Homebuyers using Realtor.com’s RealAssist AI are asking whether properties can support ADUs, whether lots can be subdivided, how rezoning works, and whether specialized financing programs could apply to a purchase. Those questions go well beyond finding listings. In a recent look at RealAssist activity, buyers also asked about property valuations, VA assumable loans, and FHA 203(k) financing — areas where an incomplete or outdated answer could affect a transaction.
Realtor.com reported July 22 that 83% of RealAssist interactions involve added context, financial calculations, neighborhood assessments, or questions about how a home fits a buyer’s life. The Gemini-powered assistant, which debuted June 2 in limited beta, is now rolling out to all users.
Buyers are bringing bigger questions to AI
RealAssist lets shoppers describe what they want in natural language and retain preferences such as budget and location across sessions. It can also help them explore affordability, neighborhoods, listings, and other questions before connecting with an agent.
That means buyers may enter a consultation with an AI-generated price range, neighborhood shortlist, financing idea, or assumption about how a property can be used. Parcel-specific zoning rules, government records, lender requirements, and individual financial circumstances can change those answers.
AI research is starting before the agent conversation
Bank of America’s 2026 Homebuyer Insights Report found that 20% of prospective buyers and current homeowners had used AI tools or chatbots in the past year for homebuying research. Among those users, 57% turned to AI for affordability, mortgage payment, or closing cost estimates.
Another 55% used it to learn about the buying process, and 52% researched neighborhoods, market trends, or property values. A buyer may already have a budget or target area in mind, leaving the agent to determine how those assumptions were formed and which still need verification.
What agents should verify
Affordability numbers. Ask what interest rate, down payment, taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and other assumptions are behind an AI-generated budget. Realtor.com separately notes that mortgage-rate averages displayed in its mortgage tools are informational. Buyers should confirm payment scenarios with a lender.
Property use and zoning. AI can provide background on ADUs, subdivision, or rezoning, but parcel-specific rules should be confirmed with the relevant local authority or qualified professional before they influence a purchase.
Neighborhood and property risk. Commute estimates, flood information, and other location details can narrow a search, but material facts should be checked against government, insurance, MLS, or other authoritative sources.
Financing and tax questions. Guidance involving VA assumptions, FHA programs, tax strategies, or other specialized scenarios should be confirmed with the appropriate lender, agency, or tax professional.
Buyers still want a human check
Cotality’s Q1 2026 AI in Housing survey found that 47% of US buyers would pay an additional fee for a human expert to verify AI-generated housing information or decisions. For agents, the role is less about duplicating an AI assistant’s early research and more about recognizing which answers require lender, MLS, municipal, legal, or other professional verification.
Add AI research to buyer intake
Agents can add one question to buyer intake: Have you used AI to estimate your budget, research neighborhoods, or evaluate a property? If so, identify what still needs verification before it influences showings, financing, or an offer.