Real estate transactions are moving faster than ever. Listings appear with professional photos, and closings can now happen in days instead of weeks. Behind these changes, artificial intelligence is reshaping how brokerages operate, enabling some businesses to cut costs and improve efficiency, while others struggle to keep pace.
Cheryl Wellman, Chief Financial Officer at AccountTECH, a software company serving over 400 brokerages nationwide, has watched the industry evolve over three decades. She believes the current technology shift is more significant than past changes. “Brokerages that invest in technology now will be the ones thriving when the market turns,” she says. Wellman’s role centers on helping companies use AI-powered tools to streamline operations without compromising client service.
Here’s how AI is changing real estate brokerages, and what it means for buyers, sellers, and agents today.
Brokerages are consolidating physical offices as rent and overhead rise. Instead of staffing every location, many companies now rely on one manager to oversee multiple branches. This is only possible because technology has replaced much of the need for in-person support. “You can only do that well when you replace physical presence with technology,” Wellman explains.
AI-driven platforms allow agents to access MLS data, transaction management tools, and commission calculations remotely. As a result, agents no longer need a dedicated office downtown to provide effective service. For consumers, this means your agent is just as capable of handling your transaction, even if their brokerage’s physical footprint has shrunk.
Closing paperwork that once took days of manual checking is now processed much more quickly. Modern brokerage software integrates with platforms like DocuSign, Dotloop, and SkySlope, automatically pulling data from multiple sources and flagging missing documents before they cause delays.
“All that data is moving around between MLS, transaction platforms, and the brokerage,” Wellman says. “Getting it out in a meaningful way is what makes the difference.” By automating data collection and error detection, brokerages can reduce last-minute problems, close deals faster, and minimize time spent waiting for manual reviews.
AI’s impact extends beyond paperwork. Brokerages using advanced software can track key metrics like average sale prices, days on market, and agent performance in real time. This data enables them to adjust pricing strategies and respond quickly to changing conditions.
“CFOs don’t just want an income statement anymore,” Wellman notes. “They want to know why numbers are different from budget or last year.” AI-powered reporting provides those answers instantly, allowing brokerages to spot trends and make informed decisions before the market shifts. For buyers and sellers, this means working with agents who have up-to-date market intelligence and can respond rapidly to new opportunities or risks.
AI is not just for large, national companies. Wellman points out that many small, independently owned brokerages with one or two offices are adopting these tools. “They can’t afford to recruit technical staff or keep people in the office full-time,” she explains. “Software makes their life a lot easier.”
By automating routine tasks like commission splits, transaction tracking, and compliance checks, smaller brokerages can compete with larger companies. This frees up time to focus on client service. If you’re working with a small brokerage, don’t assume they’re behind the times – many use the same advanced tools as industry giants.
While AI improves efficiency, it is not infallible. Automated systems can overlook details that require human judgment, such as unusual property histories or neighborhood considerations not reflected in available data. Relying solely on AI-generated estimates or automated reports can introduce new risks if no one reviews the results.
Before trusting AI-driven pricing or analytics, ask your agent how those numbers were calculated. “Good information is key to being successful,” Wellman says. It’s important that someone with local expertise verifies what the algorithms suggest, ensuring decisions are based on both data and real-world context.
AI is making real estate transactions faster, more accurate, and more efficient. Brokerages that adopt these technologies are reducing costs and improving service. Those that do not risk falling behind competitors. Consumers benefit from faster closings, better data, and agents with more time for personalized attention – but only if they choose a brokerage that keeps up with technological advances.
“When the market turns, the ones who invested in technology will be ready,” Wellman says. Make sure your agent is part of a company that’s prepared for what’s next.
About the Expert: Cheryl Wellman is Chief Financial Officer at AccountTECH, a software company serving over 400 real estate brokerages across the United States and Canada. She has more than 30 years of experience in real estate finance and operations and previously served as controller for Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.
This article provides general insights into AI and real estate technology. It does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Always consult qualified professionals for your specific situation.
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