A growing number of homebuyers are using ChatGPT and other large language models (LLMs) to choose their real estate agent, according to a new guide from HousingWire. This shift is driving top-performing agents to adopt specialized tactics known as Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) to secure AI recommendations.
These strategies focus on boosting an agent's visibility in LLM-generated responses. Key steps include optimizing Google Business Profiles, cultivating a strong review strategy, implementing structured data markup (schema), building citations across real estate platforms, and engaging in targeted public relations efforts.
While the adoption of AEO and GEO is still emerging in the real estate industry, early adopters are positioning themselves to capture buyers who bypass traditional search engines. The guide emphasizes that both do-it-yourself approaches and expert-led services are available to help agents adapt.
However, the effectiveness of these AI optimization tactics remains unproven at scale. Critics argue that LLM recommendation algorithms are opaque and frequently change, making sustained visibility a challenge without constant adjustment and monitoring.
This brief is composed from a single source—a HousingWire guide on AEO and GEO strategies for real estate agents. The content is instructional and forward-looking, lacking empirical data on adoption rates or buyer behavior changes. No specific numbers or quotes are available in the source material.