Americans are turning to AI to survive a brutal housing market—37% would let it buy their next home with ‘minimal human involvement’

The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate reached 6.95% as of September 17, marking an increase from 6.76% the previous week and 6.26% a year prior, according to Freddie Mac. With borrowing expenses approaching the psychologically significant 7% level and a persistent scarcity of homes exacerbating the pressure, many Americans remain priced out of the housing market.

However, market dynamics are not the sole catalyst reshaping the real estate landscape. Recent survey data implies that artificial intelligence (AI) is assuming a more prominent role for buyers, sellers, and agents. A LendingTree survey revealed that 72% of respondents would employ AI for at least one task related to home buying or selling, with 37% willing to allow AI to manage the process with minimal human intervention.

Budgeting emerges as the most frequently mentioned application of AI, with 28% of survey participants intending to use it to estimate a property's value. Similarly, 24% would utilize AI to locate down payment assistance programs, while the same proportion would leverage AI to determine their affordability. Other budget-related tasks where AI is favored include estimating mortgage options (18%) and comparing mortgage offers (16%).

Surveys conducted by Bank of America's 2026 Homebuyer Insights Report indicate that estimating affordability, mortgage payments, or closing costs is the most common AI use among prospective buyers, cited by 57%. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are at the forefront of AI adoption, with 32% admitting to employing AI in their home-buying journey.

To address the challenges posed by the competitive market, specialized AI tools are gaining traction. Real estate platforms like Zillow and Homes.com have recently introduced AI assistants capable of guiding users through various aspects of the home-buying process, from financing to neighborhood details. Major real estate firms are also embracing AI, with Zillow claiming that it is revolutionizing every stage of the home-buying experience.

However, AI's impact extends beyond buyers and sellers. The National Association of Realtors survey found that 92% of agents currently utilize or plan to use AI, with 71% citing the time-saving benefits. Yet, concerns arise over AI's accuracy, with 63% of agents expressing apprehension about potential errors. Accuracy concerns are followed by compliance or legal issues (49%) and misinterpretation of market data (47%).

The introduction of AI into real estate is reshaping the role of agents. A National Association of Realtors survey indicates that 92% of agents are using or plan to use AI, with 71% highlighting the time-saving advantages. However, their enthusiasm is tempered by concerns over AI's accuracy, with 63% expressing worry about potential errors.

Additionally, agents worry about legal compliance (49%) and misinterpretation of market data (47%). The advent of AI in real estate has also sparked debates about the future of agents. While AI staging has gained popularity in the industry, some agents, like Parisa Afkhami in New York City, caution against its overuse. Afkhami believes that AI-generated photos can be misleading to potential buyers, as demonstrated by a client who abandoned a showing due to the discrepancy between the AI-staged images and the actual property.

As AI tools proliferate and the housing market remains tight, the industry faces the question of how these developments will shape its future. This story was originally published on Fortune.com.