As we started the pitch process for this edition of the Avocado, there was (as usual) a lot of back-and-forth. Basically, every recent conversation in the real estate world (and beyond, for that matter) somehow revolved around AI. Whether it’s discussing where AI deployment is most effective or the various rigamaroles around data centers, there’s a lot going on and it’s moving fast, making it difficult to say something meaningful and lasting about it all. But, through all the robot noise, there were some recent findings that confirm your human judgment still matters.
Professional Pricing and Contrary Consumers
Real Estate News (you have claimed your subscription to it via CRMLS already, right?) broke down a survey of agents that highlighted the growing importance of CMAs, particularly in a period when consumers have so much raw data at their fingertips. While CMAs have always been a key factor in presentations, the survey findings were about how there’s tension between the consumer’s and the agent’s perspective of a property’s value. Now that consumers are armed with AI-informed estimates and valuations, they’re getting more context-free pricing that butts up against the occasionally disappointing professional valuation. That’s why agents are reporting that thorough research and a CMA that has the power to back up reality checks are more important than ever to bring clients on board. Using the results of this survey, you can help head off potential pushback (not to mention the loss of a client) and design CMAs that go deeper than you may be used to. You know, one that includes some human discernment. It’s a new reality for agents, so dive into the data and use your own wits. As Greg Robertson says in the article, “An algorithm can spit out a number, but pricing a home is a human act. It’s local knowledge, judgment, and a conversation at the kitchen table.“
From the Desk of CMO Nicole Aguilar
The personal thoughts of CRMLS’s Chief Marketing Officer
AI is creating incredible opportunities to work smarter, move faster, and think differently – but innovation and responsibility must go hand in hand. Responsible AI means embracing these tools thoughtfully, understanding their limitations, and ensuring technology enhances human expertise rather than replaces human judgment.Â
RealReports Gets a Makeover
Of course, just because some pricing tools are imperfect doesn’t mean we should throw the AI baby out with the bathwater. RealReports has been our preferred product for scouring vast stores of data to create the most pertinent reports available, and now they’ve gone and upgraded their platform to new heights. While previously their AI assistant Aiden could answer queries, now it’s gone full agentic, which means you can use it to initiate workflows, conduct research, and run a slew of tasks in the background to make your data discovery that much easier.
Just to note, Aiden’s agentic mode does have a sliding cost based on prompt complexity. However, you get some complimentary credits by completing its onboarding process, so you can experiment if agentic mode is right for you. All CRMLS users have the classic, no-cost version of Aiden available as a default. Read more about the updates in this guide.
From the Kitchen of Chef Ian
CRMLS Product & Event Supervisor and resident gourmand Ian Huss is serving up his favorite avocado-focused recipes. This month: a briny side salad, Avocado w/ Herbs and Capers.
Ingredients:Â
- ½ cup roughly chopped parsley Â
- ½ cup roughly chopped cilantroÂ
- 2 avocados, pitted and slicedÂ
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegarÂ
- 2 tsp capers
- Olive oil Â
- Salt and pepperÂ
Directions:Â Â
Mix the chopped herbs, vinegar, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil in a bowl.
Fan out the avocado slices on a large plate. Drizzle the herb mixture evenly over the slices. Top with a scattering of capers. Add more salt, pepper, or vinegar to taste. Â
Thanks for reading this edition of the CRMLS Avocado. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe so you can get marketing tips, executive insights, and fresh recipes delivered straight to your inbox.  Â
