In an industry as dynamic and fast-paced as real estate, the pressure to stay ahead of the curve is immense. Real estate agents are constantly seeking ways to improve their efficiency, streamline processes, and enhance client interactions. The thought of using AI calling assistants is understandably appealing—after all, who wouldn’t want a smart assistant making calls, setting appointments, and answering queries on their behalf? However, as with any emerging technology, the reality often falls short of the promise. When it comes to AI calling assistants, it appears that the technology might be too early for mainstream adoption, particularly in the nuanced and human-centered world of real estate.
"Based on our tests, AI Calling tech is way too early, rushing in to adopt it may do more harm than good right now."
- Alex Alekhin (Dripflow.io Founder)
The Allure of AI Calling Assistants
The idea behind AI calling assistants is simple: automate routine phone calls, freeing up agents to focus on higher-value tasks like closing deals and building relationships. With AI handling the tedious work, agents could theoretically improve their productivity, expand their reach, and even offer better service to clients by providing faster response times. The promise of efficiency and automation is compelling, especially when agents are juggling multiple listings, clients, and administrative tasks. However, the effectiveness of such a solution hinges on the technology being reliable, accurate, and seamlessly integrated into the agent’s workflow.
Why Real Estate Agents Should Proceed with Caution
Given these challenges, it’s clear that AI calling assistants are not yet ready to be fully trusted in the hands of real estate agents. While the technology holds great potential, there is still a significant amount of work and refinement required before it can be a reliable and effective tool in the real estate industry. Rushing into using AI calling assistants could result in more harm than good—damaging client relationships, creating confusion, and ultimately undermining the very efficiency that agents are striving to achieve.
The Reality: Not Ready for Prime Time
Having experimented with three different AI voice calling service providers, we’ve encountered several significant issues that suggest this technology is still in its infancy. Here are some of the challenges we faced:
Caller ID Issues
One of the most glaring problems was the difficulty in connecting an Australian number that wasn’t linked to any previous business. On some phones, the caller ID would display the AI caller’s number as a business name unrelated to our agency, leading to confusion and mistrust from the recipient.
Poor Voice Quality
Contrary to the crisp and clear voices showcased in demo calls, the AI voice often sounded robotic and unnatural. This lack of clarity can be off-putting to clients, making them less likely to engage in a meaningful conversation.
Inability to Understand Responses
A major issue was the AI’s inability to understand the person on the other end of the line. Whether it was due to accents, background noise, or simple misunderstandings, the AI frequently failed to comprehend responses, leading to awkward pauses and frustration.
Looping Questions
In some cases, the AI got stuck in a loop, repeatedly asking the same question. This not only wasted time but also created a negative impression on the client, who might perceive the agent as unprofessional or inattentive.
Providing Incorrect Information
Perhaps the most concerning issue was the AI’s tendency to provide wrong information. Whether it was incorrect property details or misleading scheduling information, these errors could easily damage an agent’s reputation and lead to lost business.
Limited Flexibility
Real estate is full of unexpected questions and unique situations that require a nuanced, human touch. Unfortunately, AI callers often fell short in these scenarios, providing rigid, scripted responses that did not address the client’s actual needs or concerns.
Why Real Estate Agents Should Proceed with Caution
Given these challenges, it’s clear that AI calling assistants are not yet ready to be fully trusted in the hands of real estate agents. While the technology holds great potential, there is still a significant amount of work and refinement required before it can be a reliable and effective tool in the real estate industry. Rushing into using AI calling assistants could result in more harm than good—damaging client relationships, creating confusion, and ultimately undermining the very efficiency that agents are striving to achieve.
The Future of AI in Real Estate
It’s important to note that this isn’t a condemnation of AI in real estate. On the contrary, AI has already proven its value in various applications, from property valuation algorithms to customer relationship management systems. However, when it comes to voice calling, the technology still needs to mature. Developers must focus on improving voice recognition accuracy, refining response algorithms, and ensuring that AI can handle the complexities of human conversation.
Final thoughts
For now, agents should continue to focus on building relationships the old-fashioned way, with the understanding that AI will one day be a powerful tool in their arsenal—just not today. Until then, it’s best to keep an eye on the evolving technology and be prepared to adopt it when it truly meets the needs of the real estate industry.
