Most Americans use AI for housing market data

A majority of Americans are turning to artificial intelligence to help them navigate the housing market, with 82% using AI for real estate insights, according to a new survey from Realtor.com.

Despite the rise of technology, consumers continue to view real estate agents as the most trusted and accurate source of information.

Among AI platforms, ChatGPT (67%) and Gemini (54%) lead in popularity, with more than half of survey respondents expressing excitement about how AI can personalize their home searches.

In response to this growing enthusiasm, Realtor.com has launched a new AI-powered search experience, designed to let users find homes in the natural way they talk and type.

Social media has also become a go-to source for housing content, with nearly 90% of Americans using it to gather real estate information.

YouTube (73%) and Facebook (57%) are the most commonly used platforms overall. Among Generation Z, 76% said TikTok is one of their primary sources for housing content — more than any other generation.

“The housing market remains a challenge for both buyers and sellers, and Americans are responding by embracing new ways to get smarter about their decisions,” said Danielle Hale, Realtor.com’s chief economist.

“From AI platforms to social media, consumers are expanding where they turn for insights. This shift shows that the future of real estate will be shaped not only by market conditions, but also by how quickly people adopt fresh tools and perspectives to navigate them.”

Favorite information sources

When asked which sources make them feel “smarter” about the housing market, 62% of respondents pointed to real estate agents, followed by AI (61%), traditional media and social platforms.

Agents were also rated as the most accurate source of market information — ahead of AI, family and friends, and the news.

According to the survey, most respondents said the time they spent researching the market across various information sources was a positive use of time.

Despite growing comfort with new sources of housing information, many buyers and sellers said that much of what they encountered was not applicable to their local markets.

• TV and streaming shows: Nearly 40% said the content depicted an unlikely buying or selling experience and didn’t apply to their specific market.
• Social media: 29% said the information was not applicable, and 31% said it offered an inaccurate picture of the market.
• Friends, family or neighbors: 24% said the information didn’t apply to their specific market and painted an unrealistic view of the housing process.

The findings suggest that while Americans are experimenting with new ways to get informed, expert guidance remains critical — particularly in markets where only 28% of homes are affordable to the typical household, according to a separate Realtor.com report released in August.