Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
February 26, 2026
Realay Debuts Voice AI Platform at Independent Broker Conference
TLDR
- Realay's platform gives independent brokers nationwide referral network access at 5% commission, challenging franchise systems that charge 6-8% for similar capabilities.
- Realay's voice AI mobile app translates spoken commands into automated referral tracking and contractor management, eliminating manual data entry for agents on the move.
- Realay empowers independent brokerages to compete fairly against large franchises, preserving local business diversity while improving client service through organized referral networks.
- Realay demonstrates voice AI that lets agents manage referrals hands-free while driving, addressing the mobile reality of real estate work through OpenAI integration.
Impact - Why it Matters
This development matters because it democratizes access to referral networks that have traditionally been exclusive to large franchise systems, potentially leveling the playing field for independent real estate brokers. For approximately 250,000 independent agents in the U.S. who operate without franchise support, Realay's technology addresses a fundamental competitive disadvantage—the inability to efficiently handle out-of-area referrals that represent significant revenue opportunities. The voice AI functionality specifically tackles the mobile nature of real estate work, where agents spend hours driving between appointments and need hands-free solutions. By eliminating monthly fees and adopting a pay-at-closing model, Realay removes the financial barriers that often prevent small brokerages from adopting new technology. This innovation could reshape industry dynamics by reducing the value proposition of franchise membership, which typically costs brokers 6-8% of their commission income primarily for network access. As remote work and relocation trends continue post-pandemic, efficient referral management becomes increasingly critical for broker profitability and client satisfaction.
Summary
Michigan-based referral platform Realay is making its first major conference appearance at Real Estate Distilled in Louisville, Kentucky from March 16-18, 2026, following the launch of its voice AI-powered mobile app in late 2025. The conference, which draws approximately 250 independent brokers annually, represents a strategic target for Realay as it focuses on boutique brokerages that lack the built-in referral networks available to national franchise agents. Founder John LeRoy emphasizes the platform's role in helping independent brokers become more organized, responsive, and productive through technology that provides nationwide network access, automated tracking, and mobile functionality previously exclusive to franchise systems.
Realay will operate a booth throughout the three-day event and present a breakout session on March 17 focused on helping independent brokers match the referral capabilities of national franchise operations. The platform's key differentiator is its voice AI functionality, powered by OpenAI integration, which allows agents to submit referrals, update transaction status, and coordinate contractor services entirely through spoken commands—addressing the practical reality that agents spend significant time in vehicles traveling between property showings. The company will demonstrate both agent-to-agent referral capabilities and its recently launched contractor referral management system, which enables brokers to organize preferred service providers and refer them through voice-activated commands.
The conference appearance marks a strategic shift in Realay's marketing approach, moving from initial paid advertising tests on Meta platforms to more targeted outreach through industry events. The platform 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—a structure designed to remove financial barriers for small brokerages. This business model challenges the traditional franchise value proposition, where fees typically range from 6-8% of gross commission income primarily for access to nationwide referral networks. Following the Louisville event, Realay plans to evaluate attendee feedback to determine whether in-person demonstrations of voice AI functionality and contractor network capabilities resonate more effectively with independent brokers than digital advertising campaigns.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by Keycrew.co. Read the original source here, Realay Debuts Voice AI Platform at Independent Broker Conference
