AI Predictions for 2026: Why Even Real Estate Tech Experts Are Getting Nervous

Ben Brady, CEO of Harcourts Auctions, is joined by long-time friend and returning guest Tony “Tech Tony” Self, Broker/Owner of Harcourts Hunter Mason Realty — to dissect the rapid rise of AI in 2025, where it’s heading, and what’s starting to make even the tech optimists a little uneasy.Tony, known for being an early adopter of everything from automation to video avatars, opens up about the first time AI has truly spooked him. The two dive deep into the realities of AI displacement, the threat to white-collar jobs, and what “Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)” might mean for industries like real estate. From autonomous driving to robotics, they break down the economic and ethical implications of a future where machines don’t just assist — they think, act, and compete.But it’s not all doom and gloom. Ben and Tony also explore how entrepreneurs can stay ahead of the curve, leverage AI tools like HeyGen and 11Labs for content creation, and prepare for the industries being reshaped by automation. Expect bold predictions, uncomfortable truths, and practical insights for agents, leaders, and business owners trying to navigate the AI-driven decade ahead.Timestamps & Key Topics[00:00:00] – How AI started 2025 and where it stands now[00:02:00] – Why Tech Tony is finally nervous about AI[00:03:45] – Job displacement and the automation wave[00:06:30] – From robots to real estate: AI’s reach expands[00:08:00] – The rise of generative video tools (HeyGen, Sora, 11Labs)[00:10:45] – Governments vs. progress: who wins the automation race?[00:12:00] – How content creation is changing forever[00:14:30] – What is AGI and when will we see it?[00:18:00] – The illusion of authenticity in social media[00:22:00] – Algorithmic manipulation, misinformation, and bias[00:25:00] – Predictions for 2026: what jobs and skills survive?[00:27:00] – AI reliance, creativity, and the human edge🔗 Related Resources Below:🌐 For more information on Harcourts Auctions our non-distressed auction platform feel free to visit https://www.harcourtsauctions.com🔗 Connect with Tony Self and Harcourts Hunter Mason Realty:https://selfregroup.com/https://www.facebook.com/selfregrouphttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyself/https://huntermason.harcourtsna.com/https://tonyself.harcourtsna.com/🔗 Connect with Ben Brady and Harcourts Auctions: ⁣https://www.facebook.com/Benbradyharcourts⁣ ⁣https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-brady-0b223517⁣ ⁣https://www.instagram.com/harcourtsauctions⁣ ⁣https://www.facebook.com/HarcourtsAuctions🎯 Subscribe for weekly episodes blending real estate, innovation, and technology.💬 Comment below: Do you think AI will replace real estate agents — or empower the next generation of them?