I can't think that far ahead and will likely be gone. One thing I know is that it won't look anything like it does now.

Homes for sale will have chips in their front doors readable by apps on a phone detailing all data needed to make an offer. The costs of buying or selling will be reduced considerably.

Chuck Mixon - technology taking over, but they still need you and me!

I don't know and I don't care... given my age, 30 years from now I should be dead. Seriously though, my crystal ball is cracked.

There will be no more real estate yard signs. A " For Sale" chip in the shape of your Brand Logo will be attached to the mail box. Agents will take photo of it, and all information about the property will appear on their smart phone. Agents will only have to enter the address and photos in the MLS and all other info will automatically populate. There will be no more lock boxes or house keys. Homes will have digital security locks. Agents will have to take photo of buyers preapproval letter, send copy to agent and seller, then if seller approves it, the buyers agent will be sent a one time use password that will give them access to the sellers property. The digital lock will have face recognition, so both agent and buyers faces will have to appear on the device when the code is entered. No more agents giving out codes to buyers.

I will be happy if we have 10 more years before the industry changes...

Simpler mortgage application process.  It will be all online because they will already know everything about you.

It's so bright in San Diego, CA, you guessed it...

I gotta wear shade!!!

running out of land so homes will go up.

Everything will be app (or something way advanced from apps) controlled and so much easier - and scarier at the same time

We'll be programming our cars to take buyers to our listings while we are sipping cocktails on our porch as we check websites for new leads.

My crystal ball is as clouded as the Chicago skies!

30 Years......let's imagine...

Most citizens will say, "NAR who?"

$2,500 transaction fees will be prevailing practice.

Technologies not yet imagined will turn the 400,000 professional real estate agent club, in 2047, into order takers.

Home Services of America will acquire the Darkside and become the voice of real estate and the landlord of greatest authority.

I'll put $100 on it...but may not remember the wager when 30 years have passed.

"NAR who?"

There will be more renters and less home ownership.

I don't really have a crystal ball .  I wonder what will change this year. 

Buyers will buy and sellers will sell but I suspect it will be a faster and more streamlined process. And maybe more will be buying sight-unseen. And it will cost more.

My crystal ball has gone to sleep for the night.

I wish I had a crystal ball...

All deals will be done by a click on the computer.  Virtual agents will take our place at showings.

I think some markets will change more than others. More expensive states are moving towards a renting society, not a buying society. That obviously has a lot of implications for real estate agents. New construction now and in the near future is one of the most important trends to watch to predict the state of the industry.

Big question and no simple answers.

Fewer agents !

I know my future looks bright Chuck Mixon . Although I will be 63 soon I like the trend of where we are headed. I represent more Sellers than Buyers but I like the way things are going for both.

as with most things change is a forgone conclusion :-)

Chuck - I think smart homes will be the future, and everything will be connected to everything. Plus, we will all be riding in autonomous cars by then. I would also imagine 3-D imaging coming from our laptops,tablets, and smart phones.

It has changed quite a bit in the last 20 years, can only imagine the changes it will take in the next 30 years.

NAR will be history.

In some areas of the country I'd say being a homeowner will become a rarity.  There are some big companies with a TON of money buying up homes and turning them into rentals.  To the point where it's a big issue in finding affordable housing, according to the state association.

More technology involved, but (hopefully!!) buyers and sellers will still need representation by a human agent.

future looks great got to have shades

My magic eight ball says.... Yes, definitely

Chuck,

Perhaps the buying/selling process will be streamlined, but you will still need a human to respond with kindness.  A

My guess is over time much like with other industries only the top 10-20% will do all the deals. A lot of the work people can already do themselves and as that continues agents really just know the contracts and negotiation unless your the best in the field I think it will be a harder and harder profession to make it in. Always opens up the chance for a person to really take customer service or something else to a new level and grow quickly.

More use of technology.  Even more thieves with their hands in real estate agents pockets. More unsolicited sales calls. More scams. People will always play a role in home buying and selling. 

Some will gratually adapt, others will retire.

Due to the uniqueness of Real Estate; it will remain as it is and the public is served much better with the services of a knowledgeable local agent rather than thinking they can buy a home right off the Net.

Only time will tell.

Chuck Mixon It is anyone's guess. We may be living with all the unemployed travel agents.

Continued opportunities.

If I had a crystal ball....

I'm very optimistic about this and next year, after that it can be a bit challenging for our clients. 

Oh, gosh, I have no idea what is going to happen in the next 5...much less 30! I probably won't be around then but, I'm sure some form of real estate sales will be - likely NOTHING like it is today!

More virtual reality home tours, less in person showings. -Kasey

The rural district will be all high rises....

It is and will be for a while that it willl be a strong market

Will be good.