Major real estate platforms are integrating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) into their home search tools. Realtor.com and Homes.com have recently launched natural language search features. This follows Zillow's earlier adoption of similar AI capabilities, marking a significant shift in how consumers interact with online property listings. These new tools aim to simplify the home-buying process by allowing users to describe their ideal home in everyday language, rather than relying on traditional filters.
Key Takeaways
- Realtor.com and Homes.com now offer AI-powered natural language home search.
- Zillow previously integrated ChatGPT for enhanced search functionality.
- A recent survey by Kaplan indicates that real estate agents are not fully adopting AI tools, despite finding them helpful.
- AI assists agents with content creation, scheduling, and administrative tasks.
- New features like Real Wallet by Real and eXp's partnership with Payload are also changing the industry.
AI Transforms Home Search Experience
The introduction of natural language search by Realtor.com and Homes.com represents a major step forward for consumers. This technology allows potential buyers to articulate complex preferences, such as "a three-bedroom house with a large backyard, near a good school, and a coffee shop, with plenty of natural light." The AI then processes these requests to provide more relevant listings.
This approach moves beyond simple keyword matching. It understands the nuances of human language. This can lead to a more personalized and efficient search experience for millions of users. The goal is to make finding a home less about navigating filters and more about expressing desires.
Fact: Early AI Adoption
Zillow was an early adopter, integrating a ChatGPT-like AI assistant into its platform. This allowed users to ask questions about properties and neighborhoods in a conversational manner.
Agent Adoption of AI Lags Behind Industry Trends
While real estate portals are quickly adopting AI, a recent survey from Kaplan highlights a different trend among agents. The report, published in early October 2025, found that agent use of AI tools is not as widespread as expected. Many professionals are still in the early stages of integrating AI into their daily operations.
However, agents who do use AI report significant benefits. According to the Kaplan survey, these tools are particularly helpful for tasks like content creation, scheduling appointments, and managing various administrative duties. This suggests a potential for increased efficiency and productivity once AI adoption becomes more common among agents.
"AI is rapidly changing the landscape for consumers, offering more intuitive ways to find properties. The next big step is for agents to fully embrace these technologies to enhance their service and efficiency," said an industry analyst.
Key Areas Where AI Supports Agents
- Content Creation: AI can generate property descriptions, marketing copy, and social media posts. This saves agents time and ensures consistent messaging.
- Scheduling: AI-powered assistants can manage complex calendars, book showings, and send reminders to clients.
- Administrative Tasks: AI automates routine paperwork, data entry, and client communication, freeing agents to focus on client relationships.
- Market Analysis: Advanced AI can process large datasets to identify market trends, property valuations, and investment opportunities.
Background: The Rise of Proptech
The integration of AI into real estate is part of a broader trend known as Proptech, or property technology. This sector uses digital innovations to transform how people buy, sell, rent, manage, and market properties. AI is a core component of Proptech, aiming to streamline processes and improve user experiences.
New Features and Strategic Partnerships Emerge
Beyond AI-powered search, other technological advancements are shaping the real estate industry. Real, a brokerage firm, has introduced a new feature called Real Wallet. This tool aims to simplify financial transactions for agents, potentially by offering faster commission payouts or integrated expense management.
Another significant development is eXp's partnership with Payload. Details of this collaboration were not fully disclosed in the original reports. However, such partnerships often involve leveraging technology to improve transaction processes, enhance agent support, or expand market reach. These moves highlight a growing emphasis on technological infrastructure within brokerages.
Other Notable Industry Innovations
The real estate technology sector is seeing rapid growth. Here are some other recent developments:
- Lone Wolf's partnership with CAR: This collaboration likely deepens the integration of Lone Wolf's software solutions with the California Association of Realtors, providing enhanced tools and resources to agents in California.
- Final Offer enters new markets: This platform, designed for transparent and competitive bidding on properties, is expanding its reach. This indicates a demand for more open and fair transaction processes.
- ATTOM launches Transparent Owner: ATTOM, a leading property data provider, introduced a new tool that likely offers more detailed information about property ownership. This can be valuable for investors, agents, and consumers.
- CubiCasa achieves a milestone: CubiCasa, which offers fast and easy floor plan creation using smartphone scans, reached a significant achievement. This suggests a growing need for accurate and accessible property visualizations.
These innovations collectively point to an industry that is becoming more digital, more efficient, and more focused on data-driven solutions. The role of AI, in particular, is set to expand further as platforms and professionals alike discover its full potential.
