The Problem Isn’t AI. It’s That We Keep Asking It the Wrong Questions

Why so many estate agents are missing the real opportunity of artificial intelligence

AI isn't going to steal your job. But the estate agent who understands how to use it properly? They might steal your market share.

We’re in a strange moment right now. AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are suddenly everywhere, but most agents still haven’t moved beyond typing things like “write me a blog about why now is a good time to sell.” Which is fine, I suppose. But it’s a bit like buying a Ferrari and only ever driving it in 20 zones.

The truth is, AI isn’t magic. It doesn’t automatically produce brilliance. It’s a mirror that reflects the quality of your input—and right now, too many agents are asking surface-level questions and getting surface-level results.

It’s not about replacing people. It’s about enhancing them.

There’s a real opportunity here, and it’s not just about writing faster social posts or saving time on emails. It’s about transforming how we think, plan, and communicate.

Imagine a lettings manager who uses AI to create bespoke training plans for their team, tailored to each person’s knowledge gaps and strengths. Or a sales director who uses it to simulate tricky vendor conversations before stepping into the real thing. Or a junior negotiator who builds confidence by role-playing awkward questions with an AI coach on their phone.

This is where things get interesting. Not automation, but augmentation.

Other industries are way ahead.

Hospitality staff use AI to predict peak demand and adjust staffing. Retailers use it to analyse customer behaviour and refine their layouts. Even hairdressers (yes, really) are using it to script responses to tricky client complaints.

Meanwhile, a lot of property professionals are still asking ChatGPT to write a LinkedIn post, then calling it a day.

We can do better.

Start by shifting your mindset.

The people getting the most from AI aren’t techies. They’re the curious ones. The ones asking, “How could this help me think better? Work smarter? Explain this more clearly?"

They treat AI like a thought partner. A coach. A brainstorming buddy. Not a robot you delegate to, but a tool you collaborate with.

You don’t need to become an AI expert. You just need to start asking better questions:

"What would a great answer look like here?"

"How can I make this clearer, simpler, or more engaging?"

"What am I missing that someone else might spot?"

If you’re only asking AI to write stuff for you, you’re missing 90% of its value.

The bottom line? Don’t outsource your thinking. Upgrade it.

There’s a lot of noise right now about prompt libraries and AI hacks—but the real advantage is mindset. Creativity. The willingness to experiment and reflect.

Because while others are still fiddling with templates, you could be building a team that thinks more sharply, solves problems faster, and communicates like pros.

And in this market? That matters.

So, over to you.

What could you achieve if you stopped treating AI like a shortcut and started using it like a strategy?