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Artificial Intelligence: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly

By
Industry Observer with Inactive Inactive

There was a time when I considered Artificial Intelligence to be someone who pretended to know the subject matter but was posturing instead. I also had another name for it that I abbreviated with the letters BS.

That was before computers became so powerful, that they could simulate human thought, and before data warehousing became so inexpensive that every bit of information could be saved for future use.

With today’s Artificial Intelligence, we have arrived at a threshold where computers can rival human thought and do it faster than most humans.

So, how do we address this new technology? How do we use it to our advantage?

As someone who has always avoided the bleeding edge of technology, I have approached AI with caution, using it only as a learning tool.

Using AI tools like Hemingway Editor and Pro Writing Aid enhances my writing skills. Asking a Bot to “describe a fixer-upper in flattering terms” is a fast way to write a property description without inserting my personal preferences into the text.

Virtual staging software makes it easy to visualize a room filled with modern appointments. A godsend for those who cannot imagine how a vacant home will fill their needs.

For this article, I used an AI text-to-image generator giving it only the instruction “before and after house remodel”. It gave me several images.

 

 

AI is good, but no matter how well written the AI Bot cannot describe the feeling of entering a hoarder’s house or the foul odor of a property that has been abused. That remains a challenge that only a human being can face. I doubt that emotions are something an AI Bot can simulate.

***

I still prefer, and always will, original ideas. For now, and in the foreseeable future AI doesn’t generate original thoughts. It only reassembles facts from known ideas.

We truly are at the bleeding edge of this new technology. I have a lot to learn. The reality Is that at my age I may never live to see the day when Artificial Intelligence will replace my original ideas. That era is likely reserved for the younger generation. I hope they can maintain control of these systems before they become the new Tower of Babbel.

Will AI become my partner in helping to solve problems that would normally take days or weeks to untangle? The answer is unequivocal, YES! But when, I cannot answer.

Like humans, AI is not perfect, at least not yet. Will it ever be? Only time will tell.

 

The images used in this article were generated using an AI text-to-image application. No camera is involved.

Joe Domino is a Realtor® serving the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. Need more information? Or to Search for your next home, visit www.Scottsdale-AZHomes.com

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The Art of Storytelling

 

© 2024 Joseph Domino All Rights Reserved

Comments(22)

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Joe Jackson
Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty - Columbus, OH
Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert

It’s a great post. Thank you for sharing!

 

Have a super fantastic week!

Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP

Jan 19, 2024 09:58 AM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Thanks Joe

Jan 20, 2024 09:46 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Joseph,
I have the answer to your last question: Will AI ever be perfect? NO!  That is because AI is programmed by humans and generated from human content. Humans are not perfect; therefore, IMHO, AI never will be either. That is one of the big dangers. We are repeatedly told not to rely on AI for factual information. I do find it very intriguing as a creative support tool, though.

Jan 19, 2024 10:03 AM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

What is perfection? Who knows?

Jan 20, 2024 09:47 AM
Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD
http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com - Vail, CO
Paddy Deighan J.D. Ph.D

Ai is limitless in its ability to reshape business and personal lives.  There are downsides but if we recognize them and work within them, we can all benefit

Jan 19, 2024 10:58 AM
Kathy Streib

Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD this...but if we recognize them and work within them, we can all benefit...has been my concern. I believe there are those who would use AI to further their agenda with a disregard for society. 

Jan 19, 2024 06:35 PM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Yes, if we use for good not evil. But then, when money's involved, all bets are off.

Jan 20, 2024 09:48 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Associate Real Estate Broker

AI can do a lot of things and some of it can be abused, however, if AI were capable of handling the 2 issues you offer in your post, I would be highly likely to learn more about it.

the AI Bot cannot describe the feeling of entering a hoarder’s house or the foul odor of a property that has been abused. 

Jan 19, 2024 12:42 PM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

As long as AI remains a tool it can be a benefit. Replacing human thinking can be dangerous. Then again, some human thinking is dangerous.

Jan 20, 2024 09:50 AM
Ginger Harper
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage~ Ginger Harper Real Estate Team - Southport, NC
Your Southport~Oak Island Agent~Brunswick County!

A I is a part of us now.  WE have to embrace it or get left behind.  

It makes me uncomfortable.

Jan 19, 2024 01:45 PM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

It is a bit scary. The best we can do is learn how to make use of it.

Jan 20, 2024 09:51 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Joseph Domino 480-390-6011 Thank you for your well-thought-out entry into the January contest. As you mentioned, AI will become our partner in solving problems.

 

Jan 19, 2024 03:17 PM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Yes, no question. We must learn how to make the best use.

Jan 20, 2024 09:52 AM
Edward Gilmartin
CRE - Boston, MA

Some will use new tech and do better than those who do not. Eventually AI will team up with 3D printing

Jan 19, 2024 03:41 PM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

No question. The possibilities are endless.

Jan 20, 2024 09:52 AM
Mike McCann Nebraska Land Broker
Mike McCann - Broker, Mach1 Realty Farm & Commercial Land Broker-Auctioneer Serving Nebraska - Kearney, NE
Farm & Commercial Property For Sale 308-627-3700

Hi Joseph Domino 480-390-6011 Thank you for sharing your AI thoughts...they are your thoughts...right?

Some great comments that I totally agree with....especially Leanne Smith and Carol Williams thoughts.

Jan 19, 2024 05:43 PM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

I actually wrote this myself. No AI help (except the pics).

Jan 20, 2024 09:53 AM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

Hi Joseph, those enhanced adn fake staging computer/AI enhancements of homes are often more misleading than enhancing. What you see is not always what you get. Jeff

Jan 19, 2024 06:00 PM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

No doubt. When I see a property virtually staged, then wonder why my furniture doesn't look as good.

Jan 20, 2024 09:55 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Joseph- great entry for this month's challenge. AI has been growing and morphing into what it is now. I suspect that what we'll see 5 years from now will be something far beyond the scope of what you and I call AI. 

Jan 19, 2024 06:54 PM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

No question. We are only at the beginning of a revolution.

Jan 20, 2024 09:55 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Welcome back it has been a while since you posted and look you got Featured as to the subject matter not a fan of AI and I will just leave it at that, Endre

Jan 19, 2024 09:17 PM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Thanks Endre. It has been a busy time for me. I'll try to stop in more often.

Jan 20, 2024 09:57 AM
Debra Leisek
Bay Realty,Inc Homer Alaska - Homer, AK

Interesting aspect of using AI for photos of homes too! I already feel like wide angle lens misrepresent homes in some advertising, especially when they make a small room look huge. I had a woman cry once when we got to the house and the kitchen was so small, she could barely turn around in it. She was really fooled by the photos. 

Thank you for sharing this "view" of AI! 

Jan 20, 2024 12:04 AM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Thanks Debra. I am not an expert in using these AI Bots. I suspect someone who works with it regularly will produce better content.

Jan 20, 2024 09:59 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Computers have been along for a very long time, so you have seen your bs become something useful, haha.

Jan 20, 2024 05:10 AM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Yes, but there still is a lot of BS

Jan 20, 2024 10:00 AM
Andrea Bedard
Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860 - Silver Spring, MD
Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS

Excellent post, Joseph! I, too, am proceeding with caution, but taking advantage of what works for me. The biggest issue I see with AI is that it does not give credit for the original thoughts, expressions, or creative images, it reassembles. Hasn't it all been stolen from somewhere/somebody?

Jan 20, 2024 06:27 AM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Yes, and there is a lot of  controversy over how it affects copyright and trademarks. It will get sorted out someday, but there will be winners and losers.

Jan 20, 2024 10:02 AM
Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308
Stake Your Land Realty, Inc. - Eustis, FL
Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®

Joseph Domino 480-390-6011 

AI can give an idea, I use it with caution. When I can not think or come up for a specific word, AI or the old fashioned dictionary can assist.  We were created by God, we created AI and God gave us the ability to do so. Like Leanne Smith said, "AI does not have a soul." It will eventually cease to exist.

Jan 20, 2024 08:16 AM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

No doubt, no original thoughts, yet. We just cannot become blindfolded by it's ability. AI is not a fad.

Jan 20, 2024 10:07 AM
Peter Mohylsky,
Property Management International-Destin - Inlet Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

Interesting stuff to follow! And use?

Jan 21, 2024 12:49 PM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Yes, as we learn more we will make better use of this technology.

Jan 23, 2024 09:32 AM
Charles Ross - eXp Realty (Salina Group) | Broker
Salina Group - Salina, KS
Love To Help People

Joseph, your insights on AI in real estate provide a thoughtful glimpse into its potential and limitations. Your approach to using AI tools as enhancements, not replacements for human expertise, is an excellent guide for the industry's future. #RealEstateFuture #AIInsights 🤖🏠

Jan 23, 2024 05:20 AM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

I think everyone needs to look forward. I don't know what AI has in store for us but we need to at least accept the world is changing. Getting ahead of it is important.

Jan 23, 2024 09:34 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

 

Joseph Domino 480-390-6011 I think, believe, and feel that you nailed it with AI cannot produce the feelings of humans.  At least not authentically.  

There is nothing like the real thing!! 

Congratulations on your well-deserved Feature! 

 

Jan 31, 2024 10:16 AM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Thanks Kathleen

Jan 31, 2024 12:32 PM
Jarret Ford
Allias - New York, NY
RE Agency in NYC

Many believe that the powers of AI end with such tasks. Well, or writing texts is now also often associated with AI. However, you may not have heard of AI influencers, who are also active on social networks and lead the lifestyle of real influencers. This is interesting because they are already taking part in various events and advertising integrations.

Mar 14, 2024 09:00 AM
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC • Short Sale • Probate

Well the progress in technologies  is unavoidable. Some technologies are mind-blowing ~ as AI for me, but I absolutely love new possibilities that it brings. It can be scary and I know many people, especially elder generation, that shy away from any new technologies exposure. And the biggest concern is the lost of privacy.....but it is too late to worry about it. Unless you live off grid, there is no such thing as privacy and confidentiality. 

Jun 14, 2024 10:56 AM