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  • Why Realtors Aren’t Going Anywhere: Zillow’s Take on AI and Industry Change

    Why Realtors Aren’t Going Anywhere: Zillow’s Take on AI and Industry Change
    2026/06/19
    In this episode of The Real Thought Exchange, powered by NSAR, Roger Boutilier (CEO, Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS®) and Sandi Carroll (NSAR President) sit down with Errol Samuelson, Chief Industry Development Officer at Zillow, to unpack what AI, portals, and evolving business models really mean for working REALTORS® in North America.They explore why AI won’t replace agents, how technology can actually strengthen the value of a REALTOR®, and why cooperation, transparency, and the MLS remain core to a healthy marketplace—especially as new models and private listing networks emerge.In this episode, we discuss:Why real estate is uniquely protected from being replaced by AI—and how agents who embrace AI will outperform those who don’tHow Zillow has used AI for years, from Zestimates and computer-vision floor plans to Zillow AI Mode and agent tools like Zillow ProHow AI can help REALTORS® serve clients better, communicate smarter, and work more efficientlyWhy MLS cooperation and transparency are worth defending, and how private listing networks can actually hurt sellers, buyers, and small brokeragesThe thinking behind Zillow Preview and how “preview-style” listings can build excitement and give agents better pricing and staging insightsWhy the human side of real estate—emotion, trust, local expertise, and guidance through a high-stakes decision—can’t be replaced by technology, only enhanced by it.Chapters0:00 – Errol’s opening thoughts: curiosity vs fear with new technology0:50 – Introductions: Roger, Sandi, and Errol1:17 – Errol’s real estate tech journey & early MLS innovation2:20 – Joining Zillow and career background2:54 – Zillow’s growth and brand in Canada3:59 – Zillow’s traction, traffic & engagement in the Canadian market4:32 – Canadian vs US consumer viewing patterns4:50 – How long Zillow has been using AI & where it shows up5:20 – Zestimate, computer vision, and AI-generated floor plans5:58 – Introducing Zillow AI Mode and conversational home search6:25 – Beyond beds/baths: search by lifestyle, commute, neighbourhood context6:42 – How AI Mode refines results by learning what matters to the consumer7:20 – Agent-side AI tools: Zillow Pro and consumer insights8:20 – Using AI to re-engage past clients (Follow Up Boss, AI-written emails)9:15 – Why AI emails get higher response rates than handwritten outreach10:01 – How Zillow prioritizes product development (start with problems, not tech)11:16 – Finding real consumer pain points: research, surveys, buyer/seller emotions12:33 – Why you listen for needs, not just feature requests13:18 – Why Zillow is focused on US & Canada (MLS, cooperation, transparency)14:00 – The rise of private listing networks in the US14:43 – Why “truly private” listings should be rare (celebs, judges, etc.)15:17 – Research: how off-MLS deals can cost sellers tens of thousands16:00 – Why private networks are bad for buyers, small brokerages & fair housing18:11 – The MLS as a unique North American advantage and trust layer19:15 – Fraud in rentals vs MLS-listed sales, and why compliance matters19:49 – Introducing Zillow Preview20:05 – What Zillow Preview is: a “movie trailer” for listings21:14 – How agents can gauge interest and adjust pricing/staging pre-MLS21:23 – Predicting days-on-market at different price points using preview data22:28 – Brokerage partnerships and industry excitement around Preview23:38 – “What’s next for Zillow?” – staying focused on transparency & access24:10 – Why more people than ever choose to work with agents25:07 – Trends: AI, low-cost brokerages, and the rise of agent teams27:45 – CREA’s work on professionalism and industry standards in Canada28:15 – Final industry thoughts from Errol: why he still loves real estate29:12 – Advice to agents nervous about AI: lean in and experiment30:21 – Why real estate is uniquely resistant to full AI replacement31:16 – On Zillow’s 20-year journey and being a “household name”32:39 – Closing thanks & wrap-upLearn more about NSAR:Website: https://www.nsrealtors.ca/Education & courses: https://www.nsrealtors.ca/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nsarREALTORSLinkedIn: Nova Scotia Association Of RealtorsInstagram: @nsarrealtorsAbout Errol Samuelson:Errol Samuelson is the Chief Industry Development Officer at Zillow, with more than 30 years of experience in real estate technology. Based in Vancouver, he began his career working on next-generation MLS systems with Telus and went on to hold leadership roles across multiple real estate tech companies, including serving as President of realtor.com. At Zillow, where he has spent over a decade, Errol focuses on using technology—especially AI, data, and consumer research—to make real estate more transparent, efficient, and consumer-friendly, while empowering agents with better tools and insights.Learn more:About Errol: https://www.zillow.com/...
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    33 分
  • Amplified Intelligence: Keeping Realtors at the Centre

    Amplified Intelligence: Keeping Realtors at the Centre
    2026/06/05

    In the very first episode of The Real Thought Exchange, Roger Boutillier (CEO, Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS®) and Suzanne Gravel (NSAR President) speak with Kevin Hawkins, president of Wave Group Communications and author of The Real AI Guide for Real Estate Agents.

    They explore what AI really means for working REALTORS today, why it won’t replace agents, and how it can actually give you more time, more confidence, and stronger client relationships.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • Why “AI will not replace agents, but agents who know how to leverage AI will replace the ones that don’t.”
    • How AI can help REALTORS® save time, improve workflows, and create better work-life balance
    • The difference between casually experimenting with AI and using it as a serious, secure business tool
    • Practical, real-world ways REALTORS® can use AI today — from client emails and listing descriptions to compliance and training tools
    • Why the human side of real estate — empathy, trust, judgment, and connection — can never be replaced by technology

    Episode Chapters:

    [00:00] – Opening quote: AI and the future of REALTORS
    [01:06] – Meet your hosts and guest
    [03:04] – Kevin’s “accidental” start in real estate
    [06:13] – From technology early adopter to “Real AI Guy”
    [10:50] – Why AI is “bigger than the internet”
    [12:33] – “Baby steps” with AI for real estate pros
    [13:43] – The 7-Day AI Challenge
    [18:59] – Handling tough client conversations with AI
    [23:17] – AI for associations, brokerages, and MLS®
    [29:18] – Real-world AI in the MLS®: Recipe AI & photo compliance
    [32:55] – We are in one of the most exciting times
    [37:25] – Generative AI vs. “agentic” AI and what’s next
    [49:48] – “Technology can’t smell the cat pee in a house”
    [51:21] – Practical AI safety: why “free” is risky
    [56:03] – Final message: Don’t let fear be the barrier
    [58:54] – Closing: Human first, technology second

    About NSAR (Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS®)

    The Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® (NSAR) supports REALTORS® across the province through professional education, licensing, MLS® services, advocacy, and industry resources. NSAR is committed to helping members serve their clients with professionalism, integrity, and access to the tools and technology shaping the future of real estate.

    Learn more about NSAR:

    Website: https://www.nsrealtors.ca/
    Education & courses: https://www.nsrealtors.ca/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nsarREALTORS
    LinkedIn: Nova Scotia Association Of Realtors
    Instagram: @nsarrealtors

    About Kevin Hawkins:

    Kevin Hawkins is the President of WAV Group Communications and a recognized leader in real estate technology with more than 35 years of industry experience. He is the author of The Real AI Guide for Real Estate Agents, publisher of the Real AI Newsletter, and was recognized as a RISMedia 2025 Futurist for his leadership and education around artificial intelligence in real estate.

    Learn more:

    The Real AI Guide for Real Estate Agents: https://www.amazon.ca/REAL-Guide-Real-Estate-Agents/dp/B0FTPNN95F
    Real AI Newsletter: https://www.wavgroup.com/ai/
    Wave Group Communications: https://www.wavgroup.com/

    If you found this helpful, please subscribe, rate, and share this episode with a colleague who’s curious about AI in real estate.
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    1 時間 1 分
  • Introducing: The Real Thought Exchange

    Introducing: The Real Thought Exchange
    2026/05/29

    The real estate industry is shifting faster than most agents can keep up. Court battles, massive brokerage mergers, new regulations, and AI tools that could either replace you, or unlock your next level.

    If you’re a Realtor in Nova Scotia, you can’t afford to be caught flat‑footed. What you don’t know over the next 12–24 months could cost you listings, income, and your competitive edge.

    The Real Thought Exchange, powered by NSAR, is your insider line to what’s coming next. Lead by the NSAR team, the voice of real estate in Nova Scotia, this podcast brings you high‑profile leaders, innovators, and industry decision‑makers.

    This isn’t theory. It’s real talk for working Realtors who want to stay ahead of the curve. You’re out there fighting for every listing, so let NSAR empower you.

    Tune in to The Real Thought Exchange, and make sure you’re the agent who sees change coming, and capitalizes on it.
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    1 分