From Bricks to Bytes: How AI and Technology Are Rewriting Real Estate.
When people think of real estate, they often picture brick buildings, bustling open houses, and handshake deals. But as Richard Maize often says, the industry is changing faster than ever. Technology—especially artificial intelligence—is rewriting the rules of how properties are valued, marketed, and sold. Investors who adapt will thrive, while those who ignore these shifts risk being left behind.
AI-Powered Valuations
According to Richard Maize, one of the most transformative forces in real estate today is AI-driven property valuation. Instead of relying only on comps and broker opinions, advanced algorithms can now analyze thousands of data points in seconds. From neighborhood growth patterns to walkability scores, these tools provide sharper insights into a property’s true value. For investors, this creates a stronger foundation for smarter decision-making.
Virtual Tours and Remote Transactions
The pandemic may have sparked the rise of virtual tours, but the convenience has made them a permanent fixture. Buyers can walk through a property online, zoom in on details, and even measure room dimensions from anywhere in the world. Richard Maize notes that when you pair virtual tours with secure digital closings, it creates new opportunities for out-of-state and international investors who previously hesitated to buy from afar.
Blockchain and Smart Contracts
Another emerging trend is blockchain. By creating transparent records and enabling smart contracts, blockchain has the power to cut out middlemen and streamline the closing process. Richard Maize points out that while adoption is still in the early stages, this technology could lower transaction costs, minimize disputes, and make real estate deals faster and more secure.
Predictive Analytics for Investors
Real estate has always been about timing, and predictive analytics is giving investors a new advantage. By processing massive amounts of market data, AI can forecast where rental demand will grow, which neighborhoods are primed for appreciation, and when it may be time to exit a market. As Richard Maize explains, this allows investors to spot opportunities before the crowd catches on.
Why Technology Won’t Replace People
Despite the rise of technology, Richard Maize emphasizes that real estate will always be a people-first business. Relationships, negotiation skills, and on-the-ground knowledge remain irreplaceable. Technology is a tool to enhance decision-making—not a replacement for human judgment.
Richard Maize’s Takeaway
The future of real estate will not be defined by abandoning tradition, but by blending timeless fundamentals with cutting-edge tools. Investors who embrace both will be best positioned to succeed in the next era of property investing.
