Artificial intelligence has evolved at a rapid pace, becoming smarter and more accessible, which has turned it into an urgent necessity for employees and executives alike. Opting out of AI is no longer a viable choice. However, this does not eliminate the challenges and risks associated with its use.
During a year marked by major shifts in the real estate sector—driven by notable mergers and divisions—certain individuals and issues left a strong imprint on the industry. Real Estate News revealed its list of the most influential figures of 2025, based on their significant contributions to the field.
In October 2022, just one month before the launch of ChatGPT, AI expert Ayanna Howard explained to real estate leaders a new Google technology capable of generating any type of image using artificial intelligence. That technology, however, remained unavailable to the public due to Google’s cautious approach and its concerns over the risks of irresponsible use.
At that moment, OpenAI seized the opportunity and launched ChatGPT on November 30, 2022. It took off at an astonishing speed, attracting nearly 100 million users within just two months and establishing itself as one of the fastest-growing applications of all time.
The real estate sector was no exception to the broader adoption of generative AI. Companies rushed to integrate new initiatives or enhance the AI tools they were already using. Just three years after the emergence of ChatGPT, artificial intelligence has become a cornerstone of the industry. Yet the biggest challenge lies in selecting the most effective technologies while preserving the human element that remains at the heart of real estate.
AI-powered technologies have delivered more accurate and compelling results than in their early days. For example, agents can now create property listings in a matter of seconds. Despite this progress, issues have surfaced, such as inaccurate property descriptions—mentioning hardwood floors or vaulted ceilings that do not actually exist.
In addition, AI-enabled tools have made home staging and redesign possible on a scale never seen before. This advancement has allowed properties for sale to be presented more realistically by transforming static images into engaging virtual tour videos. However, these innovations also carry risks, including manipulation that can make spaces appear better than they truly are.
Industry leaders are facing a dual challenge: balancing innovation to drive higher profits while complying with regulations related to fair housing and market data security. Rejecting AI is no longer practical; even if its applications are not used directly, it remains essential for activities such as marketing or lead generation.
Just as the world changed with the rise of the internet in the 1990s, we now find ourselves immersed in a new wave driven by artificial intelligence. Yet the real estate sector has been slower to adapt compared to the rapid pace of technological change. Recent surveys show that around 46% of real estate agents do not use AI in their work, and 17% do not plan to adopt it in the near future. This delay could put them at a disadvantage during a critical period for the industry.
According to AI expert Matt Britton, what is done over the next 90 to 120 days will shape the real estate sector for the next decade. The upcoming phase will focus on automation to make knowledge and services more accessible and widespread. In this way, agents can rely on customized models to engage with potential clients, simplify service introductions, and even support training.
Britton emphasized that success does not require deep technical expertise as much as it requires clarity of vision. The key lies in focusing on the most important problems that need solutions—whether on a personal or professional level—to achieve meaningful and transformative progress.
