Future of Real estate agents

[James Canavan]

I got into a heated debate with a close friend on where we see the real estate agent in the next 10-20 years. It started as a question from my friend, " would you encourage your daughter to get into real estate when she gets older?" I actually had to take a moment and think about that, but My passion and love for the industry quickly flooded my thoughts, " absolutely!"  I said. Now deep down, I wasn't as confident in my answer. With all the "ibuyer" sites that continue to grow and spread throughout the industry, I cant help but have some doubt. My friend feels and has always felt that the agent is becoming less and less essential to the transaction with all the tools and sites that are available to the public. Now he does make some good points and I can understand his view on this, and it is a legitimate concern. 

My question to you is: Where do you see the agent in the next 10-20 years?