EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW –
AI+Human-Centric Marketing, and Smart Automation,
an Interview with a Realtor Veteran turned AI marketing Expert.
Marshall Gill (MG): Rob, before we dive into AI-driven real estate marketing solutions, tell us a little about your real‑estate journey and how you began leveraging content marketing and predictive analytics.
Rob Saxe (RS): After nearly two decades as a golf professional, including managing a facility in Marin County, I realized I wanted to control my own destiny. I noticed agents playing golf midweek, so I got my real‑estate license and dove in. Starting fresh in a new market was tough, but blogging, powered by SEO-optimized content creation and targeted lead generation, changed everything. Within a few years my website was one of the most visited in Sacramento, and I mastered listing optimization, CRM management, and AI marketing automation for Realtors. Content drove my visibility and led to career breakthroughs, both as an individual agent and later as a managing broker.
“Content is king, and with AI-powered, human-centered marketing, you can supercharge your reach,” – RS.
MG: Today’s young agents face a crowded marketing landscape. What should they focus on first when hiring a real estate marketing agency that offers AI‑powered marketing strategies and full-service campaign management?
RS: Three things:
Content production and content marketing services. Whether it’s blog posts with SEO keywords like “real estate marketing company,” Instagram reels, or Loom videos, content remains the #1 way to get noticed. You can shoot, edit, and publish straight from your smartphone, so there’s no excuse not to create.
Visibility and social media marketing. Don’t be a “secret agent.” Put yourself in front of people constantly, online and offline. Consistency in content, social advertising, and remarketing never goes out of style.
Local expertise and hyper-local SEO. Hone in on a zip code or neighborhood. Become the go-to resource, not just for housing data but for schools, restaurants, events, and more. When people search for “community-focused real estate marketing” or “neighborhood property insights,” they’ll think of you first.
MG: And where does an AI marketing automation partner fit into that mix?
RS: AI isn’t replacing human connection, it’s amplifying it. Imagine feeding your voice, likeness, and MLS market data into an AI video production tool, it instantly generates a polished market-report video, no green screen or multiple takes required. You can crank out zip-code-specific updates at scale with predictive analytics and AI-driven scripts, freeing you to build relationships and close more deals.
“An AI marketing ecosystem streamlines everything from listing presentations to contract disclosures,” – RS.
MG: Beyond content creation, what processes can an AI-powered marketing company streamline?
RS: Everything from listing presentations with dynamic property brochures to contracts and disclosures. You can partner with a full-service marketing agency that offers smart CRM integration, lead nurturing workflows, and automated email campaigns. While AI isn’t infallible, you still need to verify details, it dramatically reduces grunt work and error, so you’re always prepared for meetings.
MG: That sounds like a leaner team, maybe fewer assistants?
RS: Exactly. Agencies often have marketing coordinators, transaction coordinators, personal assistants. An AI + human marketing team can shoulder much of that load. You get high-level output with fewer hands on deck, which boosts margins and responsiveness.
“The biggest blockers to AI adoption are curiosity and vision, not age,” – RS.
MG: Why aren’t more agents embracing AI and marketing automation?
RS: Two main blockers:
Lack of curiosity. Some dismiss AI as a fad without even experimenting with marketing automation or AI-driven lead scoring.
Demographic biases. The average agent is in their mid‑40s, it’s not an issue of age per se, but of vision. Those who dare to explore new tools, like AI-powered CRM insights, dynamic ad placement, and data-driven marketing strategies, outperform those who cling to “how we’ve always done it.”
“Partnering AI with human expertise will redefine buyer-community matching and next-gen marketing services,” – RS.
MG: We’ve discussed creating AI workshops for brokerages. How can firms like MG Group leverage AI and human expertise to match buyers to communities?
RS: By feeding buyer‑persona interviews into a chat-based AI with custom branding, you can generate tailored neighborhood recommendations. Frame it as suggestions rather than steering, offer insights on schools, amenities, culture, local dining, and rental vs. purchase analytics. Present the AI’s output in a branded webinar or podcast, showcasing your full-service marketing solutions, and you’ll win trust and showcase value at scale.
MG: Rob, terrific insights. Any final thoughts on choosing the right real estate marketing partner?
RS: In the next 24–36 months, content volume will skyrocket. The winners will be those who tightly focus on their niche, partner with marketing companies that blend AI automation and human strategy, and use predictive analytics to multiply their reach and efficiency. It’s not a question of if you adopt, it’s how quickly and thoughtfully you embrace these tools and choose a partner that understands both technology and relationship-driven marketing.
“People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” – RS.
Rob reminds us that behind every AI-generated video or automated market report, authenticity and relationship building remain the heart of real estate success.
For tailored AI-driven marketing support that combines cutting-edge technology with human strategy, contact ReadTomato to kickstart your journey towards smarter marketing.
