AI and Real Estate: 3 Things Worth Knowing Before Your Next Transaction

by Michael Sopka

Artificial intelligence is already part of how real estate works, and mostly that is fine. But there are 3 specific ways it is being used right now that every buyer and seller in Southwest Florida should understand.

The phone call that was not from your title company

AI voice cloning can now replicate a person's voice from a few seconds of audio. Buyers have received calls that sounded exactly like their agent or title officer, with updated wire instructions and a different account number. The money transfers. It does not come back.

Rule on every closing is simple. If wire instructions arrive by phone or email, even from a number or address that looks familiar, call the title company back using a number you already have on file, never one from that message. It takes 5 minutes and it is the one habit that stops this scam cold. Ask your agent and title company to do the same.

The listing photo that shows a room that does not exist

AI editing tools can add furniture, replace skies, and in some cases alter rooms entirely. Most of these changes go undisclosed. Our practice is to label every image on our listings that has been digitally altered beyond basic color correction, including virtual staging. Buyers should walk into a showing knowing exactly what they are going to see.

The online estimate that missed by $200,000

Automated valuation tools work reasonably well on high volume, uniform markets. Southwest Florida is neither. On unique or luxury properties, we have seen these tools miss actual market value by 15 to 20 percent in either direction. On a $1.5 million home, that gap is real money. An online estimate is a reasonable starting point for curiosity. It is not a substitute for someone who has walked your property and priced homes in your neighborhood recently.

If any of this raises questions about your own situation, we are always available for a conversation with no agenda attached.