AI could change how vendors search for agents - claim

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools could change the way people search for agents and property within just a few years, an industry executive claims.

Jamie Arthur, chief executive of online agency marketing website provider Property Webmasters, has called on agents to prepare their own personal brand and online presence for AI developments.

Speaking during an exclusive video interview with Estate Agent Today, Arthur said: “Over the next few years the way we search will dramatically change.

“There are already artificial assistants on our phones, these will become more advanced and I could ask mine to find five agents in Leeds that charge the lowest fees, that I only want agents with more than 4.5 as a review score and to book a market valuation on my property.”

He suggested this could change the way users search for agents and properties, making it important for professionals to work on their own personal online brand rather than relying on Rightmove listings to sell homes.

He said: “I’m not sure how soon that will happen but it will be not 10 years, maybe two years.

“Agents have got to respond.

“Artificial assistants will be able to go to websites and pull out the information to get the information needed.

“Agents now have to become the authoritative figure in their area so they are the first port of call.”

Watch the full video interview below: