Tech Bytes: News from KW, HAR, Realcomp MLS 

Editor's note: Technology is a driving force in real estate. From startups to established players, tech companies are constantly innovating, growing and forging partnerships. Here we highlight some of the latest news about the companies that help power the industry. 

Keller Williams rolls out new AI tool for agents

Keller Williams has launched an artificial intelligence tool designed to answer questions, support content creation and improve agent efficiency. 

KWIQ is a real estate assistant trained on the company's models, systems and resources, including content from KW University, FAQs and real estate books. KWIQ will be accessible through the company's Command CRM and Connect learning platform. 

In addition to answering agent questions, the tool can help agents develop content for newsletters, social media posts and listing descriptions, the company noted.

"With KWIQ, agents have an 'always on' assistant that answers their questions with precision, drafts compelling content, and arms them with tools and strategies to save time and close deals," said Chris Cox, KW's chief technology and digital officer.

A future version of KWIQ will also include local market data to help agents advise their clients on the best buying and selling strategies. That feature is expected to launch in six to nine months.

"This is just the beginning for KWIQ," said Cox. "Given our advantage of having the most data in our industry due to our size, we will continue to connect market- and production-based datasets into KWIQ to aid our agents in providing the best client experience."  

HAR partners with RentSpree to streamline rentals business

The Houston Association of Realtors is the latest large association to team up with RentSpree to provide rental software tools to its 48,000 members.

The companies announced the partnership last week, with the tools becoming available to HAR members this month. The RentSpree software is designed to reduce time spent processing rental applications.

HAR President and CEO Bob Hale said the new partnership coincides with a period of high rental activity in the region.

"Houston's strong economy and population growth is reflected in the region's thriving rental market. We're equipping our members with innovative tech tools to capitalize on this opportunity," Hale said.

RentSpree's latest partnership increases its presence in Texas following its deal last year with Austin's Unlock MLS. In May, the software company also partnered with REcolorado and UtahRealEstate.com.

Realcomp adds Lundy's voice-enabled search tech

Michigan's largest MLS has signed on with Lundy, allowing Detroit-area buyers to search for homes using their Alexa device. 

Realcomp, with more than 16,000 subscribers in eastern Michigan, will link its listings to Lundy's Finding Homes technology, which offers access to property data via voice commands. Users can search using detailed criteria and conversational phrasing. 

"This technology is intuitive, high-tech, and readily accessible for all," said Realcomp CEO Karen Kage. "Realcomp subscribers, their clients, and consumers across the board will benefit from its ease of use and comprehensive reach."

Realcomp's president, Michael Young, added that "it's truly thrilling to lead the way in bringing this innovation to our subscribers, their clients, and consumers everywhere."