Yeah, no. I use the self-checkout at the grocery store a lot because I like the way I bag groceries better than I like the way that the bagger bags groceries. The cost of that is that the damn machine is so freaking retarded, and when they replace the machine with a 'better machine' it's even more retarded, ultimately necessitating that human clerks come and constantly reset the computers. It's absurd. I'd like to see consumers with retarded robot agents. If they think the human ones are bad, LOL, hold my beer!

well, surgeons do robotic surgery.... but they intubate their patients.... if homeowners can be intubated, it may work well....

I have been in this business for 20+ years. From the day I started, there were rumblings that the traditional real estate agent’s days were numbered. Time will tell. I will be retired or dead or both.

Oh, what could possibly go wrong here...

I watched a news station video on how they are using an iPad on wheels type robot.   I'll try to find the link and post it.  I had to laugh.  The agent sits in the office and follows the buyers around the home virtually.

Couple problems with that:

1st - Stairs - how can an agent go upstairs.  You would have to have a robot on every level.

2nd - The buyers have access to the lock box to let themselves in....WHAT!

I can see the conversation now, "Hi Mr. and Mrs Seller.  The last showing didn't go so well.  The buyers looking at your home last stole all your stuff."

I don't think so.

A lot of things are going to be automated soon, but a human ''touch''and personal connection going to become even more valuable. 

No, I don't see it happening - if I'm going to sit in an office and operate a robot, I'd rather be face-to-face with that buyer. 

Also, as a seller, I would never want strangers in my home without a licensed/bonded/insured professional. Period.

No, no and no. They love using automation to find homes to view, but nothing beat sa friendly face being there, answering questions and reacting to their emotions in order to comfort them

In answer to the question: No

Technology will advance and the role of agents will evolve but I seriously doubt agents will be replaced.  The roles will be redefined. 

Dream on.

I don't know about the buyers... but can I get robotic buyers??  No emotion, just a logical decision.  That sounds like heaaaven!

Of course not.

You will be able to get an agent much cheaper than a robot within a few years.

As far as the consumer goes, they are becoming increasing comfortable with big ticket purchases with human interaction. That equates to AVOIDING SHAME often associated with shattered expectations currently present in the real estate business today.

No, what people want is a good service at an affordable price - - real estate is completely out of balance -- most Realtors aren't worth 3% (or 6%), so consumers want a better option.

The great Realtors are worth every penny and people love them, and will pay for them.

Think about customer service over the phone -- when you make a phone call do you cross your fingers and hope to reach an automated system?  Or a real person?  I'd gladly pay slightly more for a service where I can call and talk with real people (one of the reasons I use an expensive CRM).  

Most people prefer a human - but if they're paying, they want a responsive, competent human looking out for their best interests.  If the real estate (and mortgage) community would provide that, there would be no worry about robots.

I can see the listing agent going by the wayside because the robot can place an ad and list it in several places for free.

A good buyers agent will always be needed to evaluate property, sort out the buyers best options, advise on offers and write a contract favorable to a human.

Eve

HOMEiZ.COM HOMEiZGROUP How do robots develop relationships? When robots replace agents there won't be any consumers only robots.

I don't think so. Who is going to show the house? Still so many things that AI can't do. We've got a job for at least a year lol.

Do you think that sellers would be comfortable just handing the keys to their homes to the general public for a property preview? I'm not even sure how this would work and not cause liability issues.

Technology will always find ways to push forward and perhaps someday every job will be done by a computer... but most people actually still want to TALK to a person. We have had automated answering systems for years now frankly they just tick most people off.

Yes and no. Sometimes robots can be faster, but sometimes they misunderstand what you want. 

In the next 30 years robots will have learned all there is to know at which point they will start killing off all us humans.  Does you Alexis laugh at you now?

I do not believe so. There is nothing like the "human" touch. 

I don't see how a robot can nurture a relationship to the point someone is ready to buy. Can a robot determine who the decision maker is? Can a robot counsel buyers when there is a situation? Can a robot keep a deal together when there are issues between the principals?  

The latest technology has robotic fashion models, why not?  Because, kindness and understanding another human has not be automated yet.  A

I sincerely doubt that...

Take the personal service side out and new problems arise not easily solvable. Be careful what you wish for!

HOMEiZ.COM HOMEiZGROUP - this may happen - though not in near future!

Consumers like the "idea" but when it gets real, they want someone intelligent and experienced to talk to.  We all experience technology that makes claims, then frustrated us to death because it can live up to the claims. I'm in no fear of being replaced by a machine. 

In answer to your complex question I would have to say the answer is:  NO ... at least not in my lifetime.

Only robot homeowners would want a robot to be their agent.

A robot would be preferable to some agents that I know. Those agents that know how to connect on a personal level with clients will always be of value.

Oh dear! How often we have heard this wolf cry!

I do not think it would have a 100% adoption for quite some time. On the other hand I am sure there is always someone that knows better and will take the cheaper option every time, not knowing any better.

Some may think they do, but just wait until the unusual situation arises!

Yes when they start doing math there is money spent to be evaluated. However when things start to not go right an agent and their pay start to make very good sense but how does that help you after the fact? Foolish to dabble in things this expensive and that cannot be a do-over plus litigation?

No.

I still think real estate is a relationship business, and a robot cannot do this.

Some day.

Some do, some dont

No

Consumers want value for their money.  If the value perception is higher for a broker/agent, then they will continue to use "people".  If the value perception is lower, then "people" will have to adjust their pricing to meet the value perception or lose the business.

Robots will replace politicians..... Amzn brand vs Google using Watson to make a decision.

Did you think a cell phone would ever be as important as it has become???

Nah

Hopefully I will be retired by the time it happens.  Everything is possible with enough research and trial and error.  

Some might