How A.I. Is Changing Real Estate In 2026: What Investors NEED TO KNOW!

Trevor Mauch is the CEO of Carrot, a company helping real estate investors and wholesalers grow their businesses online. In this article, Trevor shares insights on how AI is transforming real estate search, lead generation, and online credibility in 2026.

• How AI is Changing Real Estate in 2026
• Google Search vs AI Tools Like ChatGPT
• The Evolution of Search: From Keywords to Conversations
• Reddit's Role in AI Search Results
• Building a Strong Online Credibility Profile
• Show, Don’t Just Tell: Enhancing Website Content for AI
• Hyperlocal Backlinks & Community Involvement
• The Future of SEO in an AI-Driven Search Landscape
• Long-Tail Keywords & Content Strategy in AI Search
• Entity-Based SEO: A New Optimization Strategy
• Final Tips on Google Business Profile Optimization

How AI is Changing Real Estate in 2026

AI is no longer a trend—it’s here to stay. Much like the internet in the 1990s, AI is poised to be transformational, fundamentally changing how real estate investors and wholesalers operate.

Today, more sellers are using AI tools like GPT to assist with buying or selling homes. On the back end of Carrot clients’ websites, AI-driven leads are becoming increasingly common, showing how technology is reshaping the way investors connect with motivated sellers.

For those looking to leverage AI effectively, having a high-performing website is crucial. Programs like the coaching program offered by Alex and Real Estate Skills provide custom integrations with Carrot to help investors maximize their online presence and capture these AI-driven opportunities.

Google Search vs AI Tools Like ChatGPT

We’re finding that more leads are coming through AI sources on these Carrot sites. Google, however, doesn’t differentiate between a traditional Google search and a lead generated from an AI overview—it all appears as a Google search. But based on data, a large percentage of these leads are likely from AI-generated suggestions.

Back in 2018–2019, I predicted the future of search would move away from ten blue links and towards one top suggestion with a couple of backups.

People want direct answers, like asking a neighbor for a recommendation—they don’t want ten options to sift through. AI and Google are heading in that direction.

The Evolution of Search: From Keywords to Conversations

A year or two ago, the main issue was trust. People didn’t trust AI results. Over time, trust has been built. Despite some saying Google search is dead because of GPT, searches are actually up—from 8.6 billion searches per day a year ago to 13.2–13.5 billion today.

People are using longer, conversational queries instead of short keyword phrases. For example, instead of “sell my house fast Oakland,” they type, “Can you help me find a cash home buyer in Oakland who will give me a fair price?”

Search has moved away from keywords, though including them in content is still helpful.

Reddit's Role in AI Search Results

There’s one website that all three top AI search engines—ChatGPT, Google AI overviews, and Perplexity—use as a top source: Reddit. Surprisingly, no one is paying attention to it.

Using specialized prompts, you can find Reddit threads in your local market discussing wholesalers. These threads can affect your credibility profile in AI search results.

Negative mentions on Reddit, for example, can impact how AI presents your business.

Building a Strong Online Credibility Profile

Building a strong credibility profile is essential. AI search engines look at trust and credibility, with Google Business Profiles being highly important.

Everyone should have a Google Business Profile with accurate information, multiple reviews, and timely responses to those reviews.

Ensure your business name, address, and phone number are consistent across your website and other citations. Inconsistencies can cause AI to exclude you from search results.

Show, Don’t Just Tell: Enhancing Website Content for AI

On your website, don’t just tell visitors what you do—show it.

For example, if you buy probate homes, include images or case studies to demonstrate it.

Showing real examples builds authority and signals experience to AI search engines.

Hyperlocal Backlinks & Community Involvement

AI mode is likely to become the default in Google search.

Traditional backlink strategies are less effective.

Instead, focus on hyperlocal links: join your chamber of commerce, sponsor local sports teams, causes, or events.

These actions integrate your business into the community and improve credibility for AI searches

The Future of SEO in an AI-Driven Search Landscape

SEO is not dead—it’s evolving. Instead of chasing page-one rankings, focus on becoming the most relevant and trusted source for hyper-specific searches.

Businesses that build credibility can appear as suggested results in ChatGPT and other AI tools, even if they couldn’t rank on page one before.

Websites remain crucial—they are your online business card and lead generation tool.

Long-Tail Keywords & Content Strategy in AI Search

Search engines are less about short keywords and more about longer, conversational queries.

Creating content around these long-tail questions is helpful.

While AI won’t show you the exact phrase used to find your site, it’s important to identify entities—topics and concepts relevant to your business—for optimization.

Entity-Based SEO: A New Optimization Strategy

An entity can be a person, place, or concept. For example, in a search query like “sell my inherited house fast in Oakland,” “sell,” “house,” “Oakland,” “fast,” and “inherited” are all entities.

Focus on demonstrating trust and authority around these entities, using them across your website, in H2 tags, alt text, and your Google Business Profile.

Hyperlocal authority is crucial.

Final Tips on Google Business Profile Optimization

Your Google Business Profile should list all services and categories relevant to your business. Include details like helping people sell houses fast in your local area. Fully utilize every feature of the profile to boost credibility and visibility.

Check out Trevor’s three-day AI visibility challenge at carrot.com/challenge for practical, hands-on guidance.

For a deeper dive into building a hyperprofitable wholesaling and flipping business, explore the full training at RealEstateSkills.com/watch

See you there, and happy wholesaling!

*Disclosure: Real Estate Skills is not a law firm, and the information contained here does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with an attorney before making any legal conclusions. The information presented here is educational in nature. All investments involve risks, and the past performance of an investment, industry, sector, and/or market does not guarantee future returns or results. Investors are responsible for any investment decision they make. Such decisions should be based on an evaluation of their financial situation, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs.