AI is rewriting the new home search. Here's how homebuilders can win

"Meanwhile, the way buyers search has shifted. Many are asking systems to do the heavy lifting: Show me communities within 35 minutes of work, with a plan that fits a king bed and a home office, and tell me the real monthly number. If your digital presence can't answer that level of intent with clarity and consistency, an AI summaryor a third-party sitewill answer for you."

"According to new survey questions Cecilian Partners developed in collaboration with the New Home Trends Institute (September 2025), 66% of move-intenders, 66% of move-intenders have used AI to research homes and communities, most often to understand the process, compare builders and options, and explore locations. Another 22% have considered using AI but don't yet know where to start. The same study found that while young families lead AI adoption, homeowners overall are more likely than renters to rely on it for search and comparison."

"A Realtor.com survey (October 2025) points the same way: 82% of Americans use AI for housing information. Real estate agents remain the most trusted source, but AI ranks second, ahead of friends, family, and social media as a way to get smarter about the market. What it means: AI-enabled discovery paired with human-led commitment is fast becoming the default path from curiosity to confidence."

Many potential homebuyers are browsing online without committing, hindered by unclear information and overwhelming research. Buyers increasingly use AI to filter options by commute, floor plans, and real monthly costs. If builders' digital presence fails to answer high-intent queries clearly and consistently, third-party AI summaries will fill the gap, often inaccurately. Surveys report 66% of move-intenders used AI and 82% of Americans use AI for housing information. Young families lead adoption, while homeowners more than renters rely on AI for search and comparison. AI-enabled discovery combined with human-led commitment is emerging as the dominant buyer journey, creating risk and opportunity for builders.

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