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Fischer: AI cannot replace a human real estate agent

By Jen Fischer - Special to the Standard-Examiner | Mar 7, 2025

Photo supplied, Jen Fischer

Jen Fischer

The first time I saw the term “AI” in print, I immediately thought it was a reference to the name Al, short for Allen. When people first hear the term “artificial intelligence,” or “AI,” a myriad of thoughts and images often rush to their minds. For some, it may evoke thoughts of extra-terrestrials or aliens. For others, some futuristic scenes of cloned bots who talk, walk and act just like a human may come to mind. The reality is, AI has already become a large part of our daily lives. If you have spoken to Siri or Alexa, common voice assistants that will even provide you with a joke when asked, then you know what I’m talking about. What about the daily recommendations we all receive from Netflix or Amazon from recorded algorithms?

Last year, I was in Arizona attending a popular gold event and I was nearly hit by a driverless car. I promise. No one was driving this car. Fortunately, it stopped in time. I wouldn’t always bank on that with my life, however. Either way, AI technology is here to stay. We see this overtly in both our professional and personal lives.

In the field of real estate, AI has already taken on many forms. From analytics to property valuations, recommendations and even construction site selections, AI has potentially made us more efficient. Or has it?

One of the simplest and possibly most innocuous ways AI is used is in the property description section of a listing. Take this example: “Well cared for charming 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home! Features include a 2- car garage, an open kitchen with generous counter space and a breakfast bar. The laundry is on the same floor as bedrooms, and primary bedroom includes a walk-in closet and private bath. Back patio is a great place for entertaining. Ease of access to 1-15 and close to shopping and parks.”

Now compare it to this, “This well-maintained and charming 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers a host of features, including a 2-car garage and an open kitchen with ample counter space and a breakfast bar. The laundry is conveniently located on the same floor as the bedrooms, while the primary bedroom boasts a walk-in closet and a private bath. The back patio provides an excellent space for entertaining. Plus, enjoy easy access to I-15 and close proximity to shopping and parks.”

The second description, rewritten by request from AI, is more appealing. However, while a property description written by AI may be harmless (although anything rewritten by AI throws into question our credibility as humans), at what point does AI actually threaten the existence of my career? In so many words … all of which are my very own … it doesn’t.

Apart from descriptions and promotional social media postings, everything else surrounding a real estate transaction requires human skill. AI cannot properly replicate empathy, intuition and emotion, all critical skills in helping clients navigate the process. The process of negotiation is not automated. This process requires adaptability, understanding and insight. AI does not have local expertise. This imaginary droid lacks local knowledge and community dynamics. “It” (not he or she) cannot experience human relationship. And, with the exception of the aforementioned property description, AI did not write this article.

Jen Fischer is an associate broker and Realtor. She can be reached at 801-645-2134 or jen@jen-fischer.com.

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