Smart Ways To Use AI When You Buy Or Sell A Home

AI is everywhere now. It can save time, sharpen your decisions, and reduce stress during a move. It can also make confident mistakes. Use it like a power tool with a guard on the blade. This guide shows you what AI does well, where it goes off the rails, and how to combine AI with a trusted real estate pro for the best results.

What AI Can Do For You Today?

Scan the market quickly:
Ask an AI to summarize pricing trends, property features, and days on market for a target area. You will get a fast lay of the land. Treat the summary as a first pass, not the final word.

Turn wish lists into search criteria:
Describe your lifestyle and must haves. AI can translate that into search filters that actually work. Example: quiet street near a park and grocery store within ten minutes. Three bedrooms. Space for a home office. Budget under 900 thousand. Target school commute under twenty minutes.

Prep your home like a pro:
Feed AI your listing photos and a few notes on condition. Ask for a room by room prep plan. You will get a punch list with estimated time and cost ranges. Then confirm priorities with your agent who knows your local buyer pool.

Compare financing paths in plain English:
AI can explain rate buydowns, points, and various loan types. It can also draft questions for your lender so you walk in prepared. Then rely on actual quotes and disclosures from licensed professionals.

Practice negotiations:
Role play your offer conversation with AI before the real thing. Test responses to inspection requests and appraisal gaps. You will sound clearer and more confident when it counts.

Plan a move like an operations manager:
AI can build checklists and timelines for utilities, movers, school transfers, and change of address. Ask for a week by week schedule with reminders.

Where AI Gets It Wrong

Local nuance:
AI is great at patterns. It is weak on block by block nuance that moves value. Your agent lives in that nuance.

Outdated or invented facts:
AI can sound certain while being wrong. If a claim would change your money or your legal position, verify with your agent or another licensed pro.

Photos and deepfakes:
Virtual staging and image edits can be helpful when disclosed. They can also mislead when not disclosed. Your agent will spot what is standard and what is suspect.

Regulations and forms:
AI can summarize rules. It is not your lawyer, your inspector, or your agent. Do not rely on AI for legal advice or contract strategy.

A Safe And Effective AI Workflow

1: Start with AI to explore options and draft questions
2: Validate with your agent and your lender
3: Decide with real data and signed documents

If a step touches price, terms, or timelines, pull your agent into the loop. If a step touches legal or tax, talk to a qualified professional.

Prompts You Can Copy And Paste

Use these exactly as written. Replace bracketed parts with your details.

Market scan:
“Give me a plain language summary of the past six months in [town or neighborhood]. Include typical list price, sold price, days on market, and inventory trend. Keep it under 150 words and flag any sharp changes.”

Search setup:
“Turn this lifestyle into search filters. I work from home. I need three bedrooms plus a quiet office. I prefer a small yard. My budget is [amount]. I want a grocery store within ten minutes and a commute under [time]. Suggest three realistic tradeoffs.”

Listing prep:
“I am listing a [bed bath size] home built in [year]. Floors are [type]. Kitchen is [condition]. Bathrooms are [condition]. Create a two week prep plan with tasks, low cost fixes, and high impact wins.”

Offer strategy practice:
“Role play as the seller’s agent. I will make a fair offer with [financing type] and [closing timeline]. Push back on price and inspection. I will practice responses.”

Financing decode:
“Explain the pros and cons of paying one point versus a temporary buydown for a loan of [amount]. Include break even math in simple terms.”

Move plan:
“Create a move checklist for closing on [date]. Week by week tasks for utilities, movers, address changes, school, and pet care. Keep it tight and practical.”

Red Flags To Watch

• Advice that asks for money or personal data before you meet a verified human
• Listings with impossible details such as square footage that does not match public records
• Photos where windows look like light boxes or walls have repeating textures
• Market claims that do not match what you see in active or sold listings

If it smells off, ask your agent to verify.

How Your Agent Uses AI For Your Benefit

Faster insights: pricing ranges, micro trend detection, and contract language reviews that surface issues early
Better marketing: audience targeting, copy drafts, and smart media plans that get your listing seen by the right buyers
Smoother transactions: automated reminders, deadline tracking, and document organization that lower your stress

AI does not replace your agent. It makes your agent more effective and gives you more clarity.

Privacy And Security Checklist

• Never paste full social security numbers or full account numbers into an AI chat
• Strip out exact addresses until you decide to tour or list
• Ask your agent which tools keep your data private and which do not
• Save anything important as a PDF in your own drive and share securely

Buyer Mini Playbook

1: Define budget and must haves with AI
2: Tour with your agent and refine the list based on what you learned in person
3: Use AI to draft questions for the lender and the inspector
4: Decide with real quotes, real comps, and guidance from your agent

Seller Mini Playbook

1: Use AI to create a prep plan and a pricing question set
2: Align on strategy with your agent who knows the local buyers
3: Let AI help with timelines and reminders
4: Review offers with your agent and negotiate from facts, not feelings

FAQ

Will AI help me find off market deals?
Sometimes it will surface hints, but reliable opportunities still come from local networks and agent relationships.

Can AI predict my final sale price?
It can estimate a range. Your actual price depends on timing, competition, and how buyers feel when they walk through the door.

Is it safe to trust AI for legal questions?
No. Use AI for education. Use licensed professionals for decisions.

The Bottom Line

AI is a booster, not a pilot. Use it for research, planning, and practice. Lean on your real estate agent for pricing, strategy, and negotiations. That partnership gives you speed and confidence without gambling on guesses.


 

Want a human strategy session

Bring your AI notes and your questions. I will bring real data and local insight. Together we will turn speed into certainty and certainty into results.

DEBBIE SPENCER GROUP
REALTOR®, CRS, SRES
m: 617-285-7300
t: 781-860-7300
e: debbie@thedebbiespencergroup.com
1 Militia Drive, Suite 204, Lexington, MA 02421

www.thedebbiespencergroup.com

Debbie-Spencer-Group-KW-Logo

Why Now Might Be the Best Time to List Your Home Before Winter Rolls In

Let’s face it: New England winters do not exactly whisper “cozy open house.”
They shout “shovel your walkway or else!”

If you have been thinking about selling your home in the Greater Boston area, this fall might be your golden window.

Here is why smart sellers are listing now instead of waiting for spring thaw.


 

1. Fall Buyers Are Serious

We are no longer in “let’s browse open houses for fun” season.

Fall buyers are focused. Motivated. Ready to move.
Their lease might be ending. Their life change (new job, baby, downsizing) is real. They are not kicking tires. They are writing offers.

Pro tip: Fewer tire kickers means fewer Sunday sweeps and more real chances to close.


 

2. Curb Appeal Still Has Its Moment

Think pumpkins on the porch, mums in bloom, crisp air and crunchy leaves.

Fall in New England is made for real estate photos.
Before the snow hits and your roof disappears under a blanket of white, give your home one last glow up.

Yes, spring has flowers but fall has atmosphere.


 

3. Less Competition Means More Visibility

You know what happens in November?

Sellers get cold feet. Literally.

Many homeowners delay until spring thinking that is the “hot” market. Fewer listings now mean your property stands out.

It is the difference between being one of 5 homes a buyer sees or one of 55.


 

❄️ 4. Winter Brings Weather and Waiting

Once snow falls in Greater Boston a few things happen:

  • Showings get canceled due to weather

  • Buyers hibernate

  • Homes feel colder, darker, and less inviting

Selling in fall means you beat the freeze both literally and figuratively.


 

5. Interest Rates Are Still a Wildcard

While rates have been doing the cha cha lately many economists expect volatility into early 2026.

Buyers who are rate sensitive want to lock in before January. That urgency can create multiple offer scenarios if you are priced right and staged well.


 

So Is It Time?

Only you can decide when the timing is right. If selling has been on your mind, this fall might offer the sweet spot of serious buyers, low competition, and classic New England charm.

Want a quick market snapshot or a free home valuation?
Let’s chat. No pressure, just practical guidance (and maybe a pumpkin latte if you are into that).

 

 

DEBBIE SPENCER GROUP
REALTOR®, CRS, SRES
m: 617-285-7300
t: 781-860-7300
e: debbie@thedebbiespencergroup.com
1 Militia Drive, Suite 204, Lexington, MA 02421

www.thedebbiespencergroup.com

Debbie-Spencer-Group-KW-Logo

What’s Your Real Estate Plan for the Rest of 2025?

As summer winds down and the second half of the year kicks into high gear, now is the perfect time to pause and ask yourself:

 What are your real estate goals for the rest of 2025?

Whether you’re thinking about buying your first home, selling your current one, investing in rental property, or just sitting tight — the choices you make between now and December could have a big impact on your financial future.

Let’s break it down.


 

Why Now Is the Time to Plan Your Next Move

1. The market is shifting.
Interest rates, inventory, and buyer demand are all moving targets. What made sense six months ago may look very different today. A smart strategy now = better results later.

2. Fall is a sweet spot for buyers and sellers.
Many people assume spring is the only time to make a move. But fall brings serious buyers, less competition, and end-of-year tax advantages for investors.

3. There’s still time to hit your 2025 goals.
Whether your goal is to upsize, downsize, relocate, or build wealth through real estate, a focused plan this August can make it happen before the holidays.


 

Not Making a Move? You Still Need a Plan.

Even if you’re not planning to buy or sell, having a strategy for your real estate investments is still essential. Consider:

  • Renovating or refinancing? Timing matters.

  • Need a property value update? Markets change.

  • Thinking about renting or investing? Opportunities are out there.


 

Need a Contractor, Lender, or Designer?

If you’re planning a home project or even just thinking about one, I have a database full of trusted local pros — contractors, painters, stagers, landscapers, designers, and more.
‍♂️ Text or message me what you’re working on, and I’ll connect you for free.


 

Let’s Create Your Real Estate Roadmap

Don’t wait for the perfect time — create it.

 Schedule a 15-minute planning session to map out your goals for the rest of 2025. We’ll look at market trends, financing options, and your timeline to help you make the smartest move — even if that move is staying put for now.


 

Your real estate journey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right plan and a trusted partner, you can finish the year strong.

 

DEBBIE SPENCER GROUP
REALTOR®, CRS, SRES
m: 617-285-7300
t: 781-860-7300
e: debbie@thedebbiespencergroup.com
1 Militia Drive, Suite 204, Lexington, MA 02421

www.thedebbiespencergroup.com

Debbie-Spencer-Group-KW-Logo

10 Summertime Favorites from Your Friendly Neighborhood Realtor

Hey friends!

While I’m usually sharing open houses and market updates, today I’m taking a detour from real estate and heading straight for summer fun! July is in full swing, and whether you’re chasing the ice cream truck or dodging rogue beach balls, there’s something magical about this time of year.

So here’s a peek into my summer faves—because your favorite realtor is more than just contracts and closings.

My Top 10 Summer Must-Haves

  1. Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Vanilla. Don’t @ me.

  2. Beach or Lake? Lake. Fewer seagulls, more floaties.

  3. Grill Master Move: Can’t beat a great steak. Chef’s kiss.

  4. Patio Vibe Song: “Rock-A-Hula Baby’ by Elvis Presley. Instant mood lift.

  5. Backyard Game Champ: Cornhole. Let’s go, rematch?

  6. July 4th Tradition: Sparklers, slightly off-key patriotic singalongs, and too many hot dogs & burgers.

  7. Go-To Summer Drink: Always white wine…maybe a spritzer.

  8. Rainy Day Binge-Watch: Virgin River!

  9. Secret Summer Skill: I make a mean watermelon marg. Ask me for my recipe!

  10. If I Had a Summer Superpower: The ability to repel mosquitos with just a look.

Let’s Keep It Fun!

What are YOUR summer faves? Comment your top 3, or tag me in your best July moment on social. Whether you’re beach-bound, camping out, or just living your best AC-blasting life—I’d love to hear how you’re soaking up summer.

And hey, if you happen to be house hunting between BBQs… you know who to call.

Stay cool,

Debbie Spencer
Your local realtor & unofficial summer fun ambassador

 

DEBBIE SPENCER GROUP
REALTOR®, CRS, SRES
m: 617-285-7300
t: 781-860-7300
e: debbie@thedebbiespencergroup.com
1 Militia Drive, Suite 204, Lexington, MA 02421

www.thedebbiespencergroup.com

Debbie-Spencer-Group-KW-Logo

How much does it cost to sell my home?

Q: What’s the true cost of selling a home?
A: Roughly 10-12% of the sale price.

Here’s a DETAILED breakdown (with 2022 data):

– Agent commissions: 5-6% of the sale price, split between the two agents.
– Attorney fees, transfer taxes, and other administrative costs: 1% of the sale price
– Home repairs and inspection requests: $100-10,000. The most common repair on a home inspection report? Sticky doors that need adjusting. The second? Leaky faucets and shower heads.

Optional expenses:

– Moving: The average cost of a local move with a two-person team is $1,400. A cross-country move will set you back $2,200-5,700. Save on moving by grabbing a few friends and DIY.
– Interior staging and exterior landscaping: 18% of sellers’ agents said staging increased a home’s value between 6-10%. Staging and landscaping will run 2% of the sale price, making both worthy of your time and money.
– Seller concessions: To sweeten the deal, you may help a buyer with inspection fees, processing fees, or other costs. Usually, no more than 2% of the sale price.
– Home warranty: Some sellers offer buyers a warranty to cover the home leading up to closing, so the buyer knows they’re not facing repair costs as soon as they sign. A home warranty costs $300-500.

One mistake I see from sellers? Pouring money into the wrong improvements before getting an agent involved.

If you’re thinking of selling, don’t wait to get an agent’s eyes on your home — it’ll focus your efforts and help you get every dollar out of your home. Want help? Contact me today.

Source: https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/how-much-does-it-cost-to-sell-house/

Source: https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/moving-services/movers-and-packers-cost/#:~:text=The%20national%20average%20cost%20of,to%20between%20%242%2C200%20and%20%245%2C700.

Source: https://www.parealtors.org/what-are-the-most-common-repairs-that-show-up-in-home-inspections/

Source: https://www.rockethomes.com/blog/home-selling/cost-of-selling-a-house

 

DEBBIE SPENCER GROUP
REALTOR®, CRS, SRES
m: 617-285-7300
t: 781-860-7300
e: debbie@thedebbiespencergroup.com
1 Militia Drive, Suite 204, Lexington, MA 02421

www.thedebbiespencergroup.com

Debbie-Spencer-Group-KW-Logo