For years, Realtors have focused on one big question online: Can people find me on Google?

Now I think we need to ask something else.

Can AI find you?

I recently had a conversation with Jay Ostra, a real estate professional in the Philadelphia area who has spent nearly 20 years in the industry. He has worked in just about every corner of real estate, from assisting and sales to leadership, new construction, and podcasting.

But one part of our conversation really caught my attention.

Jay told me that when my team originally reached out to him and he asked how we found him, he believes the answer was AI.

Think about that for a moment.

AI didn't just help us write something. It helped us find someone.

That changes the conversation for Realtors.

Your Online Presence Is Becoming More Important

Jay believes one of the most important opportunities for agents right now is making sure they can be discovered through AI search.

He talked about creating consistent bios across different platforms and making sure the important keywords about your business, market, and expertise are clear.

The goal is to make it easier for AI systems to understand who you are and what you do.

I think this is something Realtors should be paying attention to.

We've spent years talking about SEO. Now we're entering a world where people can ask AI to help them find professionals, research markets, compare options, and answer questions.

If your digital presence doesn't clearly communicate your expertise, how will these systems know when you're the right person to recommend?

AI Should Give You More Time for People

Jay also described AI in a way I really liked.

He thinks of it as a personal assistant.

He uses AI to help with marketing ideas, property descriptions, podcast questions, introductions, outros, and other tasks that used to consume much more of his time.

But he was very clear about what AI isn't going to do.

It's not going to replace him.

And it's not going to build those important client relationships for him.

Instead, AI saves him time so he can spend more of it developing those relationships.

That's exactly how I believe we should be looking at these tools.

I'm Using AI to Build My Own Visibility Too

I've been experimenting with this in my own business.

One area I've focused on is LinkedIn articles. I created a process using AI that helps me develop articles more efficiently while still incorporating my own stories, experience, and perspective.

What once took me hours has become much easier to manage.

When I launched my first LinkedIn newsletter to my network of around 12,000 connections, I had roughly 360 subscribers within the first hour.

More importantly, I'm seeing a difference in how people connect with me.

Instead of always chasing people, I'm creating opportunities for people to discover me.

That's the part of AI that excites me.

It isn't simply about creating content faster.

It's about using technology to amplify who you already are.

Technology Changes, Relationships Don't

Jay ended our conversation with a reminder that I think every Realtor needs to hear.

Real estate is still a relationship business.

We can learn AI. We can improve our visibility. We can build workflows and use better technology.

But relationships and consistency remain at the center of this business.

That includes relationships with clients and with other agents. The connections we build today can become conversations, referrals, opportunities, and friendships tomorrow.

Use AI to become easier to find. Use it to save time. Use it to create leverage.

Then take that time and invest it back into people.

Want to Learn More About Using AI in Real Estate?

My full conversation with Jay Ostra goes deeper into AI search, visibility, marketing, technology, and why relationships still matter as our industry changes.

Visit my YouTube channel @KathyByrnesGlobal to watch the full conversation and subscribe for more conversations about AI, real estate, business growth, and strategies for experienced agents.

If you want to be invited to the Webinar to see if this might be something you are interested in, reach out to me, Kathy Byrnes, and I will get you in.

About the Author

Kathy Byrnes is a Global Real Estate Advisor, luxury waterfront specialist, and global connector based in Lake Norman, NC, with 20 years in the business. She matches high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and global investors with the most qualified real estate professionals worldwide. She also teaches Realtors how to use AI practically and helps experienced agents build businesses with leverage, visibility, and a real endgame.