The Australian real estate industry is at a crossroads. Rapid changes in technology, client expectations, and business models are reshaping how agents operate. Success will increasingly go to those who can combine expertise, adaptability, and human connection in a professional way.
Joel Davoren, managing director of REMAX Australia, sees the future of real estate as a balance between people and technology.
He points out that while industry conversations often focus on AI, the real differentiator remains human skill and judgment.
“The new leadership team at REMAX is questioning all the old ways. There’s a tangible difference in the air.”
Joel recently attended a global REMAX convention in the US, where AI and technology were key topics of discussion.
While the technology is evolving quickly, he is clear that the industry isn’t on the brink of replacement by software.
“We’re not seeing people being replaced. We’re the shock absorbers in stressful, emotional processes for clients. No software can replicate managing expectations, negotiating outcomes, or cushioning the blow like humans do.”
For Joel, trust and confidence are at the heart of client decision-making.
He believes that no platform, no matter how advanced, can replicate the confidence a client feels when selecting the right agent.
“Before trust, there has to be confidence. The agent most likely chosen is the one the client feels most confident in. Can a software platform create that? Absolutely not … at least not yet.”
He also emphasises that technology should serve as a tool to enhance efficiency, not replace people.
“Early systems, like REDA’s machine learning platform, show what’s possible, but the real winners will be those who integrate AI effectively into their workflows.”
Joel draws parallels with innovations in other industries.
“Who’s going to make the money out of AI then? Is it going to be the AI companies, or is it going to be the people that figure out how to use it the best?” he asks.
“You think about who made the most money from refrigeration. It wasn’t necessarily the person who invented it. Coca-Cola’s product requires refrigeration, and how much money have they made as a result of having a cold drink as a product?
“I think it’s the agent that’s trying to hang on to what they have rather than focusing on what’s possible that’s going to struggle. There are plenty of those around.”
Leadership, culture, and agent-centric models
Joel also believes the industry’s evolution is as much about leadership and culture as it is about technology.
How leaders act and communicate sets the tone for their entire network.
“Every leader tells a story through their actions. Knowing who you are, and who you are not, is critical. It shapes decisions, behaviours, and ultimately, culture.”
He highlights the benefits of a younger generation of business owners, while acknowledging the value of experience.
“Our team’s average age is younger now than it was previously. That brings curiosity, ambition, and risk-taking. But it’s not about disregarding experience; it’s about balancing energy with knowledge.”
To that end, Joel warns that many agents focus on protecting what they already have instead of exploring new opportunities.
“The ones willing to adapt and be curious are the ones that thrive.”
This philosophy extends to REMAX Australia’s agent-centric business model.
Joel describes it as a platform that empowers agents to leverage their own skills, relationships, and independence.
“The reason the agent gets the business is because of the relationships they have. We support that with a platform to build on. It’s about choice, independence, autonomy, rather than templates or mandates. An agent’s success is defined by their skill and drive, and we provide the framework to maximise that.”
He also stresses the importance of mental and physical wellbeing in sustaining long-term success.
“The energy you bring to clients and your business matters. You can’t do that effectively if you’re running on empty. Remaining curious, continuing to learn, and looking after yourself is critical.”
Looking ahead, Joel believes the real estate industry will continue to value human expertise, thoughtful adoption of technology, and professional culture.
“People are craving stability and consistency. The industry is often misrepresented, but there’s a huge opportunity to elevate what it means to be a professional in real estate.”
In an era of rapid change, his message to agents is clear: technology can enhance the way you work, but it will never replace the human touch that drives trust and results.
“Those who combine empathy, expertise, and adaptability will define the next generation of real estate.”
