Why Technology Will Never Replace Realtors (probably)

I love selling real estate. I think I’ll be doing it (to some extent) for the rest of my life. One of the only things that can stop me from selling homes for the rest of my life is the possibility of technology replacing what I do, like it has for so many other professions. The thought of losing my job to a computer makes me anxious, but admittedly it also intrigues me. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t written down ideas on paper for how I would replace myself with a computer. I, and I’m sure many others, have fantasized about being the person who creates the program or idea that replaces an entire industry. In the future, if someone does replace this industry they’ll need to overcome some huge obstacles.
Buyers are liars
This term “buyers are liars” is kinda famous with realtors. It may be a joke among agents, but there is also a lot of truth to this and because of that it’s going to be the computer’s first obstacle.
When looking for a home, buyers can enter in their criteria and automatically be sent all homes for sale, cool. The only issue with that is buyer’s don’t know what they want. If you’re a buyer right now I know what you’re thinking, “ That’s funny Gage, and that’s probably the case with most people, but not with me. I know just what I want.” Well, I know you think you know, but you’re a liar too.
Because you’re a liar, you could be missing the home of your dreams when entering in that restrictive search criteria! As a realtor, part of my job is to read you and figure out what you really want, because I’m not a liar (like you). I’ll send you listings in different neighborhoods or listings with or without features you think you need. Even when you say you still don’t want to see it, I’ll still know you’re a liar, so I’ll schedule it anyway. We’ll look at these listings and to your surprise you’ll love them.
Negotiations
A computer can’t effectively negotiate. Now, there may be some proud employees of Geek squad that’ll say, “ that’s not true Gage, you can enter in an algorithm that effectively negotiates using past seller behavior.” ….or some crap like that.
Well, Mr. Geek I understand where you’re going with that, but the issue is the past seller isn’t the same as the current seller. For that matter the past agent, who often coaches the seller through negotiations, isn’t the same as the current agent.
Without a skilled negotiator (like me) you run the risk of over paying for your home, or leaving sugary sweet profits on the table when selling your home!
Computers Can’t Show Emotion
Of the list of reasons a computer can’t replace a realtor this is the most apparent to me. My clients are often making the very biggest financial decision they’ve made in their life when working with me! This can be very emotional for them. I need to be able to deliver good or bad news in an appropriate manner. I’ll jump in the air and connect with a celebratory high five or I’ll pat them on the back and keep them motivated after a loss.
Emotions are dangerous, and I’ve almost bought some pretty ridiculous things because I was caught up in the moment and I thought I needed something. Fortunately, I had someone talk me out of buying that megaphone or that male romper. I’m that someone. This house might have an unreal mancave, but the foundation is leaking Mr. Buyer.
I might advise my client to take a day. Look at the situation logically, and we’ll talk about it the next day. Often times my clients will come back the next day and thank me for the reality check. The stupid computer can’t do that. You’ll get your mancave, but next time a big storm comes though, that mancave will be trashed and all your Van Halen posters will be ruined.
So try all you want geeks, but none of your computer programs or apps will replace me. Because us realtors are the bomb and when it comes to selling homes there’s a lot more than meets the eye.
……but if you find a way to replace us and you make billions, I’d be happy to work for you ;)
