The AI revolution in Real Estate and how we recruit: How one brokerage closed $100 million in deals with an AI Agent

The real estate industry is witnessing a seismic shift as artificial intelligence transforms how properties are bought, sold, and managed. I recently came across an example that perfectly illustrates this evolution: a brokerage business that deployed an AI character as their agent—and the results were nothing short of extraordinary.

The 24/7 AI Agent success story

This innovative brokerage created an AI-powered agent that operates around the clock, serving as the default engagement channel when human agents are unavailable. While traditional agents sleep, this digital counterpart continues working, nurturing leads, answering questions, and progressing deals.

The outcome? In just one month, this AI agent facilitated an astounding $100 million worth of real estate transactions.

What do I think about the future of AI in Real Estate and how we recruit talent?

This breakthrough raises important questions about the future workforce in real estate. I believe there will indeed be a need for fewer people in the jobs the industry currently offers, but I also think that with the right technology platform empowering great people, extraordinary results can come about. It's not about replacing humans entirely—it's about amplifying human capability through intelligent technology.

We're seeing this transformation happening right now, and it's really exciting. This shift is particularly evident in emerging markets where comprehensive recruitment solutions are essential for identifying talent that can bridge traditional real estate expertise with cutting-edge technology.

Real Estate innovation from unexpected talent sources

I'm currently working with a client in the Middle East, and what he shows me on his mobile phone is remarkable. He's a tech guy, not a real estate guy, coming into real estate. In my 25 years of talking to real estate people in this industry, I've never seen anything like it.

This pattern tells me that some of the most exciting developments are coming from tech entrepreneurs entering the real estate space. Fresh perspectives are driving the most significant innovations in our sector. In markets like Saudi Arabia, where real estate recruitment strategies are evolving rapidly, we're seeing new demand for professionals who can navigate both technology and traditional property development. The Kingdom's Vision 2030 recruitment initiatives are creating unique opportunities for these hybrid skill sets, particularly in major urban centres where project recruitment efforts are intensifying.

The Middle East real estate recruitment transformation

The transformation is particularly pronounced in the Gulf region, where real estate headhunting has become increasingly sophisticated. Traditional recruitment approaches are being enhanced with AI-driven candidate matching and assessment tools. Our executive search capabilities have evolved to identify leaders who can spearhead these technological transitions while maintaining the relationship-building aspects that remain crucial in real estate.

The demand for executive search services in real estate has shifted dramatically toward candidates who understand both mega-project development and digital transformation. Recruitment now requires a nuanced understanding of how AI tools can enhance traditional development processes, from initial feasibility studies through to final sales and management.

My advice for the next generation looking for a career in Real Estate

I think the future's super exciting. And I'd say to the younger people going through higher education or early careers: if you can think innovatively about the potential of what we can achieve in real estate and embrace the technological transformation happening right now, then you've got a great future ahead of you.

Those who can position themselves ahead of the industry curve, understanding and leveraging emerging AI technologies, will find themselves with exceptional career opportunities. This is especially true for professionals willing to work in dynamic markets where specialised recruitment services can connect them with pioneering projects and forward-thinking organisations.

You can view deverellsmith's guide to which technology skills you can leverage for your career here.

The bottom line

The $100 million AI Agent success story is just the beginning. As someone who's been in this industry for over two decades, I can confidently say that the future of real estate isn't about technology replacing people—it's about technology enabling extraordinary people to drive results.

The question isn't whether AI will transform real estate and who we recruit, but how quickly professionals will adapt to harness its potential. In rapidly evolving markets, the organisations that will thrive are those that can identify, attract, and retain talent capable of navigating this new landscape—making strategic recruitment partnerships more critical than ever.