Intro:
It’s 2026, and let’s be honest — real estate looks different. Buyers scroll listings on their phones, sellers can click “instant offer” buttons, and AI tools promise to do everything short of unlocking the front door. So why do smart homeowners and buyers still hire REALTORS®? Because technology can’t replace experience, strategy, or the human instincts that make deals work. Here’s what matters more than ever in 2026.
1. Algorithms Don’t Negotiate — Humans Do
AI can crunch numbers, but it can’t read a room. Whether you’re in a Powell multiple-offer situation or negotiating inspection credits in Westerville, emotions drive real estate. A skilled agent balances data with psychology — something no chatbot can replicate.
2. Local Knowledge Still Wins
You can’t Google your way to understanding why one side of a street in Dublin sells faster than the other. Market nuance comes from boots-on-the-ground experience — knowing builders, schools, zoning shifts, and what buyers actually care about in Central Ohio.
3. Data Without Context Is Dangerous
Online estimates and AI valuations are great — until they’re not. A property’s “value” on paper doesn’t account for condition, updates, or market timing. A REALTOR® turns numbers into insight so you make real-world decisions, not algorithmic guesses.
4. Tech Handles Tasks — REALTORS® Handle Strategy
Technology automates steps; professionals guide strategy. From pre-market positioning to negotiation and contract management, your agent ensures every move is intentional and profitable — not just efficient.
5. Trust Still Beats Tech
Real estate is personal. You’re not buying a stock — you’re buying a home, a neighborhood, a lifestyle. In a world of automation, people crave confidence. That’s what full-time, locally invested REALTORS® deliver — expertise you can’t outsource.
CTA:
👉 Thinking about buying or selling in Columbus, Powell, or Dublin in 2026? Let’s blend technology with experience to make your next move smart, smooth, and strategic.
[Contact Patrick Murphy, REALTOR® — Columbus, Powell & Dublin Expert]