New Survey Reveals 1-in-3 Homebuyers Are Embracing AI Tools

Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just reshaping our workplaces or social media feeds – it’s making its way into one of life’s biggest financial decisions: buying a home.

About 1-in-3 prospective buyers (32%) are using AI tools as part of their process, according to a new survey from Veterans United Home Loans. Finding and virtually touring homes are the two most common uses, but there’s a host of ways would-be buyers are leveraging these emerging technologies.

Findings from the survey, which polled about 900 consumers with near-term homebuying plans, suggest that AI adoption is already affecting consumer behavior, though not without reservations.

"With digital assistants and smart home devices gaining broader adoption in everyday life, AI tools are becoming a valuable resource for home shoppers," said Chris Birk, vice president of mortgage insight at Veterans United. "However, some buyers need balance – leveraging AI as a helpful tool while maintaining the human touch to guide and reassure buyers through life’s biggest investments."

Top AI Homebuying Trends

AI tools are becoming a valuable resource for many prospective buyers, offering everything from virtual home tours and property value estimations to homebuying advice and more.

For some buyers, AI tools might offer a path to more homebuying education and preparedness.

About a third of buyers who use AI tools (31%) reported using AI as a mortgage calculator to determine how much they could afford or be preapproved for. Nearly the same percentage (28%) used AI to shop for the best mortgage rates across lenders.

The survey also found that 27% of respondents used AI to visualize potential renovations or changes to a home, while 22% compared mortgage lenders based on reviews. These features reflect the growing demand for AI applications that cater to both practical and aspirational aspects of homebuying.

Here’s a look at how consumers say they’re using artificial intelligence during their homebuying journey.

Tools like ChatGPT, Meta AI, and Zillow’s natural language home search are some of the most commonly used platforms. These tools offer prospective buyers insights, calculations and options that previously required extensive time and effort.

AI in Daily Life: The Bigger Picture

The survey also sheds light on broader AI adoption in everyday life. Overall, 40% of respondents said they interact with AI tools at least once a day, with 10% reporting nearly constant use.

Popular applications include search engines that generate AI-powered summaries (43%), digital assistants like Alexa or Siri (38%), and smart home devices such as thermostats or security cameras (30%).

Yet, as with homebuying, people remain cautious about fully embracing AI.

"People understandably see great potential in AI, but there’s also a level of healthy skepticism," Birk said. "As these tools become more woven into everyday life—whether it’s finding a home or setting the thermostat—buyers want convenience without losing the personal insight that makes them feel confident in a big decision. Striking that balance remains crucial."

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Despite its many benefits, AI adoption in homebuying isn’t without challenges. While tools like ChatGPT and Meta AI offer speed and efficiency, critics argue that these platforms can’t fully replicate the human touch.

They can also make mistakes. AI’s occasional “hallucinations”– instances of providing incorrect or misleading information – underscore the need for users to approach these tools with caution.

As AI technology continues to evolve, its role and adoption in real estate is poised to expand. Some industry experts predict that within a few years, AI could handle nearly every aspect of the homebuying process, including negotiations and closing deals.

But the survey findings suggest that buyers might still want a balance between cutting-edge technology and human expertise.

For now, one thing is clear: AI is no longer just a buzzword in the real estate world. It’s a transformative force that’s already changing how people buy homes.

Methodology

Data and research firm Sparketing conducts a quarterly online survey of Veterans, service members and civilians on behalf of Veterans United. The survey of about 900 respondents was conducted from Dec. 2-16, 2024.