Realtors® Reveal: What AI Can and Can’t Do for Homebuyers

An estimated 48% of prospective homebuyers will use artificial intelligence at some point during their homebuying journey, according to a survey by NerdWallet. 

While AI may aid homebuyers in some parts of the process, others are best left to an experienced Realtor®. PAR asked Realtors® how buyers can strike a balance between using AI and working with a professional.  

AI Can: Plan Your Move 

“AI is a game changer in so many ways for so many people, but it is not a replacement for anything,” says Jason Burkholder, PAR District 4 vice president. “The best ways for homebuyers or sellers to use it are as a tool. You use a paintbrush to paint, a hammer to put nails in a wall, and you can use AI to help you stay organized and create plans to make your move!” 

“Things like moving day checklists, the best ways to help you determine your needs or wants or using it to learn about new areas when you’re relocating – AI is great for all of this.” 

AI Can: Share Landscaping Ideas 

“The other day, my buyer told me that they ran the house they’re buying through AI to get some landscaping ideas,” Terry Solomon-August, District 5 vice president, adds. “My buyer is super excited with the ideas that AI gave her!” 

AI Can: Help Choose Renovations 

“AI has come a long way in creative options,” says District 10 Vice President Julie Sebock. “If a home needs renovation, AI can show options for paint, flooring and remodeling views to help buyers see a home’s potential.”  

AI Can: Analyze Preferences 

“AI is revolutionizing the homebuying process, acting like a digital matchmaker for buyers,” Stephanie Biello, District 1 vice president, shares. “It can analyze your preferences, whether it’s a love for mid-century modern design or a need for South-facing light, and deliver tailored property recommendations faster than ever.” 

“AI also offers powerful tools like predictive market insights and virtual staging, helping buyers visualize a home’s potential and make smarter decisions.” 

A Realtor® Can: Provide Local Market Insights, Negotiation Skills and Human-Centered Guidance 

AI may be helpful in the ways mentioned above, but Realtors® agreed there are some things that AI just can’t do, leaving the heavy lifting to a professional.  

“What AI lacks is local market knowledge and real-world experience with human behavior, local knowledge and market dynamics, which is where your Realtor® is the best source of information!” says Burkholder. 

“I believe AI is going to be used more and more frequently in the housing search. The ability to ask housing-related questions quickly and get an instant response is appealing,” Sebock notes. “However, with AI being general and incorporating data from multiple states, we need to ensure that these housing answers are correct and up to date on recent changes. It’s best for Realtors® to review these questions to add insight and clarity for homebuyers.”  

Eric Rehling, president-elect, agrees, adding, “We have seen buyer clients lean on AI to gain a better understanding of broad market statistics and macro-level processes. However, real estate markets are notoriously local. While AI is a useful tool for general data, buyers should rely on their Realtor® for specific local market insights.” 

“In a fragmented market, where some pockets require multiple bids while others offer opportunities to negotiate, a local Realtor® can add significant value to the bid strategy,” Rehling says. “I help my clients understand that while AI is a tool in their belt, not every tool is useful in every situation.” 

“Let’s be clear: AI is a tool, not a replacement for the expertise of a Realtor®,” Biello concludes. “While AI crunches the numbers and refines the search, a Realtor® brings the human touch, understanding the emotional weight of buying a home, navigating complex negotiations and offering local market insights that no algorithm can replicate.”