Property sellers are increasingly using artificial intelligence tools to clarify and question estate agent valuations after market appraisal appointments, according to data from proptech firm Acaboom.
The company analysed hundreds of anonymised interactions with its AI Concierge tool, which enables sellers to ask questions about agent proposals, pricing strategies and service offerings following valuation appointments.
Pricing queries dominate
Questions relating to valuations and pricing confidence represented the largest proportion of conversations examined. Homeowners commonly asked how valuations had been calculated, whether asking prices were realistic, and how likely agents were to achieve the suggested figures.
Fee structures, tie-in periods and contract terms also featured prominently, alongside questions about portal exposure, advertising strategies and buyer reach.
Acaboom reported that more than half of all interactions related to pricing, fees, marketing or contractual clarification, indicating that many sellers continue comparing agents and evaluating proposals well beyond the initial appointment.
Post-appointment decision-making
Brian Farrell, founder of Acaboom, said: “For years, estate agency has focused heavily on the valuation appointment itself. What this analysis shows is that many homeowners continue processing and questioning long after the agent has left.”
He added that homeowners appeared comfortable using AI to ask questions they may not always raise directly in person, particularly regarding pricing confidence, fees and contractual concerns.
The trend reflects broader changes in how estate agents are adapting their service models, with technology increasingly playing a role in the instruction process. The findings suggest AI is being deployed as a low-pressure tool during the instruction period, rather than simply as a chatbot or automation layer.
Farrell stated: “The strongest proposals are probably not the ones with the most generic branding. They are the ones that reduce uncertainty, explain the strategy clearly and help homeowners feel confident in the decisions they are making.”
Industry implications
The data indicates a shift in the traditional estate agency model, where the valuation appointment has historically been viewed as the primary decision-making moment for sellers. The use of AI tools for post-appointment queries suggests the instruction journey has become more extended and considered.
For agents, the findings point to the importance of clarity in proposals and pricing strategies, as sellers now have additional tools to scrutinise and compare offerings after appointments conclude. As agencies continue to evolve their market positioning, transparency around valuations and fees may become increasingly important in securing instructions.
