Technology can help you find the right realtor

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AI can help homebuyers and sellers make the most informed choice when it comes to choosing a realtor

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As the applications for artificial intelligence (AI) continue to evolve and improve, it should be seen as a technology that adds value to human expertise and capabilities — not as a replacement for them.

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Like many other technologies, it’s a tool people can harness to help them make better real estate decisions that will ultimately lead to a better homebuying or selling experience.

 For anyone who has ever owned a home or been house or condo hunting, think back to how you found your realtor. Was it through an advertisement you saw on a bus shelter? Or perhaps you decided to go with a family member in the industry. Or maybe your closest friend gave you the name of the agent who helped them buy their home.

 While relying on referrals from family, friends, or colleagues to find a realtor is not necessarily a bad thing, it doesn’t always lead to an ideal match or the best outcome.

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An agent who specializes in detached houses in Brampton, for example, may not be the right realtor for someone buying a condo in downtown Toronto, or someone moving to another city entirely.

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, finding the most suitable realtor with proven results in your area can greatly increase the chance of a successful outcome. So how can a homebuyer best determine who the right realtor is for them?

 Thanks to AI, consumers can now get tailored agent recommendations in just a few clicks of a button. Digital real estate platform Wahi recently launched a free AI-powered realtor recommendation system that connects consumers with top realtors in their area that are best suited for them. Think of it as a matchmaking site for real estate.

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A first in Canada, the tool considers several factors, such as property type, experience, quality, completeness and accuracy of the listings, and sales history in a particular location to pair suitable realtors with homebuyers or sellers.

Users can input their desired locale, dwelling type, and budget, and the algorithm will generate a list of agents taken from the top 10 percent of realtors in their area that match the requirements.

 This advanced technology also allows users to review realtor profiles and fees upfront, and provides customized recommendations that fit with the user’s unique requirements, such as languages spoken and services offered, to ensure a level of compatibility.

For consumers, this means a higher level of transparency when it comes to choosing a realtor, as well as a more personalized approach to recommending the best possible people for a given neighbourhood.

Benjy Katchen is the CEO of Wahi, a digital real estate platform that includes access to market data, offers agent-level insights on the latest listings, and has the ability to match with top realtors in their area. Visit www.wahi.com