It’s the question every property manager is grappling with: Are we heading toward a fully digital inspection world, or will boots on the ground always be essential? The pandemic gave us a taste of virtual-only inspections. Now the industry is split on whether that future is inevitable – or desirable.
Welcome back to Edge Case, where we take controversial industry beliefs and properly debate them. No wishy-washy middle ground. No “it depends” answers. Just a structured debate with real data, insights and analysis.
The Format
When presented with three potential debate topics, both Kylie Walker and Tara Bradbury immediately gravitated toward virtual inspections – calling it “very relevant to where we’re heading.”
The Topic
“Virtual property inspections will completely replace physical inspections within five years”
How Edge Case Works
Six structured rounds:
- Opening statements (90 seconds each)
- Cross-examination
- Evidence and data presentation
- Direct rebuttals
- Final arguments
- Truth reveal (where they share what they actually believe)
Key Moments from the Debate
Kylie argues:
“Imagine a world where property inspections are done in the blink of an eye. No more waiting around for agents. Virtual inspections reduce operational costs by 30% for real estate businesses.”
Tara counters:
“Technology is impressive, but trust is earned. Property management demands more than a camera. It requires judgment, accountability, and presence.”
The Data Battle
The statistics revealed a fascinating industry divide. While 58% of property managers already use virtual inspection tools, and virtual inspections can slash operational costs by 30%, the tenant and landlord preferences reveal a more complex picture. Some statistics strongly favour virtual adoption, while others highlight persistent demand for physical presence.
Where They Agreed
Both debaters raised compelling points about trust in the industry. Tara noted how many agents still use photos from 5-10 years ago, undermining confidence in virtual presentations. Kylie countered that virtual inspections with 360-degree cameras actually provide greater transparency than selective human observation.
The COVID-19 experience became a key battleground, with both sides claiming it as evidence for their position.
The Truth Reveal
At 30 minutes, both debaters dropped their assigned positions to reveal what they actually believe. The result might surprise you – and their real positions shed new light on the entire debate. Without spoiling the reveal, let’s just say neither advocate for the extreme positions they were assigned to defend.
Why This Matters
Every property management business is making technology investment decisions right now. This debate provides frameworks and data from both perspectives, helping you understand:
- The real cost savings and efficiency gains from virtual inspections
- Where human judgment remains irreplaceable
- How trust and transparency factor into tenant and landlord satisfaction
- The role of legislation and insurance requirements in change
- How to build sustainable inspection strategies for the next decade
The conversation moves beyond simple tech adoption to explore what clients actually want versus what’s technically possible.
What’s Next
Edge Case will continue tackling the industry’s difficult conversations. Coming up:
- “AI will replace 50% of agents within three years”
- “Leaders still don’t tell the truth enough”
After listening, we’d like to know: Which argument resonated more with your experience? Did the statistics change how you’re thinking about your inspection strategy?
Edge Case is a new debate series from Elite Agent’s Thought Leaders podcast, hosted by Samantha McLean. Each episode features industry experts arguing both sides of controversial statements to expand how we think about real estate’s biggest challenges.
Have Your Say
Will virtual inspections replace physical ones within five years?
Vote in Monday’s Edition of The Brief
Listen/Watch now
- YouTube
- Spotify
- Apple Podcasts
- … and on your favourite podcast player!
Connect with Samantha McLean
Connect with Kylie Walker
Connect with Tara Bradbury
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