The real estate industry is moving faster than ever, and not just in terms of market cycles. AI, shifting buyer behavior, and rising expectations for how homes are marketed are transforming the experience for both consumers and agents.

To get a clearer picture of what’s ahead, we spoke with two top-performing agents who shared candid insights on the future of real estate. Their predictions show how technology, policy, and human expertise will shape the years to come — and what today’s buyers and sellers should prepare for.

Real estate has crossed the point of no return

The housing market has changed dramatically in just a few years. “The greatest change in real estate in the past five years is certainly the increased interest rates,” says Courtney Pantalena, a top-rated agent serving Panama City Beach in Northwest Florida. During COVID, prices surged as sellers fielded multiple bids and buyers frequently paid over asking. “But now prices have stabilized, even dropped in some cases, and inventory has increased.”

Advancements in technology are also changing the game. From AI pricing tools to 3D walk-throughs and aerial drone shots, tech has reshaped how people buy and sell homes — and it’s redefining the future of real estate. “Consumer expectations for speed, transparency, and a premium presentation have never been higher,” explains Mark Middleton, a Tampa Bay, Florida, agent who sells homes 56% faster than the average pro in his market.

Together, these shifts have forced agents to adapt quickly — or risk getting left behind.

Agents who embrace AI will outshine the rest

AI isn’t likely to replace real estate agents any time soon. However, the best agents will use new tech to up their game. As Pantalena puts it, “I expect the top agents to become even better as technology can help them have more time to serve buyers and sellers as well as increase the level of service they provide.”

The traditional agent model is getting a reboot

Real estate agents, as we know them, are evolving. “Agents will truly be able to embrace their roles as market experts without getting bogged down by paperwork and little details,” says Pantalena.

Middleton agrees, adding, “Technology will handle much of the back-end data and document processing, but buyers relocating to Florida still need an expert who can interpret market nuances — like flood zone implications, insurance requirements, or which Pinellas County neighborhoods are poised for the highest appreciation. The future belongs to agents who blend hyper-local knowledge with advanced tech solutions.”

AI will be your agent’s best assistant

Across the country, top agents are already putting AI to work in ways that save time and sharpen results. According to HomeLight’s latest Top Agent Insights Report, 82% of leading agents nationwide use AI to support their business.

“AI allows me to precisely price homes in competitive markets like Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Dunedin by analyzing real-time trends and historical data. I use predictive analytics to identify likely buyers for a property and then create hyper-targeted marketing campaigns,” says Middleton.

Still, even the most advanced tools have limits. “While AI can be a helpful tool — especially for buyers relocating or exploring new areas — it can’t replace the human connection, local expertise, and guidance that a trusted agent provides,” says Jennifer Hupke, a top Wisconsin agent quoted in the report.

Buyers will trust bots before calling an agent

According to HomeLight’s Top Agent Insights Report, only 14% of agents say their clients use AI in the buying or selling process. That number is still small, but it’s expected to rise quickly. As AI tools become more accurate and user-friendly, more buyers and sellers will likely make them a standard part of their real estate journey.

AI is rewriting the rules of real estate research

Agents report that sellers most often use AI for home value estimates, while buyers turn to chatbots for mortgage and financial advice. However, in the future, Pantalena believes these tools will only improve, giving buyers and sellers more confidence when it comes to decision-making.

She also believes AI will play an increasingly central role in helping buyers zero in on the right house: “For example, some buyers want a primary bedroom in the back of the home with a woods view out the windows. There is no way to search that right now, but with AI, that will be coming soon.”

Agents will clean up after AI’s mistakes

AI can be a useful tool, but it often produces incomplete or inaccurate information about local markets. When buyers and sellers rely on that flawed data, homes can sit on the market longer — and agents end up doing extra work to correct these mistakes.

AI also struggles to see beyond the raw data. As Middleton explains, “AI doesn’t yet account for the nuances that make a home in Tampa Bay valuable — like a sunset view over the Gulf.” For now, local expertise remains essential.

Rules, rates, and red tape will shape what’s next

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement raised big questions about who pays Realtor fees, but so far, little has changed. HomeLight’s Top Agent Insights Report found that 92% of agents say sellers are still covering the buyer’s agent commission. For now, fee structures look familiar — but whether this balance holds in the years ahead could reshape how sellers approach the market.

Interest rates continue to drive buyer demand. High rates have reduced affordability, forcing sellers to make more price cuts and concessions. Many experts expect rates to drop soon, which could bring more buyers back into the market and lead to stronger offers and rising home values.

Supply challenges are another concern. “Local zoning regulations make it very challenging to build at the scale needed,” says Pantalena, who believes fewer restrictions and lower rates would have the greatest impact on the future of real estate. Middleton agrees, noting that zoning changes in growth corridors like Pasco County could spur more mixed-use developments and new housing solutions.

Your next home will find you first

Home searches are shifting from simple MLS filters to predictive, personalized matching. “Imagine touring a Davis Islands luxury home in virtual reality from 1,000 miles away,” Middleton says. “AI-driven relocation tools will match buyers not just to houses, but to neighborhoods based on lifestyle preferences, commute times, and community culture.”

Pantalena predicts sellers will keep demanding stronger, tech-driven marketing from their agents. Drone photography, immersive virtual tours, and predictive analytics will become the baseline — not the bonus.

“Even in a data-driven era, the most successful real estate outcomes in Tampa Bay still come from pairing technology with deep local knowledge,” says Middleton. Agents who understand community dynamics, neighborhood growth trends, and local regulations like HOA rules can use modern marketing tools more effectively, turning data into strategies that actually move homes.

AI is also creating new options for homeowners who want to move without the stress of timing both transactions. HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell (BBYS) is an AI-powered program that provides the capital to unlock a seller’s equity, giving them the funds to buy their next home before their current one sells. This lets buyers make strong, non-contingent offers while avoiding the hassle of moving twice.

Your success will start with your agent

Real estate may be changing, but expert guidance still makes all the difference. A knowledgeable, future-ready agent can help you stay competitive, no matter how the industry evolves.

Ready to find an expert? HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform uses real transaction data to match you with top-performing local agents who are ahead of the curve. With the right partner by your side, you’ll be better prepared to make confident decisions in a changing market.