Real Estate Tech in 2025: What Works and What to Avoid
07/23/2025
In a recent episode of the Estate of Mind podcast, hosts Tami Simms and Jack Miller were joined by Rob Janson, Director of Marketing for John Jones Real Estate in Murfreesboro, TN. Rob is also a sought-after real estate marketing and technology trainer with a broad skill set in photography, video production, web and graphic designer in both digital and terrestrial marketing.
If you have ever fumbled or struggled with implementing automated systems or new technology into your strategy; whether it was setting up a CRM, posting to your social media platforms, managing your administrative tasks or integrating AI, then you will be no stranger to the wild ride that real estate technology has taken over the past two decades.
In this compelling podcast Tami, Jack and Rob take an in-depth review on the tools, trends, and tech that have defined, and continue to shape, the real estate landscape – what has worked and what to avoid.
From Early Adopters to Industry Leaders
The team take us back to the early days of digital transformation in real estate, when beta testing devices like Blackberries and Palm Pilots felt cutting-edge. They share fun reflections on how far we have come, but also remind us that today’s “next big thing” can quickly become tomorrow’s norm.
Equally, some technologies such as QR codes - took over a decade to go mainstream. Others, like video marketing, gained traction much faster and are now essential tools for top-performing agents. The lesson? Timing matters, but strategy matters more.
Automation vs. Authenticity
Where Agents Go Wrong
They highlight key missteps that agents make when relying too heavily on technology. Many agents assume that a smartphone can replace a skilled photographer or that AI tools eliminate the need for proper staging expertise. While automation and technology make tools more accessible, true authenticity and quality still require expertise.
The lesson? Just because the tech is easier to use doesn’t mean it delivers the same results. Don’t sacrifice professional standards for convenience.
Is AI the Next Game-Changer?
Fast forward into the future, and the buzzword is unmistakably AI. Rob, Jack and Tami explore how artificial intelligence is barreling into the industry like a bullet train. Rob candidly shares both enthusiasm and caution: while AI holds incredible potential to streamline tasks and supercharge productivity, it’s also moving fast enough to overwhelm even seasoned professionals.
The key takeaway: AI should be your tool, not your master.
The most successful luxury agents of the future will not necessarily be those who chase every new app or feature. They will be the ones who master how to use technology strategically. Ensuring that they leverage it correctly to enhance client relationships, improve efficiency, and stay one step ahead without losing sight of the human side of this business.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- The tech that transformed the industry (and what fizzled out)
- Why some innovations succeed while others stall
- How to assess new tools without getting stuck on the “bleeding edge”
- Smart ways to adopt AI while avoiding common pitfalls
- Integrating technology without compromising service
- How to use technology with intention, without feeling the pressure
- The importance of choosing tech that aligns with your brand
- Why relationships will always remain the cornerstone of real estate success
Whether you are a tech-savvy agent looking to sharpen your edge or someone just trying to make sense of the digital noise, this episode is packed with insights you can use right now. Rob’s decades of experience and Tami’s and Jack’s on-the-ground perspective make this conversation a must-watch for anyone serious about staying relevant in luxury real estate.
Want to dive deeper into these strategies? Tune into the full episode of Estate of Mind to hear more about how to lead in the market, without letting the tech lead you.
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