08/09/2026
AI: Artificial Intelligence OR Artificial Information?!
As a Broker and Realtor for 20+ years, I am thinking more about how I have lived my life and run my business through word of mouth referrals and relationships, ie: relational real estate vs. transactional real estate. In the past years, we often had to explain the subtle differences and nuances that our clients did not fully understand or know, the inaccuracies of the trailer-park-worthy Zestimate and other similar online do-it-yourself algorithmic-driven valuation tools designed to fuel connection, etc. These days, much of this inaccurate, useless or subtly skewed information overload is coming from A.I. Yes, we are now arguing with 'the machine' in many circumstances.
The internet has always been a mixed blessing: while it provides tons of information, some of that information is not pertinent, and worse, some of it is slightly-to-largely inaccurate. I have caught multiple errors in my use of AI, and I shudder at the ones I did NOT catch. In real estate, the primary driver of inaccuracies is that we humans are the ones consumers trust most to ENTER their homes, and by doing so, we will see things no computer can see. That is the key, pun intended.
While AI will be enormously helpful in replacing lots of WORK, the JOB of professional real estate advisory is now elevated once again, and we have to meet this new, higher level, one that delivers real value to the consumer. It starts with earning and building trust. Then, it also requires real, specific, real-time, boots-on-the-ground knowledge, combined with people-skills to navigate the emotional complexities of all that real estate delivers. Lots of data and information is wonderful: knowing what is accurate, meaningful, pertinent, current, appropriate, etc requires outstanding human skills.
AI is no longer the future—it’s the world we’re living in today. 🤖
What do you think about the rapid rise of artificial intelligence?
Are you excited about the possibilities, concerned about the challenges, or somewhere in between?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. What do you think the AI world will look like 5–10 years from now?
