Realay will demonstrate its voice AI-powered referral platform at the Real Estate Distilled conference in Louisville from March 16-18, targeting independent brokerages that traditionally lack access to nationwide referral networks. The Michigan-based company's appearance at one of the few national conferences focused exclusively on independent brokerages represents a strategic shift toward direct engagement following initial digital advertising tests.
The conference draws approximately 250 independent brokers annually who compete outside franchise systems. Realay founder John LeRoy explained the platform provides a "plug and play relocation tool" that gives independent brokerages automated tracking and mobile functionality previously available primarily through franchise operations. This addresses a significant competitive disadvantage: when clients relocate, franchise agents can utilize sister offices across the country, while independent brokers often lose this business or scramble for connections through informal channels like Facebook groups.
Realay's differentiation centers on voice AI functionality powered by OpenAI integration, allowing agents to submit referrals, update transaction status, and coordinate contractor services entirely through spoken commands. This hands-free capability addresses the practical reality of real estate work, where agents spend significant time traveling between appointments. The technology translates voice requests into completed platform actions without requiring typing, eliminating the need to pull over or wait until returning to a desk.
During the conference engagement program, Realay will demonstrate both agent-to-agent referral capabilities and its recently launched contractor referral management system. The contractor feature allows brokers to organize preferred service providers like painters, plumbers, and electricians, then refer these contractors to clients through voice-activated commands in the mobile app. The company operates on a pay-at-closing model with no upfront fees or monthly subscriptions, taking 5% of referral commissions while originating agents receive their standard 25% referral fee.
This financial structure removes barriers preventing small brokerages from testing new technology. The implications are significant for the real estate industry's competitive landscape. Franchise fees typically range from 6-8% of gross commission income, with one primary justification being access to nationwide referral networks. If independent brokers can achieve similar network access through technology platforms at lower cost, it fundamentally changes the value proposition of franchise membership.
The March 17 breakout session will provide deeper insight into how the platform addresses specific challenges facing independent brokerages, including the "black hole" problem where referred clients disappear without updates and the time drain of managing referrals through spreadsheets. Following the Louisville event, Realay plans to evaluate attendee feedback and determine whether conference formats effectively reach decision-makers at independent brokerages.
The conference represents a test case for whether in-person demonstrations of voice AI functionality resonate more effectively than digital advertising campaigns. For attendees, the Realay booth offers opportunity to see how voice commands translate into automated referral workflows and explore the platform's vetting process that ensures quality connections across all 50 states. More information about the company is available at https://realay.com.
