it matters
The rise of AI in real estate is fundamentally changing how prospective buyers gather information and conduct property due diligence. As agents report shifting leverage toward buyers, these digital tools are becoming central to the home acquisition process.
A survey of 208 real estate agents found that 78% of homebuyers currently utilize AI tools. Meanwhile, 63% of agents report lower national buyer demand, with 74% noting that leverage has shifted toward buyers compared to last year.
The players
ResiClub
ResiClub is a real estate research and data platform that monitors market trends and housing policy.
Zoodealio
Zoodealio is a financial technology company that provides cash-offer platforms for the residential real estate market.
The details
ResiClub and the cash-offer platform Zoodealio partnered to poll 208 agents, with 44% of respondents boasting 15 or more years of industry experience. The findings highlight significant regional variations in demand, including 74% lower demand in the Midwest and 66% in the Southwest.
Timeline
The agent survey was fielded between August 17 and September 29, 2026.
The results of the Real Estate Agent Survey were released in Q3 2026.
Culture Shift
The integration of AI into property searches reflects a broader movement toward digitized, data-driven consumerism in the housing market. This shift follows the pattern set by the 2026 ResiClub and Zoodealio Real Estate Agent Survey, marking an accelerated departure from traditional, agent-led research models.
Prospective homeowners can expect to rely more on digital algorithms to filter market data, potentially reducing the time required to shortlist homes. For buyers, this signifies an increased ability to independently analyze property values before engaging in negotiations with sellers.
The takeaway
As AI adoption grows, buyers should ensure they verify AI-generated insights against verified local tax records and physical inspections. Leveraging these tools can provide a competitive edge in negotiating terms, but they should serve as a complement to professional local expertise.
Further reading
For more on evolving homebuyer behaviors, visit the Residential section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fast Company.
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Do you trust artificial intelligence to assist you in making homebuying decisions?
