Last updated: October 20, 2026. Prices were re-checked on each provider’s pricing page on that date; where a company doesn’t publish prices, we say so.
Real estate is still a relationship business, but a lot of an agent’s week goes to work that isn’t relationships: listing descriptions, follow-up texts, notes from showings, social posts and photo prep. That’s the work AI handles well. This guide groups the tools by the job they do, gives verified prices, and suggests a starter setup for a solo agent and for a small team.
At a glance
| Tool | Job it does | Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT / Claude | Listing copy, emails, scripts, research | Free, or about $20/mo |
| Follow Up Boss | Real estate CRM with AI summaries, smart messages and lead prioritization | Grow $58/user/mo annual ($69 monthly); calling add-on $33–39/user |
| Lofty | All-in-one CRM, IDX website and AI assistant | Not published; quote from sales |
| Ylopo | Done-for-you ads and AI lead follow-up for teams | Not published; quote from sales, plus ad spend |
| REimagine Home | AI virtual staging and redesign | Credit plans from about $14 to $99/mo |
| Otter.ai | Transcribing calls and meetings | Free (300 min/mo); Pro $8.33/mo annual or $16.99 monthly (regular price) |
| Canva Pro | Flyers, “Just Listed” posts, video | About $15/mo billed annually ($180/yr) |
Prices are approximate and change often. Otter.ai and other vendors sometimes run discounts below the regular prices shown.
1. Writing and content: ChatGPT or Claude
For most solo agents a general AI assistant gives the most value per dollar because it covers so many small writing jobs:
- Turning flat MLS remarks into a description that highlights what buyers care about
- Drafting follow-ups to leads who went quiet
- Writing captions and short video scripts for listings
- Summarizing comps or neighborhood information you paste in before a listing appointment
Two cautions. First, check every fact the AI writes against the listing data; it will happily invent a “renovated kitchen.” Second, avoid language about who a home is “perfect for” (families, young couples and so on): describe the property, not the buyer, to stay clear of fair housing problems. HUD’s fair housing guidance is linked in the sources below.
Tip: save one prompt with your brokerage’s tone, the facts you always include, and words you never use. Every description will then read consistently.
2. CRM and lead follow-up: Follow Up Boss, Lofty, Ylopo
Follow Up Boss publishes clear prices. Its Grow plan is per user, and the company says its AI features (smart summaries, smart messages, suggested tasks and predictive lead prioritization) cost nothing extra. Many of them work best with its calling add-on, so a solo agent who wants calling should budget about $91–108 a month. Teams can move to Pro (10 users) or Platform (30 users).
Lofty bundles a CRM, an IDX website and an AI assistant. It doesn’t publish prices, and third-party reports put it at several hundred dollars a month, so it tends to suit teams more than solo agents. Ask for a written quote including setup fees and contract length.
Ylopo runs paid ads for you and follows up with leads by AI text and voice. It doesn’t publish prices either, and ad spend comes on top. It makes sense for teams that want a steady flow of online leads and have someone to work them.
For CRMs outside real estate, see our AI CRM comparison for small business.
3. Virtual staging: REimagine Home
AI staging adds furniture to photos of empty rooms in minutes. REimagine Home sells monthly credit plans (one generation uses one credit), from about $14 to $99 a month depending on volume. Expect to generate a few versions of each room to get one you like.
Disclosure matters. Label staged photos as virtually staged and keep an unstaged version available. Many MLSs and state regulators require this, and it avoids buyers feeling misled at the showing. Check your MLS rules and your state real estate commission (find yours through ARELLO).
4. Notes and admin: Otter.ai
Otter.ai transcribes and summarizes calls and online meetings, so you aren’t rebuilding notes from memory after a busy day. The free plan includes 300 minutes a month, enough for occasional use. Pro raises that to 1,200 minutes. If you record calls, follow your state’s consent rules; some states require everyone on the call to agree.
5. Design and social media: Canva
Canva’s AI tools generate flyers, carousels and “Just Listed” or “Just Sold” graphics from templates. The free plan is enough to start; Pro adds brand kits, background removal and resizing for every platform. It won’t replace a designer for a luxury brochure, but it covers weekly social posts.
Starter setups and their cost
| Agent | Setup | Approx. monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Solo agent, starting out | Free ChatGPT or Claude + free Canva + free Otter.ai | $0 |
| Solo agent, busy | ChatGPT or Claude paid (~$20) + Follow Up Boss Grow with calling ($58 + $33 annual) + Canva Pro (~$15) | About $126 |
| Small team | Follow Up Boss Pro (10 users, $416 annual) + REimagine Home credits | From about $430 |
How to choose your first tool
- Find your biggest time sink. Writing? Start with ChatGPT or Claude. Losing leads? Start with a CRM.
- Use one tool for 30 days before adding another.
- Measure it. Hours saved per week or leads answered faster. Upgrade only if the numbers justify it.
If missed calls are costing you leads, our AI receptionist comparison covers services that answer for you, and our AI automation guide shows how to connect your tools.
Frequently asked questions
Will AI replace real estate agents?
Not the parts clients pay for: pricing advice, negotiation and guiding people through a stressful decision. It does reduce the time spent on writing and admin.
What’s the cheapest way to start?
The free plans of ChatGPT or Claude, Canva and Otter.ai cover most writing, design and note-taking at no cost.
Do I have to disclose AI-staged photos?
Rules vary by MLS and state, but labeling virtually staged photos is the safe default and often required.
Can AI-written listing descriptions create legal risk?
Yes, if they contain inaccurate facts or wording that suggests a preference for certain buyers. Review every description before publishing.