“The criminals are always one step ahead. With AI technology, anyone can be impersonated through video and voice. We’ve seen how easily these tools can be weaponized for fraud, and in real estate, where people’s life savings are at stake, we can’t afford to be reactive,” says Robert Ott, Founder and Designated Broker of RainTown Realty.
This isn’t hypothetical concern. RainTown Realty recently experienced a frightening near-miss that exposed vulnerabilities in standard industry practices—and prompted immediate action to protect their clients.
The Wake-Up Call: A Fraud Narrowly Averted
One of Ott’s agents received a distressing call from someone claiming to need an urgent property sale to fund cancer treatment. The team followed standard procedures, including title checks, but didn’t verify the seller’s identity, a common industry practice.
“Real estate agents typically don’t conduct identity verification when selling properties,” Ott explains. “We’re not licensed for that function. We rely on title and escrow companies to perform due diligence.”
The fraud was only discovered when a neighbor approached the team during a property photography session, questioning whether the actual owner was selling. Investigation revealed they had nearly sold property that didn’t belong to the purported seller.
This close call prompted RainTown to implement internal policy changes and seek additional protection for their clients through a new partnership with Iris Powered by Generali, offering insurance against title theft and identity fraud.
The Generali Partnership: Protection Against Digital Threats
The partnership provides RainTown clients with insurance against two primary threats: title theft and identity theft.
For title theft, where property is fraudulently sold without the owner’s knowledge, the insurance helps clients recover their property or receive compensation. “When this happens, clients can contact Iris Powered by Generali for assistance in either recovering their property or receiving financial compensation,” Ott explains.
The identity theft protection became particularly relevant after one of Ott’s clients experienced significant fraud while preparing to purchase a multi-million dollar home. “Someone hijacked her online identity and stole substantial funds,” Ott recounts. “This goes beyond credit card theft—they essentially steal your entire life. When you attempt to contact financial institutions, they won’t communicate with you because all authentication credentials have been changed.”
The client’s credit score dropped from 800 to the high 400s, and resolving the situation took approximately 18 months. The Iris Powered by Generali partnership provides funds for legal assistance in such scenarios, helping clients navigate the complex process of reclaiming their identity.
The Growing Threat of AI-Enabled Fraud
Ott identifies artificial intelligence as a major factor in the evolving threat landscape. “With current AI technology, nearly anyone’s voice and face can be impersonated,” he notes, referencing sophisticated deepfake technology that creates convincing impersonations.
This technology makes fraud more convincing and accessible. “We regularly see videos of public figures that appear authentic but are actually fabricated. Criminals can easily leverage these technologies for theft.”
The stakes in real estate transactions are particularly high. “Many people sell their homes as their primary financial resource for retirement,” Ott emphasizes. “If we focus exclusively on cost-cutting, we risk jeopardizing our clients’ financial security and retirement plans.”
A Different Kind of Brokerage
RainTown’s proactive approach to client protection reflects the brokerage’s broader philosophy. Founded approximately 13 years ago, the company emerged from Ott’s dissatisfaction with traditional real estate firms.
“I’ve been in real estate for about 30 to 33 years, working with numerous brokerages,” Ott explains. “What they consistently lacked was genuine concern for their agents. Their primary goal seemed to be recruitment, and once you became profitable for them, they focused solely on maximizing that profit.”
RainTown was established with a different culture, one centered on collaboration rather than competition. “We wanted to create an environment where we help each other. It’s a genuine team, not one where only the leaders profit while others struggle.”
This approach has yielded results. Despite Ott’s initial plan to maintain a small operation, RainTown has expanded to over 50 agents while preserving its boutique philosophy. “Despite our relatively small size, we generate substantial business. Our per-agent productivity likely exceeds any other brokerage in Washington state,” Ott notes.
Client Service Beyond the Basics
When discussing RainTown’s approach to client service, Ott offers a deeper perspective: “Many people equate customer service with answering calls promptly and maintaining a pleasant demeanor. While those elements matter, effective service requires more depth.”
For Ott, superior client service means anticipating needs before clients recognize them. “We focus on truly listening to our clients and identifying what they’ll need before they realize it themselves.”
This proactive approach includes bringing in specialists when necessary, whether attorneys to review documents or foundation experts to inspect properties. “We never dismiss concerns or ignore potential issues. We consistently ensure positive outcomes for our clients,” Ott emphasizes.
Market Outlook: A Buyer’s Opportunity
Looking toward the remainder of 2025, Ott anticipates positive market shifts after several years of volatility. “The market has behaved unpredictably over the past two and a half years,” he acknowledges, noting that COVID created unusual conditions that reduced housing affordability.
However, he observes a changing trend: “Housing prices have begun declining across most American markets, likely resulting from higher interest rates, market concerns about tariffs, and widespread layoffs.”
Unlike many industry professionals, Ott welcomes this correction. “I actually look forward to the return of a buyer’s market. Sellers have enjoyed advantageous conditions for an extended period.”
He believes current conditions present excellent opportunities for buyers. “Sellers are now accepting reasonable offers. They’re no longer demanding contingency removals or imposing unreasonable requirements. It’s an opportune time to purchase property.”
The Value of Protection in a Changing Industry
As the real estate industry faces pressure to reduce costs and commissions, Ott’s approach contrasts with prevailing cost-cutting trends. “While the industry pushes for lower agent fees and reduced costs, we must ensure we don’t eliminate essential client protections in the process.”
By investing in additional safeguards against emerging digital threats, RainTown Realty demonstrates that enhancing services—rather than reducing them—can provide genuine value in an evolving marketplace.
Though the Generali partnership remains relatively new, Ott is confident in its importance: “While no client has yet reported that this service saved them from disaster, I’m certain that day will come.”
