In an industry where online real estate searches often begin with typing filters into a form, a new tool is testing a more conversational approach. Builders Update, a national database for new construction, has introduced Home Scout, a voice-enabled search feature that allows users to describe their desired home in plain language, either in English or Spanish, without the need for typing.
The tool is designed for convenience and accessibility. “It was created for people who don’t like to type. They can just talk to it,” said Bill Gaul, CEO of Builders Update and chair of the RESO Data Dictionary New Construction Subcommittee. A user might say they need a three-bedroom, two-bath home in a specific zip code while driving, and the system responds conversationally.
What distinguishes Home Scout is its bilingual capability. It automatically detects whether the user is speaking English or Spanish and switches languages accordingly. “It doesn’t even ask if you want Spanish. If you start speaking Spanish, it responds in Spanish,” Gaul said, emphasizing that the translation is designed to sound natural rather than mechanical. The bilingual option has attracted significant interest in markets with large Spanish-speaking populations, including Miami, San Diego, and border regions.
Once a search is completed, results, including floor plans, property details, and photos, are delivered directly to the user’s inbox. This feature is particularly useful for those on the go. “By the time that person parks the car, the floor plans and the pictures are in their inbox,” Gaul said. Agents can then forward these results to their clients in one of two formats: a full agent view that includes the address and builder name, or a buyer-facing view that shows photos, floor plans, and pricing without the address or builder information.
The two-version design reflects an agent-centric business model. Detailed listing information is restricted to licensed agents, and buyers are encouraged to register through their agent rather than independently. The platform also includes an electronic buyer registration system. When an agent submits a buyer’s name, the builder can verify that the buyer is not already in its database, thereby protecting the agent’s claim to the commission if that buyer later makes a purchase. Gaul describes this registration process, which is part of the company’s patent, as a way to keep the agent’s role transparent and protected. “We’re trying to inject the agent into the process,” he said.
Despite the innovative features, adoption has been gradual. Gaul acknowledged that even in areas where the tool has been available for some time, many agents have yet to try it. Part of the current effort is focused on encouraging agents to explore the tool. The platform currently serves more than 860,000 agents nationwide, indicating a significant potential user base for this new search method.
The introduction of Home Scout is significant for the real estate industry as it addresses the growing demand for multilingual and voice-driven technology. By allowing users to search in their preferred language, the tool has the potential to broaden access to new construction data, particularly in diverse markets. For agents, the voice search feature could save time and streamline the process of finding and sharing property information with clients.
As the real estate sector continues to evolve, tools like Home Scout represent a shift toward more intuitive and inclusive user experiences. While challenges remain in driving widespread adoption, the potential benefits for agents and buyers alike make this a development worth monitoring.
