I have spent the last two years building real estate software. Before that, I spent nearly a decade using it. I am biased. I built AdamationAI. Use this checklist on us and on everyone else.
- Does it replace tools you already pay for?
The biggest pattern in real estate tech is "just add this one thing." You already have 5-7 tools. A real platform reduces that number. Ask: what can I cancel if I use this? If the answer is nothing, it is one more tab.
We replaced CRM, transaction management, e-sign, and marketing tools for our Colorado broker client. She canceled 4 subscriptions.
- How fast does AI follow-up happen?
NAR data says 73% of buyers hire the first agent who responds. Time your current setup. From form submission to first personalized response, how long?
If the answer is over 5 minutes, you are losing leads in the gap. Our speed-to-lead is under 60 seconds.
- Can you see it live before you buy?
If a demo requires a discovery call and an implementation timeline before you can see the actual product, ask why. Either the product is too complex to show without training (bad sign), or they want to sell you before you see it (worse sign).
Our demos are 30 minutes of screen sharing. Live product. Real data.
- Does the AI actually do something useful?
Test this: ask the platform to parse a contract, write a follow-up email, and generate a social post. If the output needs heavy editing to be usable, the AI is a checkbox feature.
Our Magic File handles a standard purchase agreement with over 98% accuracy. Our email AI produces first drafts agents approve without editing the majority of the time.
- Can your team use it?
A solo agent tool that breaks at 5 people was never a real platform. Test: can a broker see all deals? Can a team lead see only their team? Can you onboard a new agent without calling support?
- What happens when you want to leave?
Can you export all your data? In what format? If the answer is vague, you do not own your data.
- What does it actually cost, all in?
Not the subscription. Everything. Platform plus any per-user charges plus tools you cannot cancel. Compare to what you pay now for separate tools.
If it saves you money and time, make the switch. If it only saves one, run the math carefully.
Source: direct experience building and testing real estate technology, NAR 2024 statistics