One in three Gen Zers is letting AI do their homebuying homework, but they still trust realtors with the closing process

June 28, 2026 - 19:22

A new survey reveals that a significant portion of younger homebuyers are turning to artificial intelligence to handle the early stages of their property search. According to the data, roughly one in three Gen Zers now uses AI tools to research neighborhoods, compare mortgage rates, and analyze market trends before ever speaking to an agent. This marks a shift in how the next generation approaches one of life's biggest financial decisions.

However, the same survey shows that this reliance on technology has clear limits. More than half of prospective buyers still prefer human professionals when it comes to legal advice, contract negotiations, and the actual closing process. The trust in realtors and lawyers remains strong for the high-stakes final steps. Many young buyers see AI as a helpful assistant for gathering information, but not as a substitute for the expertise and accountability of a licensed agent.

The trend suggests that real estate professionals may need to adapt their services. Instead of competing with AI, agents could focus on adding value where machines fall short: interpreting complex clauses, spotting hidden property issues, and guiding clients through emotional bidding wars. For now, the homebuying journey appears to be splitting into two phases: a digital homework phase and a human-led closing phase.