The landscape of real estate in **Vero Beach** and across Florida is undergoing a digital transformation, as some homebuyers turn to artificial intelligence to navigate the market without traditional representation. A new wave of tech-savvy buyers is utilizing AI platforms to search for properties, draft contracts, and close deals, effectively bypassing buyer’s agents and saving thousands of dollars in commissions.
This emerging trend is gaining traction following the landmark National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement earlier this year, which altered how agent commissions are negotiated and paid. Tech startup Homa reports that Florida buyers are increasingly using their AI-powered system to handle the entire purchasing process end-to-end.
Local Success in Vero Beach
The impact of this technology is already being felt locally. Vicki Lynn, a physical therapist assistant who recently relocated from California to **Vero Beach**, utilized the AI platform to purchase her new home. Lynn reportedly bought a property for $313,000 and managed to save approximately $8,000 by foregoing a traditional buyer’s agent. She was able to apply these savings directly toward her closing costs.
“I just dove right in,” Lynn said regarding the process. “The contract system was similar to TurboTax — filling in the blanks. Very straightforward.”
Lynn noted that her previous experiences with agents often involved delays and miscommunication. By using the AI platform, she felt she regained control over the transaction, submitting an offer the very next night after cutting ties with traditional representation.
How the Technology Works
The platform, co-founded by former Zillow executive Arman Javaherian, is designed to address inefficiencies in the traditional home-buying process. It combines several tools into one interface:
- Unified Search: Aggregates home listings.
- Instant Scheduling: Allows buyers to book tours immediately.
- AI Pricing Analysis: Offers data-driven estimates on property value.
- Automated Contracts: Generates offers and contracts, allowing for rapid submission.
According to Javaherian, the goal is to empower buyers who are already doing the heavy lifting of searching for homes online. The company offers a free self-service version as well as a paid tier, “Homa Pro,” which costs $1,995 and assigns a licensed transaction broker to oversee the deal and ensure buyers receive their commission rebates.
The Industry Response
While the potential for savings is attractive—typically 2.5% to 3% of the purchase price—local real estate professionals warn that AI cannot fully replace the human element. Critics argue that algorithms may overlook critical “off-market” context, such as neighborhood nuances, upcoming construction projects, or the psychological aspects of negotiation.
Ivan Chorney, a Florida broker, emphasized that experienced agents provide value through understanding human motivation and local intelligence that does not appear in public records. Despite these warnings, the allure of significant cost savings is driving interest. In addition to the Vero Beach example, a pharmacist in the Tampa Bay area reported saving $10,500 on a $420,000 home using the same technology.
As the Florida housing market adapts to the new rules regarding commissions, tools like Homa represent a significant shift in how residents in Indian River County and beyond may approach the biggest purchase of their lives. Whether this becomes a mainstream standard or remains a niche for the independent-minded buyer remains to be seen, but for now, it offers a new alternative for those looking to move to the Treasure Coast.
