🟢 Let’s Talk Automation—Everyone Wants It, But Not Everyone Is Ready For It.

IN THE REAL ESTATE NEWS

What Do Tariffs Do to Real Estate?

The new tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China are expected to increase costs across the U.S. real estate market. Situation remains dynamic. Ongoing policy developments could modify these projections. Here’s what agents need to know:

• Higher construction costs: Softwood lumber (Canada), gypsum (Mexico), and steel/aluminum (China) are all subject to tariffs, making new builds and renovations more expensive.

• Housing affordability hit: Builders pass costs to buyers, worsening supply shortages and pushing home prices even higher.

• Mortgage rate impact: Inflationary pressures from tariffs may keep interest rates elevated, limiting affordability for buyers.

• Market uncertainty: Buyers and sellers may hesitate due to unpredictable price changes, leading to slower transaction volumes.

While some regions may see growth in domestic manufacturing, the immediate effect is higher costs and reduced affordability, making it even harder for first-time buyers to enter the market.

Let’s see how this situation moves forward.

FROM THE CALM AGENT DESK

💡Let’s talk automation—everyone wants it, but not everyone is ready for it.

Automation is only useful if you have a structured process in place. Few agents have implemented automation because it’s not simple to hand over communication and workflow to a system. Without a clear workflow, automation can amplify disorganization instead of improving efficiency.

Here’s the reality:

If your systems are a mess, automation won’t fix them—it will make the mess bigger.

If you have a structured process, automation can help you scale faster and work smarter.

Automation works when it fits into your existing workflow—not the other way around. If you’re considering automation, follow this decision flow:

➡ Do you have a repeatable process?

Yes → Move to the next step.

No → Standardize your processes first. Automation won’t help if every deal is handled differently.

➡ Are your tools already working together?

Yes → Consider automating connections between them for better efficiency.

No → Focus on integrating your CRM, calendar, and marketing tools before layering in automation.

➡ Are you handling too many small tasks?

Yes → Identify repetitive small actions like lead responses, appointment scheduling, or transaction tracking—these are prime candidates for automation.

No → Automation might not be the priority right now.

The key is starting small—customizing automation to fit your workflow instead of forcing a system that doesn’t align with how you work. Thoughtful implementation, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, ensures automation actually enhances your business.

 AI PRODUCTIVITY FOR REAL ESTATE

Introducing some of the apps and tools we’ve used recently.

Google AI Studio: Google AI Studio is like an expert tutor for web, helping users navigate websites more efficiently. It uses advanced AI to guide people through different online platforms, explaining how tools work, and providing smart recommendations. For example, if someone is learning to use a complex website or software, Google AI Studio can break down the steps, suggest shortcuts, and even answer questions in real time. It can help users fill out forms, find the right settings, or troubleshoot problems without needing to search for instructions manually.

Futurepedia Youtube Channel: Great resource for all things AI. They frequently introduce new tools and recent updates.

ChatGPT: Another great use for ChatGPT is transcribing handwritten notes into written text that can be saved and edited and shared as needed. Either upload photo of your notes or use the view function and it will make your scribble into sensible text. This is something almost anyone has use in their lives.

Multiple AI tools convert handwritten notes to digital text:

• ChatGPT Vision

• Google Lens

• Microsoft OneNote

• Adobe Scan

• Apple Notes (iOS)

• Evernote

• Readdle Scanner Pro

• Notion AI

Each uses image recognition to transform handwritten scribbles into editable, shareable text. Accuracy depends on handwriting clarity.

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