Okay, so this is not my typical real estate marketing post; but this is something that I spend a lot of time discussing with clients. Specifically around Content Marketing (blogging).
Let’s be honest—AI is everywhere now. From blog posts and product descriptions to emails and even poetry, machines are writing more than ever. And while that’s not necessarily a bad thing,
I set my mom loose on ChatGPT about a year ago and now anything the model spits out is Gospel.
The problem is, it’s often not, and it reminds me of an old computer science acronym: GIGO
GIGO stands for “Garbage in, garbage out.” It means that the quality of what you get from a machine depends entirely on the quality of what you put into it. This is especially true with AI. If your prompt is vague, generic, or missing key details, the output will reflect that. But if you feed it thoughtful, specific input, you’re far more likely to get something useful—and even impressive—in return.
This raises an interesting question:
Can you tell when something was written by AI?
The answer is: sometimes. But it’s not always obvious. AI writing has gotten really good. Still, there are a few subtle signs that can tip you off. Think of them like breadcrumbs—small clues that, when added up, suggest a machine might be behind the words.
Let’s break them down.
1. 🧼 It’s a Little Too Clean
AI-generated writing often feels polished—sometimes too polished. The grammar is flawless, the punctuation is textbook, and the structure is neat. But that perfection can feel sterile.
Real-world example:
A blog post that reads like it was edited by a robot with a grammar obsession. No contractions, no slang, no personality quirks. Just… clean.
What to look for:
- No typos or casual phrasing
- Sentences that feel templated or overly formal
- A lack of rhythm or voice
2. 🔁 Repetition Without Purpose
AI models sometimes repeat themselves—not in a poetic or persuasive way, but in a “didn’t I just read this?” kind of way.
Real-world example:
A paragraph that says, “AI is changing the world,” followed by, “The world is being changed by AI,” and then, “This change is significant.” You get the idea.
What to look for:
- Reworded versions of the same sentence
- Overuse of certain phrases or buzzwords
- Redundant explanations
🤷♂️ Vague or Non-Committal Language
AI doesn’t have opinions. It can simulate them, but it often plays it safe. You’ll notice a lot of hedging—“some people say,” “it’s important to consider,” “there are pros and cons.”
What to look for:
- Lack of strong takes or personal insight
- Overuse of balanced arguments
- No clear conclusion or call to action
🧠 No Lived Experience
This one’s big. AI can’t draw from real life. So if a piece talks about “how it feels to buy your first home” but doesn’t include any personal anecdotes, emotions, or sensory details—it might be synthetic.
What to look for:
- Generic storytelling
- No “I” or “we” perspective
- Descriptions that feel flat or disconnected
🧩 Weird Logic or Offbeat Phrasing
Sometimes AI just… glitches. It might use a metaphor that doesn’t quite land or make a leap in logic that feels off.
Real-world example:
“Buying a house is like planting a tree in the ocean—it takes time and patience.” Wait, what?
What to look for:
- Strange analogies
- Misused idioms
- Sentences that sound right until you read them twice
🛠️ Use a Detection Tool (But Don’t Rely on It Alone)
There are tools like GPTZero, Copyleaks, and Originality.ai that can help flag AI-generated content. They’re useful—but not foolproof. Think of them as a second opinion, not the final word.
Final Thoughts
AI writing isn’t inherently bad. In fact, it can be incredibly helpful. But knowing how to spot it is a valuable skill—especially in a world where authenticity matters more than ever.
So next time you’re reading something and it feels a little too smooth, a little too balanced, or just a bit… off? Trust your gut. You might be reading the work of a very clever machine.
