The real estate industry has long relied on typed searches, but a new tool from Builders Update is testing a conversational approach. Home Scout, available on the company's website, lets users describe their desired home in plain language, either in English or Spanish, and receive results conversationally. The tool is designed for those who prefer speaking over typing, and it automatically switches languages based on the user's speech.
Bill Gaul, CEO of Builders Update and chair of the RESO Data Dictionary New Construction Subcommittee, emphasizes the bilingual capability as a key differentiator. The tool does not ask for language preference; it simply responds in the language spoken. This feature has generated significant interest in markets with large Spanish-speaking populations, such as Miami, San Diego, and border regions.
The search results, including floor plans, property details, and photos, are delivered directly to the user's inbox. This allows agents to forward the information to clients in one of two formats: a detailed agent view with the address and builder name, or a buyer-facing view that omits these details but includes visuals and pricing. The dual-version approach underscores the platform's agent-centric model, which reserves detailed listing information for licensed agents and requires buyers to register through their agent.
Furthermore, Builders Update's electronic buyer registration protects agents' commissions. When an agent submits a buyer's name, the builder can confirm whether the buyer is already in their system, safeguarding the agent's claim if the buyer makes a purchase. Gaul describes this 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 says.
Despite the tool's potential, adoption has been gradual. Even where Home Scout is available, some agents have yet to try it, and the company is focusing on encouraging usage. The platform currently serves more than 860,000 agents nationwide.
The implications of this development are significant for real estate professionals and buyers alike. By enabling voice search in multiple languages, Builders Update is addressing a gap in the market for non-English speakers and making property search more accessible. The integration with email and the agent-centric design ensure that real estate agents remain central to the transaction, which is crucial in an industry where commission protection is vital. As voice search becomes more prevalent across technology, this tool could set a precedent for how real estate platforms evolve to meet user preferences.
