By Becky Gervers, Technology Trainer | Independence Title
Why Real Estate Agents Need AI Referrals in 2025
Let’s face it—if you’re a real estate agent in 2025 and you’re only focusing on Google SEO, you’re already behind.
Consumers aren’t just typing into Google anymore. They’re asking AI engines like ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Claude for advice and referrals. If you’re not showing up in those answers, you’re missing a fast-growing pipeline of high-quality leads.
What the Data Tells Us
- 97% of homebuyers use the internet in their home search, and 51% find their home online (NAR).
- 41% of buyers start their journey online, while only 20% start with an agent (The Close).
- A 2025 consumer study reveals that 71.5% of users turn to AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini, with 14% using them on a daily basis.
- AI engine market share (U.S.):
- ChatGPT: 60.5%
- Microsoft Copilot: 14.3%
- Google Gemini: 13.5%
- Perplexity: 6.2%
- Claude: 3.2%
These platforms aren’t just answering questions about the weather. They’re answering real estate questions—and they’re recommending agents.
What Is Ask Engine Optimization (AEO) / Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)?
Ask Engine Optimization (AEO) is the process of positioning yourself to be recommended when users ask AI tools questions like:
- “Who’s the best Realtor in Frisco?”
- “What agent sells the most homes in San Antonio, TX?”
- “Can you recommend a top listing agent near me?”
AI pulls answers from trusted, structured, and consistent data across the web. If your profiles and content are optimized, you can become the agent AI recommends.
10 Profiles Every Realtor Should Optimize for AEO
To feed both traditional SEO and Ask Engines, make sure these profiles are completed, keyword-optimized, and consistent:
- Google Business Profile (GBP) – Still the #1 local source; Gemini pulls directly from GBP. Adding Q&A to your profile.
- Zillow Agent Profile – Frequently cited by ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Bing AI.
- Realtor.com Profile – Trusted by Gemini and Claude for validation.
- Homes.com – Now owned by CoStar, rapidly becoming an AI source.
- FastExpert & RateMyAgent – Often used for “top-rated agent” lists.
- Facebook Business Page – Indexed by Bing and Perplexity.
- LinkedIn – Adds credibility; AI reads your headline and role.
- YouTube Channel – Video Q&As are gold for Gemini and Perplexity.
- Yelp Business Page – Still relevant, especially in competitive metros.
- Your Website – Make sure it clearly communicates who you are, what you do, and where you serve. FAQ pages help too
The Big Takeaway
It’s no longer just about showing up in search results. It’s about being the answer when someone asks:
“Who should I work with to sell my house in [Your Market]?”
If you want your name and brand to come out of AI’s “mouth,” you have to train the engine with your data.
Next Steps for Realtors
If this feels overwhelming, don’t worry—you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Reach out to your Independence Title Business Development Rep to schedule a one-on-one with one of our Technology Trainers. We’ll help you build your AEO/GEO strategy and make sure your name is showing up where buyers and sellers are asking.
