🏠 AI and Real Estate: Why Agents Still Matter More Than Ever

🏠 AI and Real Estate: Why Agents Still Matter More Than Ever

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how Americans explore the housing market — but one thing hasn’t changed: people still trust real estate agents more than any other source of housing information.

A new Realtor.com® survey reveals that while 82% of Americans now use AI for housing insights, they continue to rely on agents for accuracy, context, and guidance that technology alone can’t provide.

🔍 How Consumers Use AI and Social Media

The study highlights how buyers and sellers are combining new tech tools with trusted professional advice:

• 67% use ChatGPT for real estate questions.

• 54% use Gemini (Google AI).

• Nearly 90% turn to social media for housing content.

• YouTube (73%) and Facebook (57%) lead the way.

• Gen Z stands out — 76% use TikTok for housing info.

AI is helping people get faster, more personalized housing insights. Platforms like Zillow (now integrated with ChatGPT) and Realtor.com’s AI search make it easier to find homes using natural language.

But here’s what’s interesting — despite all the tech innovation, consumers still look to agents to make sense of it all.

🤝 Trust and Accuracy Still Belong to Agents

When asked who makes them “smarter” about the housing market:

• 62% said real estate agents,

• 61% said AI, and

• far fewer said friends, family, or social media.

Agents were also ranked the most accurate source of real estate information. In fact, 65.6% of respondents said working with an agent is a “good use of time” — higher than AI, media, or social platforms.

That means consumers are using AI to learn what’s happening, but they’re turning to agents to understand why it matters.

⚖️ Why AI Won’t Replace Agents

Even as AI tools become more powerful, they can’t replace the human connection, experience, and negotiation skills that define a great agent.

Buyers and sellers want both:

• The speed and personalization of AI.

• The wisdom and local expertise of a trusted professional.

As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com®, explains:

“The future of real estate will be shaped not only by market conditions, but by how quickly people adopt new tools and perspectives.”

In a market where only about 28% of homes are affordable to the typical household, expert guidance matters more than ever.

🧭 The Takeaway

AI is here to stay — but so are real estate professionals.
The agents who embrace technology to enhance their value — not replace it — will lead the next chapter of the housing market.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in the Upstate, let’s combine smart tech and local expertise to help you make confident moves in today’s market.