Tech-Enabled, Human-Led: How We’re Using AI to Strengthen Real Estate Valuation
- Dan Wilson
- Jul 3
- 4 min read
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the real estate world has raised an important question: will automation replace the professional judgment of the appraiser?
Our answer: Absolutely not. In fact, it’s the opposite. At Jackson & Associates, we believe AI is a tool to amplify human expertise not replace it. We use AI to work faster, go deeper, and deliver even more reliable, defensible valuation reports. But every decision we make is guided by experienced appraisers with local knowledge, professional integrity, and deep market insight.
We don’t believe AI removes the need for appraisers. We believe it removes the noise so we can focus more time on what matters: analysis, accuracy, and client service.
This article explains how we’re using AI today, how it supports better outcomes for our clients, and why we believe the future of valuation is human-led and tech-enabled.
Myth vs. Reality: AI in Real Estate Valuation
Myth | Reality |
AI replaces the appraiser | AI enhances the appraiser’s insight and speed |
It's just about automation | It's about deeper data, zoning clarity, and risk forecasting |
You lose human nuance | Human oversight drives every insight we deliver |
It’s only for big-city firms | We’ve implemented AI effectively for small-market properties across Vancouver Island |
What We Use AI For and What We Don’t
We don’t use AI to write your appraisal.
We do use AI to:
Compare and summarize complex zoning bylaws
Locate and interpret land use regulations across jurisdictions
Check for inconsistencies in leases or bylaw documents
Support market rent or cost analysis with enriched datasets
Generate Excel summaries and tables for review
Develop and refine technical content
Every insight is reviewed, validated, and explained by a qualified appraiser.
Case Study #1: Proposed Veterinary Clinic – Multi-Jurisdiction Zoning Review
A client asked us to appraise a proposed veterinary clinic in a rural location. Finding relevant land comparables meant identifying zoning classifications with similar permitted uses.
Using AI, we quickly reviewed and compared zoning bylaws from multiple jurisdictions cutting hours off the research process and allowing us to focus our attention on value-critical factors.
We then uploaded a regional dataset of land sales and used AI to isolate only those sales that had matching zoning.
The result?
A more refined, defensible valuation completed efficiently, without compromising quality.
Case Study #2: Valuing a Co-Housing Project – Deep Research Across Canada
Co-housing is a unique residential model that doesn’t trade frequently and often falls outside traditional MLS listings.
To support a recent valuation assignment, we used AI to:
Identify existing and proposed co-housing developments across B.C. and Canada
Locate developer contacts and project leads
Gather information on tenure types, resale history, and governance models
Summarize academic and industry research to inform valuation context
This research would have taken dozens of hours to complete manually and likely missed critical sources. With AI, we delivered an appraisal informed by deeper context and stronger support.
What This Means for You
Whether you’re a lender, lawyer, property manager, or strata council member:
✅ Your appraisal turnaround may be faster
✅ The data used will be broader, deeper, and more consistent
✅ We spend more time on complex analysis, less time on repetitive research
✅ Your report will reflect current regulatory conditions and risks
✅ We’re better equipped to handle complex or niche assignments
Looking Ahead: Our Vision
We’re not trying to be the biggest appraisal firm. We’re focused on being the most trusted, most respected, and most forward-thinking.
We are using AI to elevate what is possible in our profession.
That means:
Investing in tools and training that create real value
Building a team of curious, engaged professionals
Taking on complex files others might avoid
Offering tailored solutions grounded in regional insight and national standards
We don’t want to be known for volume. We want to be known for expertise, reliability, and leadership. Our clients rely on us when the stakes are high, the timeline is tight, and the details matter.
That’s why we invest in AI tools, attend workshops, collaborate with other leaders, and participate in ongoing training programs. We’re also proud to be involved in the Appraisal Institute of Canada and other professional forums where the future of valuation is being shaped.
Let’s Collaborate
On Vancouver Island and across B.C., our clients count on us not just for numbers but for judgment, clarity, and confidence.
If you’re a:
Developer or lender seeking sharper analysis
Lender looking for deeper analysis
Strata council or property manager looking for clear guidance
Municipality exploring new forms of development
Appraiser curious about the future of the profession
Let’s talk. We’re building something different and we believe the future is brighter when professionals learn, lead, and build together.
Final Thoughts
AI isn’t about taking shortcuts. It’s about working smarter, thinking bigger, and delivering stronger outcomes for our clients. At Jackson & Associates, we’ll continue to lead from the front with both human insight and technological edge.
Let us know how we can help you on your next file.
📩 Contact us here to discuss your next project or collaboration.
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