Real Estate Innovators Solving Housing, Deal, and Lead Challenges with AI and 3D Printing

Innovators Tackling Real Estate Challenges

Three technology pioneers are addressing some of the toughest problems in real estate today, focusing on AI-driven business solutions and 3D printing in construction. Their work confronts pressing issues like the housing shortage and inefficiencies in real estate transactions.

At the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings held from May 31 to June 5 in Washington, D.C., Gene Eidelman, Terrence Nickelson, and Katherine Aronsson were recognized as the 2025 iOi Innovators of the Year. The iOi collective supports ongoing learning and innovation by sharing news, hosting proptech meetups, webinars, and specialized programming for real estate professionals.

Dan Weisman, director of Innovation Strategy at the National Association of REALTORS®, explains that the awards honor individuals who are not just keeping up with industry changes but are actively shaping its future. The winners were chosen by a panel based on how original and impactful their innovations are.

Transforming Housing: Gene Eidelman

Co-founder of Azure Printed Homes Inc.

Gene Eidelman brings experience in real estate development to tackle two major challenges: affordable housing scarcity and environmental waste. His company, Azure Printed Homes, uses 3D printing combined with recycled materials to construct homes that are 70% faster and 30% less expensive than traditional builds.

Eidelman points out that traditional construction methods are slow, costly, and generate a lot of waste, making it hard to meet urgent housing demands, especially in disaster-affected areas like post-wildfire communities in California.

Since 2019, Azure has built over 100 homes, secured $35 million in preorders across 19 states, and opened a modern factory in California with plans for expansion. Eidelman emphasizes that housing offers more than shelter — it provides dignity and opportunities. Drawing from his own experience growing up in a cramped Ukrainian apartment, he understands how impactful a safe, well-designed home can be.

His vision is to not just reduce costs and waste but to improve the aesthetic and functional design of 3D printed homes. Eidelman believes everyone deserves access to quality housing that respects both people and the planet.

The Deal Saver: Terrence Nickelson

Founder and CEO of Goby Homes and agent with EXIT First Realty

Terrence Nickelson witnessed firsthand how deals collapse in real estate transactions, inspiring him to find a solution. Nearly 250,000 deals fall through each year, with many more facing delays. His research showed that poor communication, unclear responsibilities, and missing information are key factors.

In response, Nickelson created Goby Homes in 2019, an AI-enabled platform that connects all parties involved—agents, clients, lenders—within a single, secure digital workspace. The platform provides real-time transparency, embeds compliance, clarifies roles, and identifies risks early to streamline transactions.

Nickelson explains that this approach reduces delays and blind spots, helping more deals close smoothly and quickly. Beyond efficiency, Goby Homes also aims to minimize bias and errors through responsible AI use. The platform recently received a National Fair Housing Alliance Innovation Impact Award for supporting fair homeownership.

His goal is to improve the entire buying and selling experience, ensuring clients get the outcomes they expect.

AI Lead Changer: Katherine Aronsson

Co-founder of Kevin AI and agent with Pinnacle Realty Advisors

Katherine Aronsson of Los Angeles is using AI to automate lead generation and improve prospecting so agents don’t miss opportunities. In 2024, she co-founded Kevin AI, a platform that enhances marketing and lead conversion by providing personalized, data-driven insights.

Aronsson points out that agents often receive lists of leads that lack meaningful context, making it hard to prioritize. Kevin AI adds valuable details such as how long a homeowner has lived in their property, signs they may be considering selling, and local market trends.

The platform helps agents focus on quality over quantity by highlighting high-potential leads and enabling more meaningful conversations. It also automates workflows, from identifying likely sellers to launching personalized outreach and follow-ups.

Kevin AI includes a “neighborhood watch” feature and allows interaction via web, email, text, chat, or voice, aiming to make automation feel natural and human.

Aronsson highlights that real estate ultimately depends on relationships. Her goal is to free agents from tedious tasks so they can focus on connecting with clients and building trust.