Canadian home buyers are experiencing a revolutionary shift in how they search for properties, thanks to the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence tools. According to Barbara Lawlor, CEO and Partner at Baker Real Estate Incorporated, AI has become an indispensable resource for those navigating the competitive real estate market.
The New Era of Property Search
While the internet previously allowed potential buyers to browse listings at any hour, artificial intelligence now opens even more doors for finding the perfect home. Never have new home buyers been able to access so much detailed information in one place with only a few keystrokes, transforming the traditional house-hunting process.
People across Canada are increasingly turning to AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Grok to streamline their property searches. These Large Language Models (LLMs) generate human-style text based on massive data collections, providing personalized assistance for one of life's biggest financial decisions.
Mastering AI for Your Home Search
Lawlor emphasizes that AI serves as a powerful tool rather than a replacement for due diligence. The effectiveness of these platforms depends heavily on how users frame their questions. She recommends a structured approach: action, details, format, and tone.
Start with a clear prompt about your home-buying goals, then specify details like preferred neighborhoods, budget constraints, or required amenities. You can request information in various formats—whether bulleted lists, detailed paragraphs, or checklist style—and specify the complexity level based on your familiarity with real estate terminology.
Practical Applications and Limitations
Prospective buyers can use AI for numerous tasks, from determining affordable price ranges and interpreting floor plans to identifying neighborhoods with strong growth potential. The technology's true strength lies in its customization capabilities—users can continually refine their searches with additional prompts until they obtain the precise information needed.
However, Lawlor cautions that AI isn't perfect and shouldn't replace critical thinking. Buyers should always verify information through traditional research methods and consult real estate professionals before signing purchase agreements. The technology works best as a complementary resource that enhances rather than replaces human judgment in the property-buying journey.
As artificial intelligence continues evolving, Canadian home shoppers who learn to leverage these tools effectively will gain significant advantages in finding their ideal properties while making informed financial decisions.
