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n Florida, buyers are increasingly using AI to purchase homes without a traditional agent, cutting out the usual 2.5‑3% commission. Tech startup Homa reports that at least ten transactions have closed entirely through its platform, with several more in escrow, signaling a potential shift in an industry already rattled by a recent National Association of Realtors settlement.

    Homa’s system lets buyers search listings, schedule tours, receive instant pricing analysis, and generate offers and contracts—all automated. The platform’s free self‑service tier is complemented by a $1,995 Pro plan that assigns a licensed transaction broker to review offers and ensure the buyer receives the rebated commission. This hybrid model mirrors autonomous driving: high autonomy with human oversight.

    Co‑founder Arman Javaherian, a former Zillow product director, said the idea emerged after watching buyers do most of the legwork while agents pocketed large fees. “At Zillow I saw inefficiencies—buyers find homes themselves, then agents take $10k‑$30k,” he explained. The March NAR settlement, which forces buyers to sign contracts with agents before touring homes, made the savings transparent and spurred interest in alternatives.

    Real‑world savings are tangible. DJ, a 32‑year‑old pharmacist, bought a $420,000 Tampa Bay home through Homa and avoided a $10,500 commission. “The platform walks you through every step, and you can save at least 2.5% on the purchase price,” he said. Vicki Lynn, a physical therapist assistant who moved from California to Vero Beach, purchased a $313,000 home and saved roughly $8,000, which she applied to closing costs. “The contract system was like TurboTax—fill in the blanks, very straightforward,” Lynn added.

    While AI offers speed—submitting offers within hours instead of days—some industry insiders caution that it can oversimplify negotiations that rely on human judgment, local knowledge, and off‑market intel. Miami broker Ivan Chorney notes that AI-generated advice often mirrors generic Zillow formulas and misses context such as undisclosed development plans or nearby construction. “The best outcomes come from professionals who use AI to enhance judgment, not replace it,” he said.

    Homa acknowledges AI’s limitations. “All AI has hallucinations,” Javaherian admitted, which is why the Pro tier includes a human broker to review negotiations. He likens the approach to autonomous vehicles that still require a driver. “We’re aiming for 95‑98% autonomy, not 100%,” he said.

    The platform is currently limited to Florida but plans to expand into Texas and California next year. It is backed by venture firms Restive Ventures and Cambrian Ventures and is raising a new funding round. As commissions face scrutiny and buyers grow more comfortable buying independently, the pressure on traditional agents may intensify. “Most people don’t even realize they’re allowed to buy a house without a buyer’s agent—until now,” Javaherian remarked.