As AI and self-service platforms like Rootsafrica.co rise, are real estate agents still needed? This article explores how the process of buying and selling homes is evolving—and what it means for real estate investors in Nairobi.
Let’s face it—technology has changed how people do almost everything. From booking flights to managing finances, self-service tools have become the norm. Real estate is no exception. With platforms offering properties for sale and rent in Nairobi at your fingertips and AI tools suggesting what to buy based on your browser history, it’s only natural to wonder:
Are real estate agents becoming obsolete?
AI in real estate has moved far beyond chatbots. Today, machine learning algorithms can estimate property values, predict community-first real estate growth, and match real estate investors with homes based on lifestyle preferences.
While that sounds revolutionary, AI still has limits. It can’t walk through a neighborhood and tell you how safe it feels. It can’t detect the subtleties of land ownership laws, or understand how upcoming infrastructure projects could impact your real estate investment. Even the best AI tools still need a human counterpart—someone who understands both the data, the story behind the numbers and what the real estate investor needs.
Modern platforms make it easy for users to browse property listings, compare prices, and even book virtual tours—all without speaking to anyone. This is especially useful for younger, modern contemporary buyers who value convenience and control. In cities like Nairobi, these platforms are essential for showcasing properties for sale and rent to a fast-growing digital audience, an example being RootsAfrica and Buy Rent Kenya.
For those with a bit of real estate experience—or the time to research legal steps—buying or renting without an agent might feel doable. Still, not every buyer is ready to go solo. When you're making a high-stakes purchase like a home, minor oversights can have big consequences.
This is where the debate gets real. If someone finds a house by themselves online, schedules a visit and secures financing, they might ask:
Why should I still pay a commission to an agent?
This is a valid question. And it’s pushing the industry to rethink how agents provide value. For many, that value lies in:
These things are particularly important for the long-term real estate investor, who must consider not just what a home costs now but also what it will be worth five years from now.
While tools provide access, agents offer interpretation.
Here’s what professionals bring that a platform or app can’t:
In short, they turn information into insight—and that still matters.
Real estate isn’t heading toward full automation—it’s evolving toward collaboration between tech and humans. The most successful buyers and sellers aren’t choosing between platforms and people—they’re using both. They browse Property listings themselves, compare prices and then call on experts when they’re ready to act.
There’s also a growing trend of community-first real estate, where the focus is on trust, transparency and shared learning. Instead of being sales-driven, this model helps people understand the process, make informed decisions and build long-term wealth through property ownership.
In the same way, online banking didn’t eliminate bankers , self-service platforms won’t eliminate real estate agents. In turn they are forcing the profession to evolve—and become more consultative, transparent and tech-savvy.
For today’s real estate investor, success lies in blending the best of both worlds. I can boldly say that one of the service platforms, RootsAfrica is leading in the shift with a blend of tech and trust expertise.
Thinking of buying or selling? Explore property listings on our website at Rootsafrica.co.
