Richie, if you want an opinion and this would take a 2000 word post to complete, there will be no more than 250,000 members of NAR in five to seven years. This is not the fault of NAR or a sign that they have failed, it is the reality of the web combined with Blockchain, AI, and augmented reality. 

The cream always rises to the top.  

I like what Joe Pryor said. 

I don't know what the final outcome will be Richie Alan Naggar but based on the amount of change we have experienced over the last 20 years we may not recognize our industry from what it is today.

      In Florida, it is a third degree felony to act as a real estate broker, without being licensed.  Where is the line drawn between licensed and un-licensed activity?  

Show your value.  They will come!

There will always be those who will seek us out.  I agree with Roy Kelley and Kathleen Daniels 

What non-licensed activites?  Out here an unlicensed person can show homes but can't talk price.  Your flyer that people pick up can say the price though.  So far all I've seen from the apps is an online flyer with a lot of extra data such as walk scores and demographics and such.  You still have to use an agent to buy a listed house and selling is still best accomplished by an agent.  REX is the only company I know that goes out of it's way to avoid working with other agents.  So far I've seen one listing and it sat on the market for a long time and never sold.

The successful realty professionals will skillfully use the internet.

The future does not look good for the several hundred thousand surplus real estate agents.

I think that the 'searching' has always been a non-licensed activity. You can shop til you drop on the internet in all things including homes. I'm not sure it's a tug of war ... it's the wave of the future.

I'm sure they couldn't think of a good reason to have the electric light bulb when it was first invented.

I agree with Carol Williams - at least until I'm 6' under, I believe!

Your guess is as good as mine... and given my age, I'm thinking I'll be retired before I have to worry too much about this. Activities by un-licensed parties are probably law suits waiting to happen. Then again, not totally sure exactly which activities you are referring to.

Seem to me, at the very least, the "role" of the agent is going to continue to change and yes, individuals are going to be more empowered.  We used to be the ones to "dispense" the info... now we are there to "interpret" and explain the data, and the "rule"s keep changing towards more consumer empowerment in almost every industry, so yes I do think more empowerment is coming to the DIY's, and there will be a "thinning" of the agent herd.

BUT, The future can be so hard to predict and experts are often wrong .. .I mean when the "computers" came on the scene in early 80's, I remember many experts predicting there would be "less" paper, and "4 day work week" and all this extra "leisure time".. wow, so far they were very wrong about all those outcomes. 

Certainly interesting to think about, discuss, and keep an eye on, but do not spend much time too concerned about it.

What other activities are you suggesting?

Ditto, Roy Kelley 

wonderful answer from Joe Pryor 

This is a good question. I often see a lot of confusion and corelation between being a licensed agent and a Realtor.

Licensed agents are regulated by the state governments. What they are allowed to do and the type of enforcement is dependent on the state. I suspect that the rules governing licesed agents won't change quicky because it will likely require legislation to allow those changes.

Realtors are members of associations (NAR, state association, local assoc.). Their role certainly can change, like the wind. Associations will, and should adjust to the market.

The question you asked about technology affecting licensed vs non-licensed really is dependent on enforcement. If activities that should be licensed are being performed by non-licensed entities it must not be allowed to continue (rule of law).

Will it be allowed to continue? Probably, since no one wants the government in their lives at any level. Will we return to the days of "Snidley Whisplash"? It is highly likely.

Richie. Just saw this question. Agree. Non-licensed activities are up to the roof. 

And it seems no authorities are after them.

I still believe a warm body with knowledge will always win out versus robots or apps.

No idea.

Z and T will be opening an office near you soon - bet on it!

I never like to say we need more regulation, but in this case, someone needs to be watching and squashing this. Here in NH they are on the lookout, but too many for too few inspectors

If only my crystal ball wasn't in for repairs!

I will wait and see.

no one will ever get into MY house not accompanied by and agent and I know lots of people who feel that way.  But I see it happening in future generations.

Richie Alan Naggar - we can see this happening!

Richie,

I think Joe Pryor gave you a great answer.  And I think that to succeed in this business one has to remember that this is a RELATIONSHIP business.  And one has to be skilled at handling relationships...I think being a human may make a comeback!  A

Less licensed agents will be able to economically survive. They will do well against the unlicensed participants who are most likely not qualified.

i

iRobots

They have their loopholes.

A lot of law suits against sellers

Hoping we dont go the same path as the travel agent...

It is true, investors and flippers do whatever they want......and if I were a homeowner I'd stay away from working directly with them, or at least be very careful.

It is constantly evolving and I suspect we will see regulation come down on Internet services and offerings. It is just a matter of time. Then something else will spring up.

Richie Alan Naggar real estate industry will depent on internet and technology in future.

Where are the dinosaurs?

Richie Alan Naggar In my State licensed activities are laws initiated and passed by the State Legislature. These laws specifically dictate what are licensed and non-licensed activities. Who knows what the future will bring. Internet and Apps that empower non-licensed activities are not an issue as long as they don't violate existing laws.