How technology is changing the homebuying experience for 2026

Technology is constantly being used to make every aspect of life easier, and that includes digitizing the homebuying experience. From virtual tours to artificial intelligence assistance and online applications, there are many homebuying trends for 2026 that look to be taking advantage of technology. 

“Almost everyone starts online now,” Rate Senior Vice President of Mortgage Lending Eric Hamilton said. “People want to begin the process on their terms and from whatever device is in their hand at that moment.” 

Start taking advantage of technology streamlining the homebuying experience by beginning an online mortgage application today! 

Potential homebuyers are using AI tools to help them sort through the numerous properties available.  

By adding what they are looking for in a home into an AI chatbot like ChatGPT, Google Gemini or Microsoft Copilot, homebuyers looking for assistance can view all listed properties that meet their needs. Homebuyers can then ask questions about each place or the neighborhoods to determine which is the best fit for their needs. 

Some potential buyers use AI in real estate to help them plan their future spending and see how they can budget their finances for down payment options or monthly mortgage payments. 

If you are looking for quick mortgage approvals, many lenders offer a same day pre-approval in 2026. 

For your same-day mortgage approval, you will want to make sure you get any necessary documents together and meet all qualifications. Some of the documentation you will need to provide are tax returns, bank statements and pay stubs.  

Qualifications may change depending on your chosen lender. A few things that can help meet any qualifications are a higher credit score, lower debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and strong employment history. 

Same-day pre-approvals can last from three to six months, meaning potential homebuyers looking to enter the market in 2026 can use their same-day approval for a good part of the year. 

With Rate’s Same Day Mortgage*, you could be approved in one business day and close on your new home in as little as 10 days** in 2026. 

The major benefit technology offers first-time buyers is easing the entire homebuying process. First-time buyers can search for homes online, take virtual tours and start a digital mortgage application. 

Choosing to search for a home online lets first-time buyers see available homes and listed prices of all properties in their desired area or city at once. First-time buyers can search for homes online and view them whenever they have the available time through a virtual tour and won’t have to wait for showings or open houses. 

“Virtual tours have become a big part of how people start the search,” Hamilton said. “A few years ago, it felt like a workaround. Today, it is simply how busy professionals, relocating families and investors narrow the list before they ever step inside a home.” 

When you have found your dream home, you can connect with a lender to talk about options and begin your home mortgage application online. 

Lenders are finding tech-savvy buyers starting the loan process more informed, allowing them to spend more time helping buyers find the right mortgage option for them. 

“Buyers today walk in with more information than ever. They have watched videos, read blogs, compared rates online.” Hamilton said. “They want to understand the why behind each option and what it means for their long-term plan.” 

With all this information buyers have access to, Hamilton does notice the role lenders play in the mortgage process changing.  

“Some of the data online is not accurate,” he said. “Now our job is more focused on advice and providing clarity.” 

In part due to technology’s role in the homebuying process, Hamilton is allowed to spend more time helping clients make sure their needs are met.  

“When the tech handles the data, I get to focus on what actually moves the needle for the client,” Hamilton said. “The strategy. The clarity. The long-term plan.” 

Experts with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) have made some predictions about the 2026 housing market that homebuyers might want to know about. 

According to the NAR 2026 predictions, median home prices could rise while mortgage rates will see a drop. Experts believe that the median home price across the nation will see a 14% increase next year, but mortgage rates could drop by 6% at some point in 2026. 

While homebuyers in 2026 might see the price of homes rise, they could end up paying less over the life of a mortgage they get next year. 

Homebuyers looking to take advantage of lower mortgage rates or to purchase before home prices rise can start the process by filling out a mortgage application today! 

_{Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Restrictions apply.} 

_{Information provided is for educational purposes only. It should not be construed as financial or legal advice or instruction. Rate does not guarantee or assume liability for the accuracy, completeness or timelines of the information. You should conduct additional research before making any mortgage related decisions.} 

_{*Rate’s Same Day Mortgage promotion offers qualified customers who provide certain required financial information/documentation within 24 hours of locking a rate on a mortgage loan the opportunity to receive a loan approval within 1 business day of timely submission of documentation and does not suggest that the borrower will receive funding on the same day as their application submission. Rate cannot guarantee that a loan will be approved or that a closing will occur within a specific timeframe. Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Restrictions apply. Visit rate}.com/same-day-mortgage_{for terms and conditions.} 

_{**Eligible borrowers must qualify for a "Clear to Close Loan Commitment" ("CTC”). Rate cannot guarantee that a loan will be approved or that a closing will occur within a specific timeframe. CTC is subject to certain underwriting conditions, including clear title and no loss of appraisal waiver, amongst others. Not eligible for all loan types or residence types. Minimum down payment requirements apply. Property must be eligible for an Appraisal Waiver and borrower must opt in to AccountChek for automated income and asset verification. Co-borrowers not eligible. Not all borrowers will be approved. Restrictions apply.}