For many young families in Canada's heated housing market, buying a first home feels like an impossible dream. But for one Toronto couple, a groundbreaking artificial intelligence tool turned that dream into a reality, providing critical savings that made their purchase possible.
The Homebuying Breakthrough
Rebekah and Andrew Camara, parents to two young children, have made a life-changing move. In November 2024, they excitedly transitioned from a cramped basement apartment in Toronto's Bayview and Sheppard area to a spacious three-bedroom condo near Don Mills Road and Eglinton Avenue. The key to their success was an AI-driven real estate platform called Keypr, which launched in 2024.
"I have said it before and I will say it again, it was not an option for us to be able to purchase anything unless we had Keypr with us," Rebekah Camara stated emphatically. She explained that the traditional costs associated with buying a home in Toronto were prohibitive. "It was the only way we were going to get into the market because of the down payment, closing costs and all of the additional fees that come with purchasing a home."
How AI is Disrupting Real Estate
Industry experts predict that 2026 could be the pivotal year where AI fundamentally reshapes how properties are bought and sold, with widespread transformation expected by 2027. This shift mirrors the evolution seen in consumer banking, where services moved from traditional advisors to self-directed digital platforms.
Keypr, which recently partnered with digital mortgage lender nesto, is at the forefront of this change. The company's CEO, John Asher, describes homebuying as "the next self-directed frontier." He says Keypr is driving this shift with a transparent model that combines AI-powered tools, licensed realtors, and integrated services.
The platform's most impactful feature for buyers like the Camaras is a cash refund of up to 80% on agent commissions. This can translate to savings of $10,000 to over $30,000 per transaction. For a first-time buyer, these funds can be redirected towards the crucial down payment.
A Personal Path to Ownership
For the Camara family, the financial relief was transformative. The refund process allowed them to allocate money that would have gone to a real estate agent directly toward their down payment. The entire homebuying journey—from exploring listings and booking viewings to consulting with real estate lawyers—was conducted online through the platform.
Rebekah, a pastry chef, now enjoys a large, fully-equipped kitchen where she can work. "The condo unit itself is decked out to the nines," she shared. "The kitchen is absolutely stunning – brand new top-of-the-line appliances – and the bedrooms all have custom closets. It was everything we wanted and more."
She credits Keypr's CEO, John Asher, with providing hands-on support during a competitive negotiation. "He really went to bat for us because it was us and another person vying for the property," Rebekah recalled. Asher highlighted the family's story to the sellers, emphasizing how they would appreciate and grow in the home. The strategy worked; the previous owners even left a heartfelt letter for the Camaras on moving day.
Asher emphasizes that affordability isn't just about the listing price. "Do you have money for the down payment? Do you have money to cover the commissions? Do you have money to cover appraisals and mortgage costs and legal costs?" he asks. "The cash refund allowed them to accelerate moving into their home."
As the real estate industry stands on the brink of a technological revolution, stories like that of the Camara family offer a compelling glimpse into a future where AI doesn't just simplify transactions, but actively unlocks the door to homeownership for a new generation.
