Key themes:The Rise of AI: Advancements in AI, particularly generative AI and computer vision, are poised to significantly impact the real estate industry in 2025.Data Sharing & Ownership: Concerns regarding data security, control, and potential dilution of value are rising in the wake of data-sharing initiatives.The Evolving Portal Landscape: Competition between major real estate portals is intensifying, with new players aiming to disrupt established giants like Zillow.Theme 1: AI's Growing InfluencePocket-Sized AI: AI is becoming more personalized and accessible with on-device AI assistants. This technology can streamline daily tasks, learn user preferences, and improve data security for real estate professionals on the move. "For real estate agents, it means having a personal assistant in their pocket that learns their preferences, adapts to their needs and works within their smartphone to streamline daily tasks." (Source: RISMedia - "2025’s Great Expectations: Will AI Deliver on Its Promises?")The Year of the AI Agent: AI is evolving beyond basic functions and moving into meaningful support roles. AI agents will assist with tasks like summarizing emails, drafting responses, and scheduling appointments. "2025 will be the year AI moves beyond “party tricks” and into meaningful support." (Source: RISMedia - "2025’s Great Expectations: Will AI Deliver on Its Promises?")Safe AI Practices: Concerns about unethical AI use are pushing the industry to prioritize safety and responsible AI development. "As nefarious AI uses become more visible and pervasive in 2025, it pushes safety and responsible AI practices into the spotlight." (Source: RISMedia - "2025’s Great Expectations: Will AI Deliver on Its Promises?")AI in Mortgage Lending: While some believe AI could replace loan officers, others argue that AI serves as a powerful tool to enhance their work and improve the client experience. AI can streamline processes, analyze data, and personalize client interactions. "We are already seeing AI make the process faster, easier, and a better experience for the buyer when paired with an expert loan officer." (Source: HousingWire - "Will AI replace the loan officer?")Theme 2: Data: Sharing, Control, and OwnershipRisks of Data Sharing: While data sharing between MLS systems and other entities is promoted as a solution for collaboration, there are concerns about data leaks, inconsistencies, outdated information, and the potential for misuse. "The promise of seamless collaboration often hides the risk of data leaking to both good and bad actors, with little to no control." (Source: RISMedia - "Beyond the Hype: The Risks of Data Share")Control and Value Dilution: Sharing data with larger technology companies raises concerns about losing control over how that data is monetized and potentially diminishing the value of listings. "When you share your data with larger tech companies or third parties, you may be inadvertently diluting the value of your listings and losing control over how that data is monetized." (Source: RISMedia - "Beyond the Hype: The Risks of Data Share")Alternative Solutions: Brokers and agents are exploring alternative solutions like joining data-centric MLS systems that prioritize their control over data and potential for profit sharing. "Consider joining an MLS that directly benefits brokers and agents, not only through expanded reach, but financially as well." (Source: RISMedia - "Beyond the Hype: The Risks of Data Share")RESO's Role: The Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) continues to work on standardizing data across the industry, facilitating smoother data sharing and integration. "This board has consistently and generously donated their time and wealth of experience to help create and expand real estate standards for the betterment of the industry and the consumers we serve." (Source: HousingWire - "RESO announces 2025 board of directors election results")Theme 3: Portals in FluxCoStar vs. Move: Competition between CoStar and Move, the parent company of Realtor.com, has escalated beyond civil competition into aggressive legal battles. The outcomes of these cases will have significant implications for the industry. "While it's too early to know who will be victorious — or even declare a stalemate or truce — in the ongoing battle between CoStar and Move, the legal wrangling between the fierce home search rivals is poised to spill over into the new year." (Source: Real Estate News - "The Ten: The portal wars, and how the gloves came off in 2024")Citi Enters the Fray: Citi is launching mortgage.com as a learning platform aimed at increasing its market share in the mortgage space. They plan to leverage SEO, original content, and real-time rate comparisons to compete with existing players like BankRate, NerdWallet, and Zillow. "[Citi is] leaning into the home purchase space right now…We’ve got good purchase products. We’ve got good special-purpose credit programs for buyers ...
