Do I trust an algorithmic-driven valuation of my home? No. Not because I am untrusting by nature but because I have seen the numbers and they are often wrong. Those in our world capable of earning and keeping trust will become one of the most in-demand, cherished and valuable people on the planet.

In a world flooded with algorithmic forces, mis-information, strategically motivated selective omissions to drive engagement and profit, bad intentions or pure laziness, the volume of distrust in all things and people is at an all-time high. Who today trusts anything they read, see or hear in regular media, social media or from the mouths of politicians, podcasters, or neighbors? Who should you trust? Professional agents are one of a very few who are handed the keys to what is most people's most private, emotional and single largest asset, their home. Now that's what I call trust!

Trust is earned over time via 100% honesty, consistency, reliability, skill, care and genuine empathy. No, not the kind of transparently false empathy that oozes suspicion of a self-serving agenda. Empathy fuels trust probably more than anything else. I trust people who genuinely care about me and my wellbeing, who place my needs as their priority

Fortunately for real estate professionals, AI and most technology possesses zero empathy, and even if it learns the words that might convince someone otherwise, most will be 100% certain this is artificially fueled, not the human kind that is genuine and irreplaceable.

In the past, trust was often taken for granted. Those days are over. Those who have earned and maintain the trust of their clients will have long, prosperous professional futures as trusted advisors in all things real estate related, not just facilitating transactions which is just one component of professional real estate advisory.