The rise of artificial intelligence is not just transforming but empowering how knowledge workers operate across industries. Nowhere is this more evident than in real estate, where data-driven insights and automation augment the work of agents, brokers, analysts, and property managers. It's important to remember that AI is not a threat to human expertise but a powerful tool 'copilot' that handles repetitive tasks and processes vast data, freeing professionals to focus on higher-value work. This reassurance should instill confidence in the audience about the future of their roles in the age of AI.
Microsoft's Chief People Officer, Kathleen Hogan, noted that AI is "the defining technology of our time," potentially transforming work even more than the PC revolution (Fast Company). Hogan and other leaders emphasize that investing in people, through education and upskilling, is critical to harnessing AI's potential. In Hogan's words, even in an AI-driven future, we must prepare talent to be "AI creators, not just consumers." This means using AI tools and understanding how they work, contributing to their development, and ensuring a strong foundation in computer science and digital skills. This optimistic outlook sees AI amplifying human capabilities, not replacing them, especially in knowledge-intensive fields like real estate.
What do these AI advances mean for the people behind the properties? In the real estate tech sector, organizations recognize that their workforce must evolve alongside the technology. Hiring trends already reflect this: job postings by real estate firms requiring generative AI skillsets increased by 64% in 2022 and another 58% through August 2023 (Deloitte).
At the same time, there's a growing emphasis on upskilling current employees. Many firms prefer to retrain their experienced agents, brokers, and managers to use AI rather than replace them. This means providing training in data literacy, AI-driven software, and even basic coding or computer science principles. As Kathleen Hogan argued, giving people access to AI tools isn't enough; we must also 'create the right environment' for AI by investing in skills and learning. This proactive approach to upskilling will not only prepare professionals for the changes brought by AI but also empower them to thrive in this new landscape.
The World Economic Forum's "Reskilling Revolution" found that only about 34% of real estate employees globally have undergone reskilling so far, compared to 50% across all industries. Companies aim to close this gap by 2030 (WEF).
Workforce planning is also adapting. Real estate leaders anticipate that some of today's tasks will be automated in the next few years. According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report, employers expect the share of human tasks to drop from 64% to 42% in five years (WEF Jobs Report). Rather than mass job cuts, this shift is opening the door for reimagined roles.
"AI will create time for more important, personal tasks," explains Dan Weisman, Director of Innovation at the National Association of Realtors. It allows agents to focus more on client relationships, negotiations, and creative deal-making instead of writing listings or combing through comps (NAR Podcast).
We're also likely to see new hybrid roles and teams. For instance, brokerages may pair an AI specialist with a realtor to develop pricing strategies or have "AI project managers" working alongside traditional project leads. These AI project managers would oversee AI-driven projects, coordinate with human team members, and ensure the successful implementation of AI solutions. Property managers must learn to oversee AI chatbots and interpret predictive data. Roles like GIS analysts and PropTech developers are becoming essential.
Soft skills and domain expertise are even more valuable in this AI-enabled workplace. Skills like creative thinking, problem-solving, communication, and empathy differentiate humans from algorithms. Real estate is inherently a relationship business, and those human qualities are gaining importance as routine tasks are automated. A recent industry outlook noted that creative thinking, curiosity, and lifelong learning are among the most essential skills for 2025–2030 (WEF Skills Outlook). Hogan reinforces this: "human skills are as important as technical skills" (Fast Company).With AI poised to be a game-changer, what can real estate organizations do to ride this wave successfully? Here are practical strategies:
Foster a Learning-Oriented Culture: Encourage experimentation with AI tools and centralize continuous learning. Microsoft, for example, champions a growth mindset, emphasizing adaptability and innovation (i4cp).
Invest in Training: Offer courses in data analysis, AI-enabled CRMs (Customer Relationship Management systems that use AI to automate tasks and provide predictive insights), and basic coding. Upskilling existing talent boosts confidence and ensures the effective use of AI tools.
Redesign Workflows: Break jobs into tasks to see what AI can handle versus what requires human judgment. Involve employees in this redesign so they feel supported and energized by AI rather than threatened.
Emphasize Human Skills: Reinforce soft skills through training and mentorship. Celebrate creativity, empathy, and ethical decision-making skills AI can’t replicate.
Lead with Vision: Communicate a clear purpose for adopting AI and involve teams at every level. C-suite commitment and inclusive planning smooth the path for AI transformation (Deloitte).The future of knowledge work in real estate is decidedly optimistic. AI will handle more heavy lifting—analyzing data, automating workflows, and generating content—but human roles will be enhanced, not erased.
Relationship-building, creativity, strategic thinking, and empathy will define competitive advantage. An agent armed with AI analytics can advise clients more effectively. A broker can combine prediction models with negotiation skills. A manager can rely on AI systems for tasks while focusing on tenant satisfaction.
Rather than a zero-sum game, the formula is clear: human + AI is the future. Firms that support their teams with training, culture, and vision will lead the industry.
Conclusion: Real Estate’s Human-AI Synergy Starts Now
The real estate industry stands at a pivotal moment—where AI is not a disruption to fear but a force to embrace. For knowledge workers, the message is clear: AI is a partner, not a replacement. By automating routine tasks and surfacing powerful insights, AI empowers professionals to focus on what they do best—building relationships, making strategic decisions, and delivering value.
Real estate firms that invest in their people—through upskilling, thoughtful integration of AI tools, and a commitment to human-centered innovation—will shape the future of the industry. The synergy of human expertise and intelligent technology isn't just a trend; it’s the new standard for success.
In this new era, the most competitive real estate organizations will be those that don’t just adopt AI, but align it with purpose, people, and progress.