Homebuyers Adopted AI as Demand Softened
As buyer demand cools nationwide, most shoppers are now using AI tools to research neighborhoods and property values.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Residential
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A new survey of 208 real estate agents reveals that 78% of homebuyers now incorporate AI tools into their search process. Meanwhile, 63% of agents report that national homebuyer demand has declined compared to the same time last year.
Why it matters
The rise of AI-assisted searching coincides with a broader market shift that has begun favoring buyers over sellers. With 74% of agents reporting that leverage is moving toward the buyer, households may find more room for negotiation in current deals.
The agent survey found that 74% of professionals in the Midwest and 66% in the Southwest report declining buyer demand. Nationally, 74% of agents observe a shift in leverage toward buyers, with 89% in the Southwest and 78% in the Southeast noting this trend.
The players
ResiClub
A research entity providing data and analysis on housing market trends.
Zoodealio
A real estate platform specializing in cash-offer solutions for property transactions.
The details
The survey, conducted by ResiClub and the cash-offer platform Zoodealio, highlights a shift in how modern buyers scout properties. By utilizing AI to analyze neighborhood data, school quality, and comparable home sales, buyers are entering the market with more data-driven insights. This technological shift accompanies a cooling demand climate, where agents with an average of 15 years of experience indicate that seller urgency is increasing.
Timeline
The survey was conducted from August 17 to September 29, 2026.
Results were released in Q3 2026.
The Home Front
The current shift toward buyer leverage follows historical patterns of housing market cycles that often dictate negotiation power. This data updates established market trends by demonstrating how digital tools are now accelerating the information-gathering phase of these cycles.
If you are house hunting, use AI tools to quickly narrow down local comps and neighborhood statistics before scheduling tours. Because 74% of agents report a shift in leverage to the buyer, consult with your agent about current seller motivation levels in your target ZIP code.
The takeaway
The combination of AI-driven research and softening demand suggests a market that is increasingly transparent for active buyers. Consider asking your real estate professional for specific data on recent local list-to-sale price ratios to gauge how these national trends apply to your neighborhood.
Further reading
Learn more about navigating the current market at Residential.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fast Company.
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