I remember when MLS BOOKS were introduced and THAT was predicted to be the end of Real Estate!

Then we introduced the public to the MLS online and we were doomed then too!

The world is continually evolving and we're continually adapting to change.

If we don't embrace it then, yes our world is over (as we know it)

OMG!  I better start filling out job applications TODAY!!!

Armen, what I would advise is understanding the real estate enterprise is always undergoing change, although I will concede, much more rapidly than in past decades.

Where I suggest you start is spending an a hour reviewing the infographics found within the Danger Report. Although the title is intentionally dramatized, the report is in reality a good news report. Use the search window above to find the Danger Report.

It simply suggests what the future may look like and inspires those who can be inspired to prepare.

The greatest impediment to industry agility is NAR, the local MLS, your broker and franchise. Have a PLAN B that eliminates or challenges these organizations. None of them has done anything beneficial to the real estate agent business since the dark side come into existence. Collectively, they have done exactly the opposite...harmed the real estate agent business. Even PROJECT UPSTREAM, as currently defined, is of little benefit to the agent (it does help the BROKER) and fails to address the real problem.

What can we do?  Identify those who chant the Code of Ethics and those who embrace true entrepreneurship and build your alliances accordingly.

Let me challenge you to view the situation from 50,000 feet up. What do each of those five apps have in common?

Stated differently, what are today's information rich, plugged in citzen wanting?  Right now, your broker, franchise, MLS, and NAR stand between you and delivering what the citizen wants. The enemy is NOT those apps, but those who you are currently paying to look after your best interests.

If fear prevents exploring this new frontier, if fear overpowers boldness, if fear controls action, I don't know what an agent will do in five years.  "Would you like fries with that?"

Apps can only do so much, same with the Internet.   A REALTOR will show buyers and sellers their value! 

Armen,  I don't see these apps as the end of the world.  I've lived through too many ends of the world.  I'd say that the realtor still needs to show and prove their worth and that will defeat the apps.  Or the realtor can integrate them into their business model.

The business model may be antiquated but new apps offer no substitute for real estate brokers.

Information is more readily available and we do have a surplus of several hundred thousand real estate agents.

Most home buyers find on their own w/o an agent.  That includes first time buyer also. How to enter the house? Call the keyman who happens to be the listing agent.  

The need for lots of buyer agents in this age is questionable.  People find it on RF apps and get a generous rebate in CA.

If realtors want to do something it would be illegal to give a rebate to clients.  If the board and state want to reduce the number of agents one way is to raise the fee and bar for requirements.  A college degree with 30 hours classes in ethics, title law etc will keep street people to get into a profession.

Finding the info online is the easy part, if a Buyer wants a less stressful transaction , a REALTOR can provide an analysis of how the information impacts them & their family and guide them through the hard part of the process. I've heard the world is coming to an end since Al Gore founded the Internet!

I am not worried yet, the time I will worry is when 3d and virtual reality make it mainstream and you can tour houses like a walkthrough from your living room. Until then a broker is still very much needed and if you can built yourself a brand that provides massive value you are still in the game.

Adapt or perish, it is the way of the world. 

When the mls went from closely guarded books to internet catalogs available to all agents thought they would be finished but that was not the case, and the new apps will not put them out of business either.

I really don't feel these are a significant threat to my business.  Those folks that use these typically wouldn't be my customers anyway.

There are more and more apps for any 'do it your selfers' in most any profession.  Doing it yourself from a Youtube video, etc, does not replace years of education and on the job training or local experience.  Mark

Stae laws will keep us in the game much longer than 5 years Armen. As long as politicians continue to legislate the industry in their continuing fashion no app is powerful enough to eliminate our presence. The compensation may adjust but it will likely be commensurate with the amount of work we're given in the process. My expectation is smooth sailing for another 10 years then the virtual fan will be blowing more than its wind our way. 

Armen Hareyan Let's see how these apps can open a door without an agent.

An app cannot currently do everything that the broker can do.

Armen - All I can say is that the real estate industry is evolving, and we will all have to adapt. I still think there will be a strong need for agents in the future.

I keep showing the buyers and sellers what the apps are missing that they could get sued for

There really aren't any apps I've seen that would eliminate the agent, but I do see business models evolving over the years - as they should.

Armen Hareyan this industry has seen many changes over the years - and we are still strong.

No APP can replace a human being - and we will have to wait for that technology becomes available.

Armen, this is very good question.

I have read reports to the effect that the realtor's role as  "intermediary" may be eliminated within ten years.

I provide so much added value my clients know I'm worth the commission.

Armen -- an interesting question with lots of thoughtful responses.  

I am not worried yet. There will be those that think they don't need an agent totally involved but these types have been around a long time. The majority want a warm body to talk to and to depend on and be there throughout the transaction. That is why it is a people and service business.

Armen, if you'll notice many of those apps involve Realtors discounting their commissions either on the buy side or sell side. I don't know about you, but I'm almost positive none of my Realtor friends would be willing to work for $10 an hour— which when it's all said and done with, is about what your bottomline would be if you were to be a Realtor associated with any of those companies.

After 26 year of real estate I have adjusted to change more times than I can count. It's not the apps that matter, it is the adaptability. Your comment about it being a serious threat was written as fact, and not as an opinion which it is.