How to Use Ask Redfin: An AI Assistant for Homebuyers

Ask Redfin, a generative AI-powered virtual assistant, is now available to all U.S. users of the Redfin iPhone app. Integrated directly into home listing pages, this tool is designed to provide instant answers to property-specific questions and connect users with licensed real estate agents. Since its launch, data shows the majority of user inquiries focus on property details, with a significant number of users leveraging the tool to schedule home tours or request agent assistance, streamlining the initial stages of the home-buying process.

What is Ask Redfin and How Does It Work?

Ask Redfin is a generative AI tool—a type of artificial intelligence that can create new text-based content in response to user queries. For home shoppers, this means you can ask questions in plain language about a property listed on the Redfin app. The assistant scans the listing details and other relevant data to provide a concise answer. Its functionality ranges from clarifying basic home facts to providing context on local market conditions. If a question requires a professional opinion, the system is integrated with Redfin’s support team to quickly connect you with a licensed real estate agent. This is particularly useful for complex questions about making an offer or determining a home’s potential market value.

What Are the Most Common Questions Users Ask?

Based on usage data from the tool's initial release, user questions are highly practical and focused on making informed decisions. The breakdown of queries is as follows:

This data indicates that the primary use of Ask Redfin is to quickly clarify key property details that influence buying decisions, such as lot size, system types, and renovation history.

How Does Ask Redfin Ensure Fair and Ethical Responses?

In developing the tool, a primary concern was adherence to Fair Housing Guidelines, which are federal laws designed to prevent discrimination in housing-related activities. To comply, the AI is programmed with specific instructions. When asked a question that touches on a potential fair housing issue—such as inquiries about neighborhood demographic composition—Ask Redfin is designed to respond that it cannot answer the question. This safeguard helps ensure the tool provides information that is objective, legal, and focused solely on the property and its features.

How Can You Access and Use the Ask Redfin Feature?

Using the assistant is straightforward, but requires a specific version of the Redfin app. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Ensure you have the latest version of the Redfin iPhone app installed from the Apple App Store.
2. Open the app and navigate to the listing page of a home you are interested in.
3. Tap the speech bubble icon located to the left of the "request showing" bar at the bottom of your screen.
4. This action will open a new chat window where you can begin typing your questions.

Based on our experience assessment, users who engage with this tool tend to be highly active on the platform, with data indicating 93% return to the app within a week.

To effectively use Ask Redfin, focus on asking specific, factual questions about the property and its listed features. This approach will yield the most immediate and useful answers for your home search. For complex, transactional advice, the built-in connection to a licensed real estate agent is the most valuable feature, providing a seamless transition from initial research to professional guidance.