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How AI Will Disrupt Commercial Real Estate



Commercial real estate, especially multifamily housing, is entering a transformative era driven by data and technology. Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to be the next major disruptive force, presenting both unparalleled opportunities and significant challenges.


Understanding AI's Profound Impact on Commercial Real Estate


AI is revolutionizing three critical areas of commercial real estate:


1. Enhanced Decision-Making


AI analytics empower faster, more accurate data-driven decisions about markets, investments, acquisitions, and overarching strategy.

  • Predictive Modeling: By analyzing demographics, employment trends, transportation plans, and other historical and projected data, AI can forecast future supply/demand, pricing, and investment returns in different markets. This enables investors to refine their acquisition and development strategies.

  • Automated Valuation Models (AVMs): AVMs can instantly estimate property values by analyzing comparable sales, rents, operating expenses, capitalization rates, and other financial metrics. This is not only faster but also more cost-effective than traditional manual appraisals.

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2. Enhanced Tenant Experiences


AI equips landlords to offer personalized, flexible, tech-driven experiences that resonate with modern renters.

  • Virtual Tours: Prospective renters can remotely explore units and amenities at their convenience. This not only increases engagement but also accelerates leasing. Did You Know? Properties offering virtual tours witnessed a 30% increase in leasing velocity during the pandemic.

  • Hyper-Personalized Marketing: By harnessing individual browsing data, behaviors, and preferences, AI crafts bespoke promotions, recommendations, and communications for each prospect.

  • Smart Home Tech: Mobile app-based controls for lighting, climate, security, and more offer unmatched convenience, making properties more appealing.


3. Improved Operational Efficiency


AI's automation capabilities streamline workflows, reduce costs, and elevate tenant satisfaction.

  • Predictive Maintenance: By analyzing sensor data and past work orders, AI can optimize maintenance schedules, preventing equipment failures and minimizing downtime.


infographic showing predictive maintenance is most cost effective in the long term

  • Chatbots & Virtual Assistants: These AI-driven tools manage routine tenant queries 24/7, allowing leasing staff to focus on more complex tasks.

  • Revenue Management Algorithms: Borrowed from the travel industry, these algorithms adjust pricing and availability in real-time, maximizing rental income. Early adopters have reported rental rate increases of up to 15%.


Addressing AI Concerns in Real Estate


While AI offers immense potential, it's essential to address common concerns:

  • Data Privacy: Ensuring tenant and investor data is protected is paramount. AI-driven systems must adhere to stringent data protection regulations.

  • Job Displacement: While AI can automate tasks, the human touch remains irreplaceable in areas like investor relations and strategic planning. The goal is to use AI to complement, not replace, human roles.


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8 Key Takeaways for Passive Real Estate Investors


  1. AI's Transformative Role: Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a major disruptive force in commercial real estate, especially in multifamily housing. Its integration can lead to significant opportunities and challenges.

  2. Data-Driven Decision Making: AI analytics, such as predictive modeling and automated valuation models, enable faster and more accurate decisions about markets, investments, and acquisitions. This means more informed investment choices and potentially higher returns.

  3. Enhanced Tenant Experience: AI-driven tools like virtual tours, hyper-personalized marketing, and smart home technology can attract modern renters more effectively. Properties that offer these features may see increased demand and higher rental rates.

  4. Operational Efficiency: AI can streamline property management processes, from predictive maintenance to chatbots handling tenant queries. This can lead to reduced operating costs and improved tenant satisfaction, both of which can positively impact the bottom line.

  5. Revenue Optimization: AI algorithms can adjust rental pricing in real-time based on various factors, ensuring that properties are always priced optimally to maximize rental income.

  6. Industry Evolution: The real estate sector, traditionally slow to adopt technology, is undergoing rapid innovation due to AI. Early adopters stand to gain a competitive advantage, while those who lag may find themselves at a disadvantage.

  7. Concerns to Address: While AI offers many benefits, concerns like data privacy and potential job displacement need to be considered and addressed.

  8. Blue Lake Capital's AI Integration: For passive investors looking for a tech-driven investment approach, Blue Lake Capital uses AI to identify promising multifamily investment opportunities, aiming to reduce risks and maximize returns.


Conclusion


Companies that strategically harness AI now will reap the benefits of enhanced insights, efficiency, and tenant experiences. However, those that delay risk being overshadowed in an evolving industry landscape.


Real estate, historically slow in tech adoption due to its fragmented nature, is now at the cusp of rapid innovation. AI presents both monumental opportunities and challenges.


Forward-thinking investors and operators must cultivate AI capabilities now to stay ahead and prepare for the impending revolution. The horizon is promising for those who champion innovation.


As always, be sure to consult with your financial advisor and do your own due diligence before joining into any investment.


Be Bold, Be Great, and Keep Pushing Forward!

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If you are an accredited investor interested in learning more about passively investing in multifamily properties, click here to complete our investor form or schedule a call with our Investor Relations team.


About Ellie Perlman


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Ellie Perlman is the founder of Blue Lake Capital, a commercial real estate investment firm specializing in multifamily investing throughout the United States. At Blue Lake Capital, Ellie partners with both institutional and individual investors to grow their wealth by achieving double-digit returns by investing alongside her in exclusive multifamily deals they usually don't have access to.


A defining factor of Blue Lake Capital’s strategy is founded in utilizing machine learning/artificial intelligence throughout the course of all acquisitions and asset management. This advanced technology enables the company to produce accurate and data-driven forecasting for all assets on a market, property, and even tenant basis. In doing so, Blue Lake is able to lead commercial investments with the full capabilities of today’s technology.


Blue Lake Capital is the sponsor of REady2Scale, a podcast that highlights the assets, processes, and strategies for the multiple approaches to successful real estate investing.


Ellie started her career as a commercial real estate lawyer, leading real estate transactions for one of Israel’s leading development companies. Later, as a property manager for Israel’s largest energy company, she oversaw properties worth over $100MM. Additionally, Ellie is an experienced entrepreneur who helped build and scale companies by improving their business operations.


Ellie holds a Masters in Law from Bar-Ilan University in Israel and an MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management.


You can read more about Blue Lake Capital and Ellie Perlman at www.bluelake-capital.com. If you are an accredited investor interested in learning more about our tech-driven approach, complete our new investor form or schedule a call with our Investor Relations team.

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