12-Point AI Implementation Checklist for Realtors

published on 11 November 2024

Want to boost your real estate game with AI? Here's your roadmap:

  1. Check your tech readiness
  2. Identify key needs
  3. Organize your data
  4. Choose the right AI tools
  5. Set up security measures
  6. Train your team
  7. Test your setup
  8. Integrate AI into daily tasks
  9. Keep your data clean
  10. Track results
  11. Adjust and improve
  12. Maintain the human touch

Why bother? AI can save you time, work smarter, and improve client service. But it's not a magic wand. You need a plan.

Quick wins:

  • Cut listing description time from 3 hours to 15 minutes
  • Boost lead generation by 32%
  • Improve conversion rates (industry average: 0.4% to 1.2%)

Remember: AI is a tool, not a replacement. Always review AI-generated content before sharing with clients.

Follow this guide to join the 80% of agents already leveraging AI to up their game.

1. Check Your Readiness

Before jumping into AI, make sure you're set up for success. Let's break it down:

Review Your Current Tech

Take a good look at what you've got:

  • Can your computers handle AI?
  • Is your internet fast enough?
  • Will your current software play nice with AI tools?

Aaron "Kiwi" Franklin from Ylopo says:

AI tools like Ylopo, kvCORE, and BoomTown are great for realtors. But first, make sure your setup can handle them.

Pick Your Main Needs

Figure out where AI can help you most. Think about:

  • Property pricing
  • Lead generation
  • Market analysis
  • Paperwork processing

Here's a pro tip: Start with a plan, then find AI tools that fit. Don't just use AI because it's cool.

Check Your Data Setup

AI needs good data to work well. Make sure your data is:

1. Organized: Keep numbers and descriptions separate.

2. Stored properly: Use a central, cloud-based system.

3. Compliant: Follow privacy rules and get permissions.

Tom Somers, a data expert, puts it this way:

Good data in means better results out. It improves the whole process.

Remember, garbage in, garbage out. Clean up your data before feeding it to AI.

Take Roofstock, for example. They sell single-family rentals and needed better property values. By using HouseCanary's AI, they gave their team super-detailed neighborhood info. It was even better than local experts!

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2. Set Up Your AI Tools

You've checked your readiness. Now it's time to bring AI into your real estate business. Here's how:

Choose Your Tools

Pick AI tools that solve your biggest problems:

Don't go overboard. Start with one or two tools that tackle your main issues.

Set Up Security

Using AI? Keep your data safe:

  • Use strong, unique passwords for each tool.
  • Turn on two-factor authentication.
  • Update your security regularly.
  • Be careful with client info.

Fathom Realty Careers says it best: "AI is smart, but humans are still essential." Always double-check what AI creates before sharing it.

Train Your Team

Get your team on board:

  1. Show them the new tools and why they're useful.
  2. Give hands-on training.
  3. Make simple guides for common tasks.
  4. Let team members share what they learn.

Make it easy, not hard. Be patient as everyone learns.

Test Your Setup

Before going all-in:

  • Pick one task to test the AI tool.
  • Set clear goals.
  • Watch the results closely.
  • Ask your team what they think.

For example, try Ballpoint Marketing's AI handwritten mailers on a small scale. See how they do compared to your usual postcards.

3. Fine-Tune Your System

You've got your AI tools set up. Now let's make them work for you. Here's how to squeeze every drop of value from your AI system.

Add AI to Daily Tasks

Don't overthink it. Start small. Look for tasks that eat up your time:

Make a quick list of these tasks. Then, use AI to tackle them. Consistency is key.

Some realtors use AI assistants like Juliedesk or Motion. These tools handle scheduling, emails, and reminders. They free you up for the big stuff.

Organize Your Data

AI needs good data to work its magic. Here's how to keep your info clean:

1. Standardize everything

Use the same units and formats for property sizes, prices, and other key details.

2. Keep it fresh

Set a regular time to update your data. Old info = bad results.

3. Check for errors

Create a system to catch and fix mistakes in your data.

As one AI expert in real estate puts it:

"Data preprocessing helps spot and remove outliers. Feature engineering can create a single 'amenity score' from various features. This gives a deeper understanding of property value."

Track Results

You can't improve what you don't measure. Here's how to keep tabs on your AI tools:

  • Define success: What does a win look like for each tool? Time saved? More leads? Happier clients?
  • Review regularly: Set up monthly or quarterly check-ins to see how your AI is performing.
  • Ask around: Get feedback from your team and clients about the AI-powered services.
  • Tweak and improve: Use what you learn to make your AI setup even better.

Let's say you're using AI for lead generation. Keep an eye on:

  • Number of leads
  • Lead quality (how many convert?)
  • Time saved in qualifying leads

Conclusion

AI in real estate isn't just a trend - it's a game-changer. Let's break down how to make it work for you.

Setup Timeline

Building an AI-powered real estate business takes time. Here's a realistic schedule:

Month 1-2: Check your tech, pick your priorities, and clean your data. Month 3-4: Choose and set up your first AI tool. Train your team. Month 5-6: Start using AI daily. Watch the results closely. Month 7-12: Tweak your system, add more AI tools if needed.

This timeline can flex based on your business size and complexity.

Signs of Success

How do you know if your AI is working? Look for these:

  • Less time on routine tasks
  • More leads (JLL predicts 32% growth in AI-driven market expansion by 2026)
  • Higher conversion rates (industry average is 0.4% to 1.2%)
  • Happier clients
  • More productive team

David Garcia Quintas, Co-founder of an AI real estate firm, says:

"The key to successful AI implementation is maintaining clean, well-structured data from the beginning."

What to Do Next

Your AI journey doesn't stop here. Keep improving:

1. Stay updated

Set aside time each month to learn about new AI tools and techniques.

2. Expand gradually

Once you're comfortable with your initial AI tools, look for other areas to implement AI. Maybe try property valuation or predictive maintenance next.

3. Refine your data

Keep improving your data quality. Better data in means better AI results out.

4. Measure and adjust

Regularly check your AI performance. Be ready to tweak or replace tools that aren't delivering.

5. Keep the human touch

Glenn Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty, warns:

"AI has its benefits, but... if you use it blindly, you have no idea what damage it can do."

Always review AI-generated content before sharing it with clients.

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