Tech Tips

Before You Google, Try Asking AI

By Tommy Worsham

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Before you read any further, I have an admission to make. Other than this opening section and inserting the links at the end, this article and the content of the example links have been created by ChatGPT. So, if you have never used AI — or artificial intelligence — and would like to understand its potential power, please read on. While the focus of this article is home ownership oriented, you can ask AI anything!

As an example, for writing this article, I started with the following question: “Can you help me write an HOA newsletter describing the benefits of using AI for daily homeowner questions?”

I received a lengthy comprehensive answer, followed by an offer to create a shorter version, a more engaging version and a top-10 questions version. The text below is the “more engaging” version:

How AI Can Help With Everyday Homeowner Questions

Have you ever wondered:

• Why your lawn suddenly has brown spots?

• How to clean mildew from outdoor furniture?

• When you should reseal a deck or driveway?

Instead of searching through dozens of websites, many homeowners are now using AI assistants such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini to get quick answers. These tools allow you to type a question in plain language and receive suggestions almost instantly.

Examples of questions homeowners ask include:

• “What lawn care schedule works best in North Carolina?”

• “How do I remove stains from concrete or stone?”

• “What are low-maintenance plants for my yard?”

• “How often should gutters be cleaned?”

• “What maintenance should I do before spring?”

AI tools can help explain options, provide maintenance checklists and offer step-by-step guidance for small projects.

However, they should be used as informational tools only. HOA guidelines, architectural rules and community policies should always be verified using official HOA documents or by contacting the board or property manager.

Still, AI can be a helpful way to get ideas, learn about home maintenance and solve everyday homeowner questions more quickly.

Now back to the human author! …

If you would like to experiment with ChatGPT yourself, please click https://chat.openai.com/chat. You also can look at the other AI assistants mentioned in this article and some of the additional links provided.

If you would like to see a ChatGPT conversation regarding itself and other AI applications, please click AI Assistant Recommendations.

If you would like to see an example of an extended ChatGPT conversation regarding re-staining a concrete water fountain, including uploading photos for analysis, please click Sample Homeowner AI Conversation.

And finally, back to ChatGPT for the last word: Technology continues to create new tools that can make home ownership easier. AI assistants are just one more resource homeowners can use to learn, solve problems and take better care of their homes.