Some Florida homebuyers using AI to get homes without agents, saving thousands
Homebuyers in Florida are now closing on homes without using an agent, thanks to artificial intelligence. Tech startup Homa has facilitated at least 10 end-to-end home purchases using its AI-powered system, with more deals currently in progress. This shift could challenge the traditional commission-driven real estate industry, which has already been shaken by a recent National Association of Realtors settlement.
Homa’s platform allows buyers to self-represent, eliminating the need for a buyer’s agent and saving around 2.5% to 3% in commission fees. The savings can then be pocketed or used towards closing costs.
For example, DJ, a 32-year-old pharmacist, saved $10,500 on a $420,000 home in the Tampa Bay area by using Homa. Similarly, Vicki Lynn, a physical therapist assistant, saved about $8,000 on a $313,000 home in Vero Beach.
The co-founder of Homa, Arman Javaherian, saw the inefficiencies in the real estate process during his time at Zillow and decided to create an AI-powered platform that cuts out the middleman. The recent NAR settlement, which requires buyers to sign contracts with agents before touring homes, has further fueled the adoption of Homa’s system.
Homa’s platform combines home search, tour scheduling, pricing analysis, and contract creation, allowing buyers to submit offers quickly. The company offers a free self-service version and a paid tier called Homa Pro, which provides a licensed transaction broker and ensures that the buyer receives the rebated commission.
While AI-driven home buying offers benefits, some within the real estate industry caution against oversimplifying a business that relies on human judgment and local knowledge. Critics argue that AI may miss crucial off-market context that can impact deals.
Despite these concerns, buyers who have used Homa appreciate the efficiency and transparency it offers compared to working with traditional agents. They value the ability to navigate the homebuying process independently and make informed decisions based on AI-generated data.
She found it frustrating.
After severing ties and utilizing Homa, she mentioned that she made an offer the very next evening.
“I craved control,” Lynn expressed. “And I achieved it.”
Javaherian asserts that Homa is not a completely independent AI system.
“All AI experiences glitches,” he admitted.
“That’s why with Homa Pro, we have a human transaction broker to assess offers and negotiations,” he added.
He likened the setup to autonomous driving systems, which still require human supervision.
“Our goal is 95% or 98% autonomy — not 100%,” he emphasized. “This is a significant investment for individuals.”
Currently, Homa is only operational in Florida, with plans to expand into Texas and California next year. It is supported by venture capital firms Restive Ventures and Cambrian Ventures and is in the process of securing its next round of funding.
Whether AI continues to be a specialized tool in real estate or evolves into a mainstream alternative remains uncertain — however, with commissions facing new scrutiny and buyers increasingly open to independent purchasing, the pressure on traditional agents could be escalating.
“Most individuals are unaware that they can purchase a house without a buyer’s agent — until now,” Javaherian noted.
