AI can be genuinely useful during a home search. A buyer can ask it to compare the commute from Mount Pleasant and Port Moody, estimate the cost of replacing old flooring, explain what a depreciation report is or create a list of questions to ask when viewing a condo.
The problem is that AI does not know whether the answer is accurate unless the information it relies on is current and complete. It may quote an outdated property tax rate, misunderstand a Vancouver zoning rule or estimate renovation costs using prices from another city. These convincing but false or incomplete answers are known as “AI hallucinations,” and CREA specifically recommends that AI-generated information be independently reviewed before it is shared or relied upon.
It also cannot properly evaluate the details that often determine whether a property is a good purchase. A listing may look bright online, but the unit could face a concrete wall. A renovation may appear impressive, but the work could have been completed without permits. AI can now virtually stage rooms or alter listing photos, which is why B.C. guidance recommends clearly labelling images that have been enhanced so buyers are not misled.
A condo may have a low monthly strata fee while the building is preparing for a major roof or plumbing expense. AI can help summarize strata documents or inspection reports, but a missed reference to water damage, insurance problems or a proposed special levy could have serious financial consequences.
AI can help summarize information and prepare better questions, but the final decision still depends on context. Recent comparable sales, the condition of the home, the feel of the block, the strength of the building and the level of competition all need to be considered together.
The best use of AI is as a research tool. It can make the search more efficient, while verified documents, local knowledge and experienced judgment help determine whether a particular home is actually the right one.
Market Update
Metro Vancouver home sales lose brief momentum
Home sales registered on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver* declined nearly ten per cent last month relative to July last year, erasing the ten per cent gain seen in June that kicked off the summer.
The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 2,061 in July 2026, a 9.8 per cent decrease from the 2,286 sales recorded in July 2025. This was 18.6 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (2,532).
There were 4,991 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in July 2026. This represents a 11.5 per cent decrease compared to the 5,642 properties listed in July 2025. This figure matches the 10-year seasonal average (4,992).
The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 16,476, a 4 per cent decrease compared to July 2025 (17,168). This is 26.8 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (12,992).
Real Estate Q&A
What We're Being Asked Most Right Now
Q1. Which home upgrade is most likely to be noticed by buyers?
A: Fresh paint, updated lighting and clean flooring usually make a bigger impression than expensive renovations buyers may want to change anyway.
Q2. What makes a home feel more expensive than it is?
A. Good lighting, consistent flooring, uncluttered rooms and a clear sense of space. Buyers often respond more strongly to how a home feels than to a long list of upgrades.
Q3. What is one thing buyers notice immediately at a showing?
A. Whether the home feels well cared for. Small details like clean windows, fresh caulking, working lights and tidy entryways can shape the entire first impression.
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