Introduction to Commercial Real Estate Data Analytics: Unlocking Potential with Insight

We’re currently living in an era where data dominates and reigns supreme. The commercial real estate industry is one such area that’s undergoing a profound transformation. 

The age-old adage of “location, location, location!” is no longer the sole mantra of success. Today, it’s equally about “data, data, data.” The integration of data analytics into the CRE landscape has ushered in a new era of informed decision-making, enabling investors, developers, and real estate professionals to unlock the full potential of their investments.

In this process, it’s crucial to understand the wellspring from which these insights flow—commercial real estate data sources. These sources provide the lifeblood of data-driven decisions, offering a wealth of information that ranges from property values and real estate market trends to demographic metrics and occupancy rates.

In fact, studies conducted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) indicate that a significant proportion of realtors use property data and history, sales statistics, and public records searches to guide their decision-making.

In this article, we’ll review the power of data analytics in CRE, explore the diverse and big data sets at your disposal, and delve into the myriad ways in which it can bolster your decision-making and profitability, and open doors to new investment opportunities. 

Methods and Tools for Data Analytics

In the world of CRE data analytics, many tools and methods are straightforward and can be efficiently handled even by individuals who may not have an advanced statistical background. Here are some commonly used methods and tools:

• Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): Involves comparing similar properties in a given area to determine the market value of a specific property.
• Cash Flow Analysis: Estimation of all cash inflows from a property (like rent) and outflows (like maintenance or loan payments).
• Break-even Analysis: Determines the point at which an investment will start generating positive returns.
• Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR): Used to assess the potential profitability of an investment.
• Rent Roll Analysis: Evaluates the current list of tenants, lease terms, rental rates, and occupancy status.
• Square Footage Analysis: Analyzes pricing, availability, or utilization based on square footage.
• Demographic and Socioeconomic Analysis: Studies population, income, education level, etc., in a given area to determine potential demand.
• Zoning and Land Use Analysis: Examines how properties can be used, developed, or modified based on local regulations.
• Advanced Software Platforms:Platforms like Blooma empower professionals with the ability to analyze, visualize, and derive actionable insights from data. Blooma uses machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) to provide:
  • Data Integration: Seamless integration of various data sources including demographic information, rental rates, and more. 
  • Analytics Tools: Advanced analytics capabilities including predictive analytics and real-time data analyses, enabling you to stay ahead of market trends. 
  • Visualization: The power to make informed decisions on visual data-driven insights, such as dashboards and interactive charts. 

Applications in Commercial Real Estate

Let’s explore two key areas where data analytics plays a pivotal role.

Market Trends Analysis

Understanding market trends is fundamental to success in CRE. Data analytics enables professionals to dig deep into market dynamics, providing insights on:

• Inventory and Absorption: These trends offer CRE data companies valuable insights into market demand, space utilization, and the overall health and direction of the commercial real estate sector. 
• Market Rental Rates: Tracking rental rate trends allows real estate investors to identify areas with potential for rent growth and make informed decisions about rental properties. 
• Occupancy Rates: Historical occupancy data can help anticipate fluctuations and allow investors to adjust strategies accordingly.
• Demographic Information: Demographic data analyses provide valuable information about population growth, migration patterns, and consumer behavior, all of which impact real estate investments. 
• Transaction Data: Recent sales in a given market can identify key value indicators, such as capitalization rates. 
• Expense Data: Tracking expense trends enables real estate investors and lenders to evaluate cash flow and profitability of properties.

Predictive Analytics for Investment Decisions 

Predictive analytics is a game-changer in CRE, enabling professionals to forecast future trends and make proactive investment decisions.

Some of its key use cases include: 

• Property Valuation: Predictive models can estimate future property values/property prices based on historical data and market conditions, helping investors determine a property’s potential appreciation.
• Risk Assessment: Predictive analytics can identify potential risks, such as the likelihood of a property experiencing high vacancy rates or declining value in the future. 
• Market Timing: Predictive models can provide insights into the optimal timing for buying or selling properties to capitalize on market trends. 
• Optimizing Portfolios: By analyzing various investment scenarios, predictive analytics can help investors optimize their portfolios for maximum profitability and risk mitigation.

Using Blooma for Data Analytics

When it comes to harnessing the complete potential of data analytics in CRE, Blooma stands out as a state-of-the-art leading platform with a suite of features and benefits. 

Features and Benefits

• Accelerate your deal-sizing process with Blooma’s document parsing and third-party analysis. You can get an LOI in minutes by leveraging the power of data-driven insights. 
• Simplify your workflows with integrations, bespoke reporting, and custom export options. Blooma’s platform is designed to turbocharge your underwriting process, making it more efficient and effective.
• Gain control over your loan portfolio with ongoing deal monitoring, stress testing, and borrower analysis. 
• Faster revenues with data-driven decision-making, amounting to less risk. See and close more deals with Blooma which capitalizes on the right investment opportunities with confidence. 

Simplifying Complex Analytics 

Blooma simplifies complex analytics in CRE via automation. The platform automates various tasks throughout the due diligence process, saving time and effort for investors. 

Blooma’s robust data analysis capabilities also allow users to perform in-depth assessments of properties and markets. It simplifies the process of analyzing vast datasets and identifying key metrics that drive decision-making.

With predictive analytics models that enable users to forecast property values, rental rates, and occupancy trends, inventors can use Blooma to simplify their planning and risk assessment procedures. 

On top of this, it provides real-time updates on market data, ensuring that professionals have access to the most current information. This timeliness is critical for making agile decisions in an ever-evolving and dynamic real estate sector. 

Unlock the Power of Data in CRE with Blooma

The real estate market is expected to reach $28.18 trillion in 2028. From market trends analysis to predictive insights, big data analytics has become a game-changer and something to keep an eye on for all investors and real estate companies. 

As you embark on your own CRE ventures, we invite you to embrace Blooma. 

Whether you’re looking for more comprehensive data integration or advanced predictive analytics models to plug into your existing workflows, Blooma equips you with the tools you need to optimize your investments and stay ahead in this competitive industry.

Your success in commercial real estate begins with using data the right way through the right partner. Let Blooma be your guide in unlocking the full potential of your CRE investments.

Get a free demo today!