According to new analysis from PropTech firm Acaboom, sellers are increasingly turning to AI for reassurance and clarification after estate agent valuation appointments.
The company analysed hundreds of anonymised interactions with its AI Concierge tool, which enables sellers to ask questions about an agent’s proposal, pricing strategy and service following market appraisal.
Some of the largest share of conversations analysed were questions around valuations and pricing confidence, with homeowners frequently asking how valuations had been reached, whether asking prices were realistic and how likely agents were to achieve them.
Other aspects which feature heavily were fee structures, tie-in periods and contract terms as well as questions about portal exposure, advertising and buyer reach.
Acaboom mentions that over half of all interactions related to pricing, fees, marketing or contractual clarification, indicating many sellers proceed to compare agents and assessing proposals long after the appointment itself.
“For years, estate agency has focused heavily on the valuation appointment itself. What this analysis shows is that many homeowners continue processing and questioning long after the agent has left.
“What is particularly interesting is that homeowners appear comfortable using AI to ask questions they may not always ask directly in person – especially around pricing confidence, fees and contractual concerns. The strongest proposals are probably not the ones with the most generic branding.
“They are the ones that reduce uncertainty, explain the strategy clearly and help homeowners feel confident in the decisions they are making.”
Brian Farrell, Founder, Acaboom
Acaboom’s findings indicate AI is frequently being utilised as a low-pressure reassurance tool during the instruction process, as opposed to a chatbot or automation layer.
