Homebuying still begins with many of the familiar steps buyers use today—but the way we search, communicate and move through a transaction is evolving. Across these six lessons, you'll follow the homebuying journey from finding a property through closing and ownership, while seeing where newer digital tools can fit along the way.
What are you looking for?
Location • Price • Acreage • Property Type • Features
Tell your agent what you’re looking for:
HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS
Digital property searches can filter available listings using your preferences, helping narrow the search to properties that may be a better fit.
Your search begins.
Your property search can take you across multiple sources—from properties your real estate agent finds to MLS-connected websites and other online property-search tools.
Your agent searches available listings, monitors the market and helps identify properties that may fit what you're looking for.
HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS
MLS-connected websites and digital search tools can make it easier to discover, filter and compare available properties as your search evolves.
Take a closer look before you schedule a showing.
Photos, videos, maps, satellite imagery, virtual tours and available property details can help you get a better feel for a property before seeing it in person.
Explore the property and surrounding area, compare it with other options and decide which properties are worth seeing in person.
HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS
Digital tools can bring property information, imagery and location details together, helping you learn more before you make the trip.
AI can help make property searches more personal.
Newer AI-powered search tools can understand more than basic filters. They can help surface properties based on the way you describe what you're looking for.
AI-powered search can go beyond traditional filters. Depending on the tool, you may be able to describe the home and lifestyle you're looking for, search by commute or nearby places, and refine your results through a conversation.
GOOD TO KNOW
Your real estate agent can also use newer AI-powered search tools to turn a detailed wish list into more targeted property searches. AI helps narrow the possibilities; your agent helps you evaluate which properties may actually be worth pursuing.
Found a property that stands out?
Once a property catches your attention, your agent can arrange a showing so you can experience it in person and take a closer look.
Your agent can help you look beyond the photos—reviewing available property information and disclosures, pointing out important details and helping you know what questions to ask.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Walk through the property, explore the surroundings, ask questions and decide whether this is a property you want to pursue.
The technology doesn’t have to stop once you find the property.
As you move from searching to making a purchase, digital platforms can continue working alongside you and your agent—helping organize important information, documents, updates and next steps, and giving you both a clearer way to follow the transaction.
Instead of wondering what’s happening behind the scenes, you can have a clearer view of where your transaction stands, what’s happening now and what may be coming next.
YOUR AGENT STAYS AT THE CENTER
Your real estate agent guides the process, helps you understand what comes next and can use digital tools to help keep you informed and connected along the way.
Now the search becomes a possible purchase.
You've found a property you're interested in. Before you're ready to make an offer, there's an important question:
Being ready means more than finding the right property. It means knowing how you plan to purchase it and being prepared to show a seller that you’re ready to move forward.
That's where the next part of your journey begins.
Explore traditional financing, cash, cryptocurrency and crypto-backed financing—plus pre-approval, proof of funds and earnest money.
