D
alton Brewer, a Kansas City broker with Coldwell Banker, turned a common pain point—decoding dense home‑inspection reports—into an innovation. As co‑founder of CD Technologies and creator of SetWave, he applies AI and data analytics to produce quick, accurate cost estimates for inspections, helping buyers and agents act faster and with more confidence.
**Technology’s impact on buying and selling**
Brewer says the biggest shift is transparency. Buyers now have better tools and data, and brokerages are integrating AI across lending, inspection, and title work. The process, once slow and fragmented, is becoming streamlined. Virtual tours, VR showings, renovation overlays, and predictive analytics give buyers a clearer picture of a property’s potential.
AI speeds up the search by matching buyer preferences with neighborhood data, HOA rules, and even quirky local regulations—like whether chicken coops are allowed. It also automates paperwork: instant comparative market analyses, pre‑listing repair estimates, and faster approvals. The result is a smoother, quicker closing.
**Exciting tech trends**
Virtual reality showings let buyers explore homes remotely and even stage them to match personal tastes. Renovation overlays are especially valuable for older homes, allowing buyers to video a space and receive rehab cost estimates on the spot. Predictive analytics that pull zoning, permit, tax, and insurance data reveal which neighborhoods are likely to appreciate. AI‑driven negotiation tools, such as SetWave, can predict the likelihood of repair requests being accepted and tie probabilities to contract outcomes, making negotiations more data‑driven.
**Managing information overload**
While the flood of data can feel overwhelming, Brewer argues that transparency builds trust. Clear cost breakdowns, compliant documents, and rapid decisions give clients confidence. Technology accelerates the process while keeping stakeholders informed.
**Predicting future values**
Predictive analytics can surface hidden data points—zoning changes, historical permits, tax trends—to highlight attractive neighborhoods. Buyers increasingly rely on these tools to spot properties poised for appreciation.
**Seller concerns**
Brewer reassures sellers that more information actually makes a property more marketable. Transparency helps buyers feel secure, benefiting both parties in the long run.
**SetWave in detail**
SetWave emerged from Brewer’s own experience buying a rental. An inspection report seemed minor, but a subsequent repair bill hit $10,000. The tool reads inspection reports, extracts material and labor costs based on location, and categorizes items by priority. It produces a concise estimate report that buyers can use to negotiate with sellers, providing a clear financial picture and boosting confidence. Sellers receive the same document, which can serve as a negotiation aid.
**Future of real‑estate agents**
Brewer believes agents won’t disappear; their roles will evolve. With AI and VR, agents become consultants who interpret data and guide clients through informed decisions. Brokers who ignore technology risk obsolescence, but the profession itself remains essential, just with shifted responsibilities.
