Big data means big money.
You’re likely well aware that real estate is full of data. From bedroom counts to prices and more, Homeseekers use data every day in their home search journeys. If you’re not meeting them in the middle, then you’re already behind.
For example, if a Homeseeker knows they want at least two bedrooms and two bathrooms in their new place, they’re likely to filter search results to remove irrelevant properties. That’s why we upgraded our search filters for resale properties at the beginning of 2026.
That may not seem like it would impact your life as an agent all that much, but it’s actually a pretty major change. And it involves something simple: getting the correct data into your MLS listings. This filtering feature relies on agents like you entering the correct number of bedrooms, bathrooms and property features into a listing.
Take en-suite laundry, for example. Increasingly sought after by Homeseekers looking for condos, if you don’t include this keyword, your listing will be filtered out.
So, spend the time to get the data right for your listings. A few extra moments double-checking before posting could mean the difference between your listing ending up in front of the eyes of interested and engaged buyers or falling to the bottom of the pile.
Advertising is tech.
Advertising is no exception to this trend, either.
In 2025, we upgraded Marquee listings so that REW One Members can now make standard MLS listings into Marquee listings on their own, without having to contact your account rep. This made it even easier to advertise listings to potential buyers. It’s an example of tech aligning with business strategy in a way that’s emblematic of the new reality in real estate.
And it’s working. Marquee listings get an average of 20 times more exposure than ordinary listings and are taken off the site an average of three times faster than ordinary listings. That’s because they’re bigger, bolder and show up at the top of search results, making them a use of technology that doubles as an advertising tool.
AI is here, but it won’t do everything.
The headline-making news in real estate technology is probably AI, but remember that as an agent, your human touch is still vital, no matter what.
AI can be a helpful tool to get you started with writing listing descriptions, but as mentioned earlier, remember to ensure it’s accurate and that you’re entering the signature features of a property into the correct fields.
Likewise for AI virtual staging. It can be a great way to show off the potential uses of a property, but remember to clearly mark photos as virtually staged and double-check that the AI you are using is not misrepresenting a property.
On that note, the classic tools still pay off in big ways. While virtual staging is a great starting point, there’s no substitute for an artfully staged property that Homeseekers can see and touch during open houses and tours. And real estate remains a people business at the end of the day, with Homeseekers looking for an agent they feel comfortable working with.
Begin with the basics in the new year.
If you’re not sure what to focus on when it comes to integrating tech tools into your career as an agent, it’s always good to begin with the basics. Make sure your REW One Member profile is up to date and, as mentioned, double-check that your MLS listings are accurate.
If you don’t have an agent website, that’s another simple step to take to ensure Homeseekers find you. Learning the basics about online marketing tools, like Google Ads, is a solid strategy, too.
While 2026 may have just gotten started, we’ve already introduced some major tech upgrades here at REW. And we’ve got even more exciting plans to reveal as the year gets underway. With some planning and preparation, you can also use technology to excel as an agent as we look ahead.
