WASHINGTON, DC—I rely on my Uber app, but it's the driver who gets me where I'm going. Match.com brought my friend an introduction, but there wasn't a true connection until she went on the date. And while Siri is helpful, it's no substitute for a personal assistant.

Technology helps us save time—both in our personal and professional worlds. It's important to remember, though, that our industry's services and expertise are best delivered when we come out from behind our keyboards and meet in person. We need to be as interactive with our clients as we are with our devices.

I won't argue that a great deal of preliminary work can—and often should—be done online. A renter who's taken some time to explore their options in general can begin a more meaningful conversation with their agent all the sooner.