Buying a home has long been considered one of life’s most complicated and stressful milestones. Between showings, negotiations, paperwork, and commissions, many buyers feel overwhelmed — and often unsure whether they’re truly getting value for the money they’re paying.
Now, a quiet shift is taking place in Florida’s housing market. A growing number of homebuyers are skipping traditional real estate agents altogether and relying on artificial intelligence to guide them through the process. The result? Faster offers, more control, and savings that can reach five figures.
This new approach isn’t just theoretical. Real buyers are already closing deals using AI-powered platforms like Homa, challenging a commission-driven industry that has remained largely unchanged for decades.
Why Homebuyers Are Questioning the Traditional Model
Traditionally, homebuyers work with an agent who earns a commission — typically 2.5% to 3% of the purchase price. On a $400,000 home, that’s $10,000 to $12,000, often baked into the deal without much discussion.
But today’s buyers are more informed than ever. They already:
- Search listings online
- Track neighborhood prices
- Research schools and commute times
- Compare homes across platforms
Many buyers began asking a simple question: If I’m doing most of the work, why am I paying thousands in commissions?
That question became louder after a landmark National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement, which now requires buyers to sign agreements before touring homes — spelling out exactly how much buyer agents get paid. For the first time, commission costs became impossible to ignore.
Enter AI-Powered Home Buying
Tech startup Homa is one of the companies stepping into this gap. Founded by former Zillow product director Arman Javaherian, Homa was designed to remove friction, reduce costs, and give buyers more autonomy.
Instead of relying on a human agent for every step, buyers use AI to:
- Search and filter listings
- Schedule home tours instantly
- Analyze fair market value
- Generate and submit offers
- Draft legally compliant contracts
The experience has been compared to TurboTax for home buying — structured, guided, and surprisingly simple.
Real Buyers, Real Savings
The appeal isn’t just theoretical. Florida buyers are already closing homes end-to-end using AI.
DJ, a 32-year-old pharmacist, purchased a $420,000 home in the Tampa Bay area using Homa. By self-representing, he saved $10,500 in buyer-agent commission.
“They pretty much walk you through the whole thing step by step,” he said. “You can end up saving at least 2.5% on your final purchase price.”
Vicki Lynn, who relocated from California to Vero Beach, bought a $313,000 home and saved about $8,000, which she applied directly toward closing costs.
“I just dove right in,” she said. “The contract system was very straightforward.”
For many buyers, these savings mean lower upfront costs, reduced mortgage balances, or simply keeping more cash in their pocket.
Speed, Control, and Transparency
One of the biggest advantages buyers report is speed.
Traditional transactions often involve back-and-forth between buyers, buyer agents, seller agents, and brokers — sometimes taking days just to submit an offer. AI platforms cut through that delay.
With Homa, buyers can:
- Tour a home and submit an offer the same day
- See pricing data instantly
- Avoid pressure from sales-driven agents
- Maintain direct communication
For buyers who value control and clarity, this model feels refreshing.
“I wanted control,” Lynn said. “And I got it.”
The Pushback from the Real Estate Industry
Not everyone is convinced this is the future.
Many real estate professionals argue that AI oversimplifies a deeply human process. According to brokers, successful negotiations often hinge on factors AI can’t fully capture:
- Seller motivation
- Personal dynamics
- Ego and urgency
- Off-market information
- Local development plans
Miami-area broker Ivan Chorney explains it this way:
“Motivation, pressure, ego, timing — those things don’t live in public records.”
Critics warn that relying entirely on algorithms could cause buyers to miss critical context that affects a home’s true value.
A Hybrid Approach: AI + Human Oversight
Even Homa’s founder acknowledges that AI isn’t perfect.
“All AI has hallucinations,” Javaherian admits.
That’s why Homa offers a paid tier, Homa Pro, for $1,995. This option assigns a licensed transaction broker to review offers, paperwork, and negotiations — ensuring compliance and protecting the buyer’s interests.
Think of it like modern driver-assist technology: mostly automated, but with a human ready to step in when needed.
This hybrid model may represent the most realistic future of real estate — where AI handles efficiency and humans provide judgment.
Why Florida Is the Testing Ground
Florida has become an ideal launchpad for AI-powered home buying:
- High transaction volume
- Large population of relocators
- Competitive housing markets
- Tech-savvy buyers
With early success in Florida, Homa plans to expand into Texas and California, signaling that this trend is likely to spread nationwide.
What This Means for the Future of Home Buying
AI isn’t eliminating real estate agents overnight. Instead, it’s forcing the industry to confront long-standing inefficiencies and rethink how value is delivered.
We’re likely heading toward a market where:
- Buyers choose between full-service agents, hybrid models, or AI-first platforms
- Commissions become more negotiable and transparent
- Speed and data-driven decisions become the norm
- Agents who adapt and use AI thrive, while others struggle
For buyers who are confident, research-driven, and comfortable with technology, AI offers a powerful alternative.
Is AI-Based Home Buying Right for You?
AI-powered platforms aren’t for everyone. First-time buyers who want heavy hand-holding or those navigating complex, emotional transactions may still benefit from a traditional agent.
But for buyers who:
- Know what they want
- Are comfortable reviewing data
- Want to save money
- Prefer autonomy
AI-driven home buying can be a game changer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is it legal to buy a home without a real estate agent?
Yes. Buyers are not legally required to use a real estate agent. Self-representation is allowed in all U.S. states, including Florida.
2. How much money can buyers really save?
Typically 2.5%–3% of the purchase price. On a $400,000 home, that’s $10,000–$12,000 in savings.
3. Are AI-generated contracts legally valid?
Yes, when properly structured. Platforms like Homa use state-approved contract templates, and their Pro tier includes licensed broker review.
4. What are the risks of using AI instead of an agent?
Potential risks include missing off-market insights, negotiation nuances, or local context. This is why hybrid models with human oversight are gaining popularity.
5. Can AI negotiate on my behalf?
AI can suggest pricing strategies and offer terms, but final negotiations are still reviewed or approved by humans in most platforms.
6. Is this only available in Florida?
Currently, Homa operates in Florida, with plans to expand into Texas and California.
7. Will AI replace real estate agents?
Unlikely. AI is more likely to reshape the industry by automating routine tasks and pushing agents toward higher-value advisory roles.
Final Thoughts
The rise of AI-powered home buying marks one of the biggest shifts in real estate in decades. By reducing costs, increasing transparency, and putting control back into buyers’ hands, platforms like Homa are challenging long-standing norms.
For many Florida buyers, AI isn’t just a tool — it’s a smarter, faster, and more affordable way to buy a home.
And as technology continues to evolve, this may only be the beginning.
