AI is all anyone is talking about. It can write essays, create art, and even pass medical exams. But can it handle the nuances of one of the biggest financial decisions of your life? Can it replace the experience of a broker who has navigated decades of market cycles?
We decided to cut through the noise. We fed common, real-world client questions into a leading AI model to see what it would say. Then, we asked Rob the same questions (without sharing the feedback from AI).
Let’s see how the answers stack up.
Question 1: "Is it a bad idea to list my home in November or December? I'm being told to wait until spring."
🤖 AI's Answer:
The truth is, it's a fantastic time for the right seller. Inventory is at its lowest, meaning you have far less competition. Furthermore, the buyers who are out looking in November and December are not "just browsing"—they are serious, motivated, and often need to move before the end of the year.
👨💼 Rob's Answer:
It’s not a bad time to list, BUT your timing is critical. In November, aim for the first half of the month before Thanksgiving. The holidays are often the catalyst for a move—hosting family makes people realize their home is too small or too large. We use this to our advantage: we strategically prepare the listing in December and launch it the first week of January, precisely when those newly-motivated buyers begin their search. This is why the first Thursday of January is my favorite listing date. New year, new resolutions, new house—Lets go!
Question 2: "What is your high-level forecast for the 2026 real estate market?"
This is a big-picture question. Let's see who sees the future more clearly.
🤖 AI's Answer:
The 2026 U.S. real estate market is expected to see modest price growth following several years of volatility. Mortgage rates may gradually ease toward 6%, improving affordability and boosting home sales. Inventory levels should rise slightly as more homeowners list, helping shift conditions toward a more balanced market. However, affordability challenges and regional disparities will persist—some overheated areas could flatten while more affordable metros may outperform. Overall, 2026 looks stable but not booming.
👨💼 Rob's Answer:
We expect the market to continue its journey of stabilization. The frenzy of the past few years is over, but Colorado's core fundamentals—strong job growth, a desirable lifestyle, and limited new-build inventory—remain. We anticipate a return to a more 'traditional' market with steady, healthy appreciation rates in the low-to-mid single digits, which is far more sustainable for everyone.
Question 3: "How does a government shutdown affect my home purchase?"
🤖 AI's Answer:
A shutdown doesn't stop the market, but it introduces delays. The biggest impacts are on government-backed loans (FHA, VA, and USDA), which rely on federal employees for processing. Conventional loans are safer, but even they can get snagged. It's a time for patience and clear communication with your lender.
👨💼 Rob's Answer:
If you’re using a government-backed loan, it will delay the loan process. The other aspect to keep in mind is a shutdown creates uncertainty in the marketplace. Buyers hate the U word! The buyer pool will decrease anytime there's uncertainty.
Final Verdict: Experience is the Ultimate Intelligence
Let’s give credit where credit is due. As you can see, AI delivers relevant information that helps us better understand broad market trends.
AI is a powerful tool that delivers clear, data-driven answers—fast, organized, and (the part we all love the most) easy. But what it lacks is context: the intuition, timing, and emotional intelligence that comes only from years of working directly with buyers and sellers. Rob’s insights reveal how local nuances, psychology, and real-world experience turn information into strategy.
Our verdict is —drumroll please— sorry AI, there is no easy button for buying or selling a home. And if there was, would we really trust it? AI can inform the conversation—but it takes a seasoned professional to close the deal.
