AI 101: What Is It & Why It Matters
Cut through the buzz and see how AI actually fits into real estate.
AI is not going to take over the world
(at least not yet)
This is a science-fiction concept.
AI is a tool or a technology that needs human programming, interpretation, and direction to function. It does not have independent agency or intentions to harm humans.
COMMON MYTHS ABOUT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
MYTH #1
AI IS INTELLIGENT LIKE A HUMAN
TRUTH
AI can recognize patterns and make predictions based on data but lacks human-like intelligence, consciousness, or emotions. It operates through algorithms and data, not true understanding or sentience.
MYTH #2
AI WILL TAKE ALL JOBS
TRUTH
AI automates tasks and workflows, often improving efficiency rather than replacing entire roles. Historically, technological advancements have created more jobs than they eliminated.
MYTH #3
AI IS UNBIASED & OBJECTIVE
TRUTH
AI is only as unbiased as the human-generated data it learns from, making it prone to reflecting and even amplifying existing human biases.
MYTH #4
AI UNDERSTANDS & CREATES LIKE HUMANS
TRUTH
AI doesn't create with intention, personal experience, or emotion. It remixes existing patterns and information to generate new content but without deeper meaning or original thought.
Common Myths
MYTH #5
AI DOESN'T NEED HUMANS
TRUTH
Humans are essential for programming, interpreting, and using AI data. AI systems are reliant on human input and data to be useful and make predictions.
What is AI?
Dictionary
Definitions from Oxford Languages · Learn more ar·ti·fi·cial
in·tel·li·gence
/ˈärdəˌfiSH(ə)l ənˈteləj(ə)ns/ noun the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages.
What AI Isn’t
Not a replacement for your expertise
Your market knowledge, relationships, and judgment are irreplaceable.
Not always accurate—“confidently wrong”
AI can make mistakes, so always review before sharing.
Not a magic button → still needs your guidance
AI works best with your guidance, not on autopilot.
Why It Matters
Increase Efficiency
Automate repetitive tasks like emails, marketing copy, and research so you can focus on clients.
Improve Customer Experience
Deliver clearer communication, faster responses, and tailored insights that build trust.
Provide A Competitive Advantage
Stay ahead in a fast-changing market by using tools that enhance your expertise and visibility.
Real Estate Examples
REAL ESTATE EXAMPLES
MARKETING & CONTENT
● Video creation tools (e.g., Synthesia, Pictory) → turn a script or blog post into a short branded video.
● Email personalization (e.g., ReChat) → draft tailored follow-ups that sound like you.
● Blog/article drafting (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini) → generate neighborhood spotlights or homeownership tips to stay top-of-mind.
REAL ESTATE EXAMPLES
VISUALS & MEDIA
● Virtual staging tools (e.g., BoxBrownie, REimagineHome) → place furniture digitally to help buyers envision a space (within ethical guidelines).
● Photo upscaling / editing (e.g., Canva, BoxBrownie) → sharpen, brighten, or crop photos quickly.
● Floor plan generators (e.g., BoxBrownie, Magicplan) → create 2D/3D floor plans from images.
REAL ESTATE EXAMPLES
CLIENT COMMUNICATION
● AI chatbots (e.g., Gemini, ChatGPT, Grok) → answer common buyer/seller questions 24/7 on your site.
● Language translation (e.g., Boostlingo, Acadestudio) → communicate smoothly with international or multilingual clients.
● Meeting transcription (e.g., Otter.ai, Zoom AI, Gemini) → autocapture notes from client calls.
REAL ESTATE EXAMPLES
BUSINESS PRODUCTIVITY
● Task automation (e.g., Gemini, ReChat) → draft to-do lists or reminders from emails and notes.
● Buyer Behavior Insights (e.g., RealScout) → estimate ROI or rental yields faster.
● Time-saving assistants (e.g., Claude, Gemini, ChatGPT) → summarize long documents or contracts before review.
REAL ESTATE EXAMPLES
NOT AI
● Negotiating With Clients
● Building Relationships
● Knowing the Local Community
● Emotional Intelligence
Judgement Calls
Understanding Nuance
Represent Client Interests
Why It Matters
AI = MORE TIME FOR PEOPLE, LESS TIME ON PAPERWORK
Increase Efficiency
Automate repetitive tasks like emails, marketing copy, and research so you can focus on clients.
Improve Customer Experience
Deliver clearer communication, faster responses, and tailored insights that build trust.
Provide A Competitive Advantage
Stay ahead in a fast-changing market by using tools that enhance your expertise and visibility.
Writing Prompts
WRITING PROMPTS
The Power of a Good Prompt
Prompt:
“Write an email to a buyer.”
The Power of a Good Prompt
Subject: Following up on your home search
Hi [Buyer's Name],
Thank you for reaching out to me about your interest in finding a new home. I'm excited to help you with this journey!
To make sure I'm finding the right properties for you, could you confirm a few details about what you're looking for?
● Location(s) of interest:
● Number of beds/baths:
● Budget:
● Any other "must-have" features (e.g., a big backyard, an open kitchen, a home office):
I have a few ideas for properties that might fit your criteria, and I’d love to show them to you. Are you available for a quick chat sometime this week to discuss your search in more detail?
WRITING PROMPTS
The Power of a Good Prompt
Improve it with context and direction:
“Write a warm, professional email to a buyer who’s just starting their home search in Truckee. Mention that I’m excited to help and include 2–3 helpful tips for getting started.”
The Power of a Good Prompt
Subject: Starting Your Home Search in Truckee
Hi [Buyer's Name],
It was great to hear from you about your interest in finding a home in Truckee. I'm really excited to help you get started on this journey!
The Truckee market has so much to offer, and to help you begin, here are a few tips to consider as you start your search:
● Get Pre-Approved: Knowing your budget from the start is crucial. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage will give you a clear picture of what you can afford and will make your offer more competitive when you find the right home.
● Define Your Priorities: As you look at different homes, it helps to make a list of your "must-haves" (e.g., three bedrooms) and your "nice-to-haves" (e.g., a fireplace). This will help us focus on the properties that truly fit your needs.
● Explore the Area: Each neighborhood in Truckee has its own unique feel. Driving around the different communities can give you a better sense of where you'd most like to live.
These are just a few initial thoughts, but I'd love to chat more about what you're looking for. Are you free for a quick call sometime next week to discuss your goals in more detail?
WRITING PROMPTS
The Power of Good Prompt
Make edits to the text
Change tone: more casual, more luxury, more concise
The Power of a Good Prompt
Subject: Your Luxury Home Awaits in Truckee
Hi [Buyer's Name],
So glad you reached out about finding your dream home in Truckee. I'm excited to help you find a property that perfectly matches your vision for an unparalleled mountain lifestyle.
To get started, here are a few things to consider:
● Be ready to move. Getting pre-approved ensures you're positioned to make a strong offer on that perfect property when we find it.
● Know what you can't live without. We'll refine your "must-haves" to find a home that embodies everything you're looking for, from a stunning kitchen to serene mountain views.
● Explore your options. The true luxury of Truckee is its unique neighborhoods. We’ll find the community that speaks to you, whether it's lakefront living or a secluded retreat.
These are just a few first steps. I'd love to connect and discuss your vision. When's a good time for a quick chat?
I'm excited to get started.
The Power of a Good PRompt
Great Prompts = Great Results
Use this formula: [Role] + [Task] + [Details] + [Format or Tone]
Example:
"You are a real estate marketer. Write a social media caption for a just-listed luxury home in Incline Village. Highlight lake views, modern design, and outdoor entertaining space. Keep the tone elegant and concise."
WRITING PROMPTS
Prompt Formula
Role: Who you are or who AI should act like
Task: What you want AI to do
Details: Key information or context
Tone/Format: Style or length you want
WRITING PROMPTS
Prompt Formula
"You are a real estate marketer [Role]. Write a social media caption [Task] for a just-listed luxury home in Incline Village. Highlight lake views, modern design, and outdoor entertaining space [Details]. Keep the tone elegant and concise [Format or Tone]."
Client Email
Prompt: You are an experienced real estate advisor at Dickson Realty guiding a first-time homebuyer. Write a clear, friendly client email that explains the escrow process step-by-step and outlines what the buyer needs to do next.
Details: Client name: [Client First Name], Property: [Property Address], offer accepted at [Offer Price], Escrow opened on: [Date]; Target close: [Date], Earnest money due: [Amount] by [Date]; where/how to deliver: [Wiring/Cashier’s Check Instructions—remind them to call to verify], Key milestones: [list the key milestones]
Tone/Format: Conversational, warm, and confident; 300–450 words; email format with short paragraphs and bullets; define jargon; end with encouragement and clear next steps
→ Then refine it to match your own voice and professionalism.
Listing Description
Prompt: You are a professional real estate marketing copywriter for Dickson Realty. Write an engaging MLS and website-ready listing description for a home in Reno, Nevada
Details: Property address: [Insert Address], Price: [Insert Price], Bedrooms/Bathrooms: [X bed / X bath], Square footage: [Insert Sq Ft], Lot size: [Insert Lot Size], Key features, Neighborhood highlights, Lifestyle elements, Compliance: Do not use language that violates Fair Housing (e.g., “perfect for families” → instead: “room for everyone” or “flexible spaces”). Focus on property, lifestyle, and location benefits.
Tone/Format: Style: Conversational yet professional, confident, and descriptive; Length: 150–250 words; Format: Narrative paragraph(s), highlighting lifestyle and emotional appeal, while weaving in key features and location benefits
→ Then refine it to make it more client-friendly (e.g., conversational, lifestyle-focused).
Social Media Post
Prompt: You are an expert social media manager. Write an engaging social media post announcing an upcoming open house
Details: Property address: [Insert Address], Date & time of open house: [Insert Date/Time],
Property highlights, Audience: Potential buyers and community members in Reno, NV; Compliance: Avoid language that violates Fair Housing (no targeting specific groups like families, ages, etc.); focus on property and lifestyle benefits
Tone/Format: Style: Friendly, inviting, and confident; Length: 2–3 short sentences + property highlights in bullets or emojis; Call to Action: “Join us at the open house!” or “Come see it in person this weekend!” Hashtags: Include 3–5 relevant ones (e.g., #RenoRealEstate #OpenHouse #DicksonRealty #HomeSweetHome)
WRITING PROMPTS
What’s still unclear?
What’s something you’re excited to try?
What’s already working?
PROMPT WRITING
What’s Next?
● Save your best prompts
● Try one new prompt this week
● Join us for the next class