What Real Estate Professionals Need to Know About AI

RedTalk Recap: Prepare for Real Estate’s AI Future
Presented by Nobu Hata at EVX 2025 

There’s no shortage of headlines about artificial intelligence (AI) reshaping the future of real estate — but what’s hype, and what’s actually happening right now?

At EVX 2025, Engel & Völkers Americas’ annual real estate conference, industry veteran Nobu Hata delivered a RedTalk that cut through the noise. His message? The future isn’t coming — it’s already here.

And the decisions you make today will determine whether you thrive in the next three years or fall behind.

Here are the top takeaways from his session, and why the Engel & Völkers network is uniquely positioned to help real estate agents and brokers navigate this shift with confidence.

The AI Shift Is Already Underway

AI isn’t something to brace for — it’s already influencing how buyers and sellers interact with real estate. From personalized website experiences to virtual tours stitched together with still photos, machine learning is now baked into the consumer journey.

But here’s the kicker: AI isn’t replacing real estate professionals — it’s redefining the value they bring.

“Your job is no longer to take pretty pictures. Your job is to be the human that helps people navigate the biggest move of their life.” – Nobu Hata

Consumers Are Resetting Their Expectations

According to Hata, it will take about three years for buyers and sellers to fully recalibrate their sense of “normal” after the pandemic, interest rate swings, and affordability shifts.

They’re not just searching for properties — they’re searching for clarity, connection, and confidence. And they expect you to deliver all three.

That means:

• Anticipating needs beyond the transaction (from pet sitters to plumbers).

• Showing up with hyper-local insight, not just listings.

• Being a guide, not just a gatekeeper.

The Danger of Staying in the Bubble

One of Hata’s more surprising calls to action? Stop marketing like you're talking to other real estate agents.

Too many professionals are stuck in industry-speak and peer validation. But today’s consumer doesn’t care about awards, branding jargon, or follower counts — they care about how you can help them right now.

It’s not about being everywhere. It’s about being known for something that matters.

Use AI to Enhance — Not Replace — Your Expertise

From ChatGPT to predictive analytics, the tools are impressive. But they’re just that — tools.

What makes a real estate business future-ready is the ability to:

• Know your blind spots and use AI to fill the gaps.

• Save time on the repetitive stuff (listing copy, basic outreach, content repurposing).

• Spend more time doing what only humans can do — building trust, interpreting nuance, and showing up when it matters.

Engel & Völkers believes AI should enhance a real estate advisor’s strengths, not dilute their voice. That’s why the Engel & Völkers marketing, technology, and operational platforms are built to keep advisors in the driver’s seat — with tools that scale, not replace, their expertise.

The Big Opportunity: Lead With Humanity

Real estate will always be a relationship business. In a world where AI can replicate content and automate follow-ups, the most valuable thing you can offer is your human perspective.

That means:

• Helping a seller understand why a messy kitchen impacts price.
  
  

• Coaching a buyer through trade-offs in a changing rate environment.
  
  

• Offering real talk, not just real estate.

Real estate will always be a relationship business. In a world where AI can replicate content and automate follow-ups, the most valuable thing you can offer is your human perspective.

That means:

• Helping a seller understand why a messy kitchen impacts price.

• Coaching a buyer through trade-offs in a changing rate environment.

• Offering real talk, not just real estate.

Why Become an Engel & Völkers Advisor?

The real question isn’t, how do I compete with AI? It’s how do I build a brand that stays essential no matter what changes?

At Engel & Völkers, we give real estate professionals:

• A global brand grounded in local expertise.

• Training and thought leadership to stay ahead of what’s next.

• Marketing tools that empower personalization and efficiency.

• A network of like-minded professionals who value craft, care, and elevated service.

Ready to lead in the age of AI — without losing the human touch? Connect with us to learn more about how Engel & Völkers supports innovation with a human-first approach.