The future of real estate is powered by AI. Are you ready?
We recently hosted a webinar with Matt Maier, co-founder of Rejig.ai and all-around tech wizard, to break down exactly how artificial intelligence is reshaping the real estate landscape. And no, this isn’t about robots coming to take your job. It’s about leveraging tools to do the heavy lifting so you can get back to what you actually like doing (which we assume isn’t writing fifty Instagram captions about interest rates).
If you missed the live session because you were busy showing houses or doom-scrolling TikTok (no judgment), we’ve got you covered. Here’s the lowdown on how to level up your digital presence without losing your mind.
Want to watch the full webinar? Fill out the form on this page to get the recording sent straight to your inbox.
Key takeaways
- Know your audience: Understanding your target clients’ needs and preferences is crucial for crafting content that resonates and drives engagement.
- Leverage AI tools: Use AI-powered platforms to streamline your content creation, saving time while maintaining quality and consistency.
- Focus on value-driven content: Create posts and captions that offer actionable insights, tips, or information to establish yourself as a trusted industry expert.
- Be consistent with branding: Ensure your online presence aligns with your professional identity to build recognition and trust.
- Track and adjust your strategy: Regularly analyze your digital performance to refine your approach and maximize your marketing efforts.
The two big shifts you can’t ignore
Matt kicked things off by highlighting two massive shifts happening right now. First, your audience is online – constantly. According to the Pew Research Center, 41% of U.S. adults are online almost constantly, and another 43% are online several times a day. If you aren’t meeting them there, you’re essentially ghosting your potential clients.
Second, AI is everywhere. It’s the engine running the platforms your clients use. As Matt put it, “We kind of can’t avoid it at this point.” The goal isn’t to become a prompt engineer overnight, but to understand that platforms like Google and Instagram use AI to decide who sees your content.
Why your “digital curbside appeal” matters
You wouldn’t let a listing go live with a lawn full of weeds, right? Your digital presence is no different. Matt dropped a truth bomb about how Google evaluates you using signals of Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T).
When you post a client testimonial, Google sees a “signal of trustworthiness.” When you post about local zoning changes, that’s a “signal of expertise.”
“What you post on digital media really matters from an SEO perspective,” Matt explained. “If you are posting consistently, regularly, stuff that’s valuable, it’s going to help grow your organic traffic over time.”
Translation? If you’re only posting generic “Just Sold” graphics, Google (and your followers) might get bored. You need to show you’re a human who knows your local market better than anyone else.
The AI toolkit: work smarter, not harder
Okay, so you need to post more. But who has the time? This is where the magic happens. Matt walked us through a few game-changing tools that are either free or very affordable.
1. ChatGPT: Your personal news anchor
Stop staring at a blank screen, wondering what to post. Matt showed us how to set up a daily task in ChatGPT to send you real estate news every morning. You can literally tell it: “Set up a task to send me real estate news every day.”
From there, you can ask it to turn those headlines into a blog post, a newsletter, or a spicy tweet. It’s like having an intern who doesn’t drink all the coffee in the office.
Here’s how to use AI as your one-stop shop for news.
2. Google Gemini & “AI mode”
Gemini is Google’s answer to AI, and it’s built right into the search bar (look for the “AI mode” toggle). Because it’s Google, it has two decades of search data behind it.
“When you’re using Gemini for local stuff, you’re leveraging 2 decades’ worth of knowledge,” Matt noted. Use it to find hyper-local events, new developments, or even to rewrite your bio.
3. Sora and Nano Banana (Yes, that’s a real name)
Video is king, but editing is a pain. Matt introduced us to Sora (built into ChatGPT) for creating video content from images. He also showed off Google’s image editor, Nano Banana.
He gave a hilarious live demo where he tried to replace his daughter’s wallpaper with the San Francisco skyline. Was it perfect? No. Was it fast? Yes. Matt encouraged giving AI tools a try, emphasizing that there’s nothing to lose, and it’s all about experimenting.
4. Camera shy? No problem
Speaking of video, AI is perfect for camera-shy individuals who know they need to engage potential clients on Instagram or TikTok.
Here, Matt talks about creating an avatar, and the next video shows how he uses it.
How to start integrating AI into your workflow today
The key to integrating AI into your workflow is to start small and focus on tools that align with your current needs. By experimenting with accessible AI solutions, you can discover how they complement your existing processes without overwhelming your routine. Whether it’s enhancing creativity, automating repetitive tasks, or accelerating production, AI can serve as a valuable partner in achieving your goals.
Your Google Business profile is your most critical digital asset.
If you don’t already have a Google Business Profile, start here. It’s free, easy to set up, and vital for your online presence. According to Matt, “87% of users are actually going to look at somebody’s Google business reviews when they make a decision about whether to work for them or not.” A strong Google Business Profile not only boosts your credibility but also forms the foundation of your SEO strategy.
Here’s why your Google Business Profile is more important than your website:
Hyperlocal content is the secret sauce to beating the algorithm.
To stand out in today’s saturated digital world, focus on hyperlocal content. Don’t just post generic industry updates like mortgage rates. Connect with your audience by sharing posts about things happening in your community. Highlight new coffee shops, weekend festivals, or even the local high school football game. Platforms like Instagram prioritize showing content to users interested in specific topics, not just your current followers. Matt points out, “Posting about… what new restaurants are open… that hyperlocal content really resonates.”
Here, Matt explains why it’s important to deviate from real estate only content.
Aim for consistency over perfection.
When it comes to managing your online presence, consistency matters more than flawless posts. Use AI tools to help you maintain momentum. Platforms like Aragon.ai can generate professional headshots, while Rejig.ai can automate your social media calendar. The idea isn’t to be perfect but to stay visible. Matt advises, “If you’re not managing your presence regularly, you’re not going to be findable on the Internet.” Use AI to draft content and edit as needed. Keeping your feed active is the ultimate goal.
By focusing on these three areas, you can easily integrate AI into your workflow and take your digital presence to the next level.
The future is automated (but still human)
At the end of the day, real estate is a relationship business. AI isn’t here to replace the handshake (or the fist bump); it’s here to handle the busy work so you can focus on the people.
Whether you’re an aspiring agent just trying to survive your first year or a broker looking to scale, these tools are your new best friends. So go ahead, ask ChatGPT to write that email sequence, let Gemini plan your open house strategy, and maybe give Nano Banana a spin. But don’t let it design your wallpaper.
Intrigued? Watch the full webinar for free.
Ready to launch a career that’s future-proof? At Colibri Real Estate, we’re building the future of real estate education with flexible, state-approved courses designed for your success. Start your journey today.