Trending Topics: The Present and Future of Voice and AI Tech

November 8, 2019

- By Sabrina Lapointe

It can be tough to keep up with the constant new trends in technology. It seems every day there is a new product, app or device we are expected to be up to speed with. You are no stranger to our tech-centric world. In fact, we know many of you have turned to new methods to level up your technology game.

Voice-Activated Devices

Many brokerages have turned to voice-activated devices such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant in their business.

You live an incredibly fast-paced life, but with the help of voice assistants, you may be able to conduct even more home tours. Certain brokerages are testing out the waters by setting up several Alexa devices throughout different areas of the home. These devices are programmed to explain features about that specific room. To make things even more fool-proof, signs are posted alongside the device prompting buyers with what to ask. Signs will say something like “Say: Alexa, tell me about the kitchen.”

Many buyers are already accustomed to the voice-activated devices as 53 million American adults report owning a device of their own. With millennials now being the largest generation of buyers, it’s important to tailor your sales efforts to more technology trends. Appealing largely to the millennial buyer pool means revamping your sales strategy by implementing more of a tech-focused approach.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Another major tech trend we on the rise is the use of artificial intelligence (AI). AI is a new form of intelligence demonstrated by machines designed to think and respond like humans. AI allows for the use of 24/7 chatbots. Chatbots are software designed to conduct conversation through typing. These chatbots can help answer your clients questions no matter what day or time they come to your website with a lead. Many chatbots are equipped with answers about everything from square footage to the types of appliances in a home. The purpose of a chatbot is not to replace you but rather to provide a quick and convenient resource when you are unavailable to answer questions.

Another functionality AI offers is creating better ad campaigns for lead generation. AI takes the headache out of self-created ad campaigns and does the job for you. According to an article by NAR titled “4 Ways AI Can Make Your Business More Efficient”, “AI-based software can automatically generate suggested ad campaigns by detecting your new listings and upcoming open houses in the MLS. With every new lead, the system then notifies you via a text message and email. You’ll also be able to access detailed reporting that shows ad performance and specific insights about who the ad has reached.”

The list of new tech trends stretches far beyond AI and voice assistants. While you certainly don’t need to hop on every new tech trend bandwagon, it’s not a bad idea to read up on what’s out there (or ask your handy voice assistant) and see what appeals to the majority of the buying pool – millennials.