AI Real Estate: Transforming CRE Investment

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in commercial real estate (CRE) is no longer an abstract concept for realtors – it’s a reality, and it’s catching ripples in the CRE industry, especially after the mainstream use of tools like ChatGPT and other conversational AI. 

From automated valuation tools to smart property management, AI and machine learning are challenging many long-standing practices of real estate businesses and are making processes more efficient than ever before. They are also drastically improving decision-making for real estate professionals. 

In fact, according to research by Deloitte, over 72% of real estate owners around the world are using, or planning to use, AI-powered solutions in their companies. So, generative AI and machine learning are indeed powerful tools to consider. But how can they be applied in the CRE space?

In this post, we’ll discuss how AI-powered tools, like Blooma’s platform, can uncover actionable data insights and help CRE lenders and investors make quicker, better-informed investment decisions. 

Exploring AI Applications in CRE

Here’s how AI can be applied across various facets to streamline CRE lending in the real estate market. 

Property Valuation

Property valuation is arguably the most important application of AI in commercial real estate and brokerage. Traditionally, it has been a lengthy process that involves collecting data about the subject property and comparable properties and then analyzing this data manually to determine its value. 

Not only is this process cumbersome, but it is also prone to errors as it solely depends on the judgment of the person valuing the property. 

Harnessing AI algorithms, on the other hand, can ingest large data sets from a variety of sources in real time and determine the current value of a property more accurately and promptly. 

AI tools for property valuation and lead generation leverage various data points, such as historical sales data, market trends, demographics, economic indicators, etc., to provide predictive insights that can forecast property values in the future. 

Investment Analysis

AI-based investment analysis tools are revolutionizing the way real estate professionals assess investment opportunities for their clients. Machine learning algorithms can analyze huge data sets with 360 degrees of property performance, financial metrics, market trends, and urban development plans to discover patterns and trends that might not be apparent to the naked eye of a human analyst. 

AI apps for investment analysis can also run simulations to predict the outcome of an investment decision which can aid investors in formulating the best strategy for a particular deal. 

Operational Management

Property management software that integrates AI algorithms can perform mundane tasks such as lease abstraction, maintenance scheduling, tenant communications, and more which usually consume a lot of time. 

AI-based chatbots can also engage tenants on queries related to the property, schedule appointments, and even conduct virtual tours. Such apps provide superior customer experience to tenants and other stakeholders while allowing property managers to dedicate their time to more value-adding activities. 

AI-enabled property management tools can also integrate with various building systems to monitor their performance in real time and predict maintenance events. This can help avoid expensive repairs down the line.

AI-Driven Property Analysis

AI tools are revolutionizing property analysis for real estate companies through advanced capabilities such as automated valuation models (AVMs) and predictive market trend analysis. 

Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) are AI engines that can analyze properties electronically, eliminating the need for slow and tedious manual appraisals. The AI engine collects and correlates data from multiple sources, including recent sales, property characteristics, and market statistics, to produce accurate property valuations. 

As the AVM learns independently from new data and changing market conditions, its accuracy improves with time. 

On the other hand, predictive analytics tools analyze large amounts of data to uncover patterns and help forecast what will happen in the market. They can be used to predict things like property value changes, rental income, and occupancy rates. By knowing what to expect in the future, brokers and investors can act ahead to take advantage of opportunities or avoid any threats. 

What does this mean for CRE professionals?

• It makes it easier for brokers and investors to identify lucrative deals with potential buyers. AI-based applications can help locate properties that are sold below their true value, growth markets, and good real estate investment opportunities. 
• It considers factors like neighborhood improvement, economic and weather conditions, and demographic changes that may affect the property, giving users a complete picture of the market. 
• It can help determine a property’s value, which is very important for any would-be investor or property manager. 
• Accurate property valuations benefit different parties involved in a property transaction, such as lenders who rely on valuations to decide on loans and investors who need to assess a property’s value accurately before investing in it. 
• The valuation process has less room for error and uncertainty, giving investors greater confidence in their decisions.

Enhancing Customer Interactions with AI

Cutting-edge AI is changing the way customer service and engagement happen in CRE.

Here are four ways advancements in AI are impacting customer service and engagement in commercial real estate.

1. Chatbots and Virtual Assistants

Bots and virtual assistants have become the most common AI technology in customer service. From answering simple questions to arranging homeowners’ property viewings and giving detailed information on homes for sale, AI-powered chatbots, and virtual assistants can easily manage any client inquiry related to property listings and other issues. 

Chatbots ensure around-the-clock customer support for every client, which means any questions they have will be answered promptly, increasing client satisfaction and engagement. Virtual assistants can even lead prospective buyers through a virtual reality home tour via chatbot so they can easily and interactively view the property.

2. Personalized Client Management Systems

Machine learning algorithms examine client trends, behaviors, and previous interactions to create unique client profiles. By studying these detailed profiles, real estate agents can make personalized recommendations and closely tailor their services to each individual client. 

These algorithms can identify properties that meet each client’s specific needs and preferences, automatically send them updates on market trends and properties for sale that fit their criteria, and even predict their needs before they happen. 

This type of personalized service guarantees client satisfaction and secures lasting relationships and loyalty.

3. Improved Client Satisfaction and Retention

Using AI real estate technology for customer service improves client satisfaction and retention in three ways. 

First, because these technologies are efficient and accurate, they give clients reliable information and instant answers to their questions. This eliminates client frustration caused by delayed and unreliable communications and increases their trust in your services. 

Second, personalized client management systems and virtual assistants make clients feel important and that your services are specifically tailored to them and their unique needs. 

Finally, because AI technologies are proactive, they keep clients in the loop and are constantly engaged with their real estate careers by sending them market reports, notifications of similar properties for sale, and recommendations of homes that may fit their wishes. 

4. Competitive Advantage in the CRE Market

AI-powered tools give real estate agents and brokers a competitive edge by allowing them to offer top-notch customer service and unique personalized services. By utilizing these AI technologies for customer service, CRE professionals can easily exceed their client’s expectations and be at the forefront of the industry. 

AI in CRE Financing and Underwriting

From automating the risk assessment and financial analysis of potential deals, AI is set to transform the entire financing and underwriting process in CRE. 

Much of the underwriting process involves sifting through vast amounts of data and performing tedious tasks that are prone to human error. By automating these processes, AI engines can accurately process all this information in a matter of moments. 

By applying AI in the financing of CRE deals, lenders can also make better lending decisions faster. AI engines examine borrower profiles, financial statements, and market data to provide insights in real-time that multiple humans may not consider. 

This means Letters of Intent (LOIs) and other financial statements can be issued faster, speeding up the lending process as a whole. Investors can secure capital faster and move on properties before they’re gone.

Also, underwriting with AI is a win-win for lenders and investors. 

• For lenders, AI enhances efficiency and decision quality. They can more accurately assess risk and make sound loans that are more likely to perform. 
• Investors not only get capital faster but enjoy more transparent lending decisions based on hard data that evaluates their personal financial situation and the market as a whole. 

All in all, AI financing and underwriting make transactions more certain and faster. That means a more efficient and active CRE market.

Blooma: A Pioneer in AI-Driven CRE Solutions

Blooma is an AI-powered platform that combines the best natural language processing (NLP) and AI technologies in real estate analysis, underwriting, and management, providing multiple optimization use cases.

Using top-tier artificial intelligence, Blooma automates the most time-consuming parts of these processes, helping people return to the strategic thinking and client interaction that made them love their jobs in the first place.

From finding the best deals to managing your assets efficiently, Blooma’s artificial intelligence helps CRE professionals optimize their investment strategies by:

• Aggregating and synthesizing data from your trusted providers in real-time, providing unmatched information on property valuations, market dynamics, and the overall economy
• Helping investors pinpoint high ROI opportunities and make informed decisions in real-time
• Forecasting market movements and giving proactive advice to help you keep up with the trends and maximize your investment.

Blooma also provides AI-powered solutions to accurately and efficiently assess potential risks in every deal. Automated financial statement analysis, borrower characteristics, and current market dynamics all combine to give a multi-dimensional view of the risk involved in each investment. 

With continuous portfolio monitoring and real-time alerts keeping lenders and investors abreast of portfolio developments, CRE professionals can take preventive actions before risks materialize, helping partners sleep better at night knowing their assets are in good hands.

Navigating Challenges in AI Adoption

Adopting AI in CRE brings numerous benefits, but it also presents several challenges that need to be addressed for successful implementation. 

• Data Security Concerns: Data must be secure from malicious cyber actors and the use of AI should not put the company at risk of non-compliance with data protection laws. Anxiety about data breaches and unauthorized data access can create barriers to adopting AI technology for many CRE businesses.
• Need for Quality Data: AI-powered solutions are only as good as the data they crunch. If the data is incomplete, illegible, or merely old news, it can create false conclusions and spur bad decision-making. 
• Resistance to Change: As with any new technology, there must be a certain amount of change in the way things are usually done. Some employees may feel uncomfortable with the prospect of being replaced by a computer or simply afraid of learning a new skill. This organizational reluctance must be overcome in order to create a culture of innovation within the company. 

Despite these fears, there are still ways for CRE professionals to ensure AI successful AI adoption within their companies: 

• Improve Data Security: Organizations can alleviate some of these data concerns by investing in top-notch cybersecurity solutions. This includes adopting advanced encryption methods, frequent security audits, and developing thorough data protection protocols. Employees should also be educated on best practices to ensure individual data security, and companies should ensure they are following proper regulations like GDPR or CCPA.
• Ensure Data Quality: Datasets should be frequently updated and cleaned to ensure AI tools are pulling accurate and timely data. It also helps to partner with trusted data partners who can help gather quality data for your organization’s AI analysis.
• Create an Innovative Culture: Employees should be involved in the introduction of AI technologies and given the opportunity for hands-on training with new software. By taking these steps, CRE teams can overcome the “fear of change” and successfully adopt AI technology into their daily workflows.

Future-Proof Your CRE Operations with AI and Blooma

The AI revolution is now and it’s changing the real estate industry at an unprecedented rate. AI in CRE offers unprecedented opportunities to optimize operations, elevate the quality of decision-making, and maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace. 

From automating the tedious and time-consuming underwriting process to transforming interactions with customers and improving efficiency and accuracy, AI can drive significant improvements in your business. 

Partner with our leading AI platform in the industry and watch your CRE business thrive like never before. 

Talk to Blooma today to future-proof your operations against the changing marketplace landscape and gain the edge you need to deliver optimal investment strategies, increased transparency, and superior client experiences. 

The AI revolution is now. Don’t get left behind.