Will AI Replace Your Real Estate Agent?

What’s On My Mind This Week: AI Is Cute And All, But…

In my latest Tracy Talks Real video, I tackle the hot topic of AI in real estate, specifically as a potential replacement for an expensive buyer agent.

It is indisputable that AI is having a moment! And it’s whip smart! Or is it? Truthfully, AI is only as smart as the programmer who built and trained it, and the data queried. Unfortunately, for competitive reasons, you will likely never know most details about the programmer or data.

So is AI ready to be your buyer agent? It can certainly mine listings data for you, but in my experience, most people really want to do that themselves, and who knows better than you what matters in your next home?

And yes, I used AI to create that image. 🤓

But what about all the other services a buyer agent might offer you? Can AI surpass humans (or even stand in) in that regard?

My personal opinion as a multi-decade real estate professional and real estate tech company founder is that AI is plenty ready to co-pilot with an experienced agent, but definitely is not ready to conduct your transaction alone, without professional oversight. At this point in time, people who don't buy and sell homes on the regular just will not know if AI's output makes sense or is simply an AI delusion.

But I'm not saying there isn't a place for AI in your home buying journey, and I share a tips and tools in my brand new report - AI To Buy A Home? The report is available in my Learning Center.

As you use AI products, keep in mind that platform owners will want something from you to use their AI products, most likely to connect you with one of their agents. Be careful! Helpful digital tools do not necessarily translate to good agents.

For example, Zillow might knock your socks off with its AI tools, but the recommended agents pay to be recommended, and may not know the first thing about the tools that impressed you in the first place. Should that matter? You decide, but be aware there will probably be a disconnect between your expectations and the live agents offered.

Also, I highly recommend you create a throwaway email account and adopt a fake name to use the tools to protect your identity and financial privacy. I discuss more about this my report linked above.

I’d love to hear about your own experiences with AI and real estate. I’m always interested in boots on the ground feedback. Drop me a note here.

Watch this week's Tracy Talks Video on AI and home buying here.

Introducing Buyer Agent Game Plan

The new homebuying rules call for new strategies to pick the right agent to help you bring about your happy homebuying outcome. The video below describes the 8-module, self-paced course I created to help you find, vet, hire and supervise your buyer agent. Buy your next home with confidence!

Have You Checked Out My New Learning Center?

I’ve been very concerned about recent developments in residential real estate, and have been a vocal critic of the class action lawsuits last year because I think they did a huge disservice to consumers.

I’ve also been struck by the sheer vitriol of consumer sentiment against real estate agents in social media comments regarding the lawsuits. I’ve concluded that there is a huge lack of understanding how to leverage agents for positive outcomes. I’ve also concluded that too many consumers hire the first agent they talk to without doing any kind of homework. What could possibly go wrong with that plan??

But I’m not one to just sit around and complain. I jumped into action and developed my Learning Center for consumers. Content developed in the center to date includes a new course - Buyer Agent Game Plan, a step-by-step strategic plan for home buyers to navigate the new rules in residential real estate, starting with hiring the right agent for their circumstances.

I also offer various fast action checklists and workbooks for buyers, including a suite of checklists to determine readiness to buy.

I’m also busy putting the final touches on my forthcoming book - The Secret Handshake (Play The Home Buyer & Home Seller Game Smarter). This has been an exciting project.

I find myself increasingly obsessed with helping consumers understand residential real estate on a deeper level and how to make more lucrative choices, including how to find, hire and vet agents. Join me on this journey? Hop over to the Learning Center and click the follow button under my bio. You’ll be notified when new offerings are added to the Center.

Do You Need Help Finding Agents?

Whether you are in my backyard here in Los Angeles or someplace farther away, I am available to help you find agents to interview. There is a nominal fee for this service, but I will find and vet three agents for you to interview in your local market, as well as provide a list of interview questions and my proprietary strategy for interviewing and comparing multiple agents with ease.

Complimentary Home Buyer Resources

Please enjoy these resources:

Follow Local Trends - Long time readers know I like me some trends! 🤓 This resource explains how market trends impact your home buying and home selling choices and strategies.

Benefits Of A CMA - Wondering how much to offer when buying a home or how much to list for when selling a home? Learn about CMAs. They aren't just for sellers!

15 Tips To Save For A Down Payment - Is the down payment holding you back from buying a home? I've got 15 practical tips to help you save.

Do’s & Don’ts For Property Tours - Are you new to home buying? I've got tips for touring homes that might surprise you.

8 Expensive Home Buyer Mistakes - If you've never purchased a home or haven't purchased in recent years, you might be surprised to learn about these expensive homebuyer mistakes.

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Do You Know About My Office Hours?

I offer Office Hours as a low-key way to get your real estate questions answered without a lot of scheduling and commitment. Twice a week, I hang out on Zoom and am available to answer your real estate questions. Click on tracyonzoom.com during the designated hours and you will land in our waiting room. Tracy will bring you in when the person ahead of you is done. Everything is private. Here are your next opportunities to join Tracy for Office Hours:

• Thursday, May 8, 2025 from 10 am to noon PT

• Sunday, May 11, 2025 from 10 am to 1 pm PT

• Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 10 am to noon PT

• Sunday, May 18, 2025 from 10 am to 1 pm PT

Alternatively, private 1:1 conversations can be scheduled here.

Find Me Around The Web

Let’s make sure we’re connected in the places you like to hang out. Here’s where you can find me and what I post on those platforms:

• Have We Met? Read my bio

• My YouTube Channels - TracyTalksReal & TracyTalksRealLOCAL

• My Beach Cities LA Real Estate Company - search for homes, save listings, meet the team

• Twitter - mostly housing politics commentary

• LinkedIn - real estate news & insights

• Facebook - local real estate news & insights

• Instagram - local real estate news & insights

• Digital Office Hours - I hang out and you come ask questions 😊

• Schedule a 1:1 meeting for Zoom or IRL

Content Authenticity Statement

90% of this week’s newsletter was generated by me, Tracy Thrower Conyers. AI created my nifty headline image and my cute bot friend in my video thumbnail. 😊

Legal Stuff

You are not my client unless we have a written agreement in place. This newsletter is offered for informational and/or entertainment purposes only. Neither I nor Silicon Beach Properties nor eXp Realty, Inc. is responsible for the consequences of how you implement the content of this publication and nothing herein is intended to address your specific situation. Additionally, the information contained herein may be outdated (legally and/or factually) by the time you consume this content, so consult a professional licensed in your jurisdiction for advice.

Advertisements in this newsletter have paid to be promoted and, as a result, I receive direct financial compensation for promoting them. Sometimes I promote people, places and things strictly to show support without compensation. Ask me if you have questions.

My real estate company, Silicon Beach Properties, and I maintain partnerships and affiliate relationships with other companies. Look for asterisks** to signify such a relationship. Assume we are compensated, but that won’t always be the case.

Until Next Week…

Be well and use this link to refer others to The Tracy Talks. Let’s grow a community!