Technology https://realestatemagazine.ca/category/technology/ Canada’s premier magazine for real estate professionals. Mon, 09 Sep 2024 14:08:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://realestatemagazine.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/cropped-REM-Fav-32x32.png Technology https://realestatemagazine.ca/category/technology/ 32 32 Data analytics & AI: How they fit into the future of real estate investment and client success https://realestatemagazine.ca/data-analytics-ai-how-they-fit-into-the-future-of-real-estate-investment-and-client-success/ https://realestatemagazine.ca/data-analytics-ai-how-they-fit-into-the-future-of-real-estate-investment-and-client-success/#respond Wed, 04 Sep 2024 04:03:22 +0000 https://realestatemagazine.ca/?p=34092 With the rise of data analytics and generative AI, discover how tech is transforming the industry — and why the human touch still matters

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Flourishing new technology and generative AI looks to offer professionals plenty of tools for success. Perhaps most paramount, however, is access to information and the ability to analyze that data, in order to make informed decisions. 

In real estate, with buyers and sellers seeking an edge to get the most value, those who are better equipped at data aggregation and analysis are poised to succeed, especially in times like now when markets are tense and chaotic.

As Jeremy Dawn, founder and CEO of SNFLWR Investment Corp. attests, technology and apps have revolutionized the real estate investor game, enabling investors to find properties that cash flow even in tough markets.

“One of the most significant shifts has been the availability of data. In the past, investors had to rely on traditional sources such as real estate agents and property managers for information about potential investments,” he notes. “Today, a wealth of data is available online, including property listings, rental rates and market trends. This data can be used to identify properties that are likely to generate positive cash flow.”

 

A desire for better information access and analysis methods to make sound investment decisions

 

When investor Liz Macey couldn’t find an ideal tool to identify money-generating properties based on her needs and parameters, she set out to create one.

Macey founded UnitIQ and explains the platform helps investors find and invest in properties that cash flow. “We’re able to take data from a whole bunch of different sources and make this search process a whole lot easier. We have active listings in the country with vacancy rates and rental prices, and we use financial analysis tools to find cash flow.”

Macey, whose diverse professional background includes an MBA and a pilot’s license, developed the platform after realizing how overwhelming it can be to know how and where to level up her investing. She wanted better access to information and improved ways to analyze what’s available to make savvy choices.

“(This) is a pain point for investors and realtors, especially when you’re looking at multiple communities. It’s a lot of data when you’re trying to find good opportunities.” She explains with UnitIQ, users can input their different parameters, such as budget or downpayment.

The tool will offer both a free model that allows for a basic search as well as a paid subscription tier aiming to serve agents. The latter option will incorporate advanced analytical tools: agents can create multiple profiles and specific searches for clients and have the ability to export data with custom branding.

 

Analytical systems and generative AI: Promising, useful tools to help clients

 

Eva Landreth champions such newfound tools as essential to success. A realtor with Century 21 Millennium Inc., Landreth has found success using analytical systems such as HouseSigma and AirDNA to connect clients with investment properties and secondary chalets in Ontario, with a focus on short-term rentals.

“It’s amazing,” she says of what’s possible. “Before you buy a property, you can see revenue, trends, occupancy and price strategy. You can compare similar properties on a street, look at property manager companies and really get to know the historical data, seeing if certain properties aren’t performing well,” she explains. 

Generative AI proves a promising tool as well, one that Landreth is also leveraging. “I think people are using the basics,” she says. “I don’t think people have unlocked all its potential. You have to feed it smart information to get out what you want. I think it’s just going to help our job, make things go a lot quicker — the mundane tasks, it will make easier.”

Dawn concurs, noting that tools and technologies have made it easier for investors to find and analyze potential investments, manage their properties and communicate with tenants. “They’ve also helped to level the playing field, giving (investors) access to the same data and tools that professional investors use,” he points out.

 

Tools and tech will never replace the human touch

 

Dawn feels that as technology continues to evolve, investors can expect to see even more innovation that makes it easier to find properties that cash flow and aid in decision making, saving time and money and ultimately achieving financial goals.

Still, Landreth believes you need that lived experience, wisdom and connection with clients in order to provide the best guidance. “The tools will help you get the market trends and find the hidden opportunities, but you still need that human touch. If you’re just looking at the data, you don’t have the human interaction and expertise in the local market.”

 

While a more diverse tool kit may prove useful for investors, there is concern about its effects on renters and those seeking to buy their first home. Macey notes some of UnitIQ’s users are prospective first-time homebuyers, and that potentially more data about property management companies will help improve the rental market.

“Investing in real estate is a tricky conversation to have when you’re considering everyone in the economy,” she says. “My hope is that we’re able to end up having more rental properties on the market, helping increase the supply so that hopefully you can find a home more easily.”

 

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Venturon partners with Darabase Canada to offer real estate AR advancements and spatial web technology https://realestatemagazine.ca/venturon-partners-with-darabase-canada-to-offer-real-estate-ar-advancements-and-spatial-web-technology/ https://realestatemagazine.ca/venturon-partners-with-darabase-canada-to-offer-real-estate-ar-advancements-and-spatial-web-technology/#respond Tue, 27 Aug 2024 04:01:18 +0000 https://realestatemagazine.ca/?p=33909 By integrating advanced technologies, the collaboration seeks to redefine real estate, offering innovative solutions that benefit both property owners and the wider community

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Venturon Ltd., a Canadian-owned investment group focused on real estate technology start-ups, has recently partnered with Darabase Canada, a technology company specializing in immersive media for the spatial web (spatial out-of-home and permission-based augmented reality (AR) advertising).

Venturon brings decades of experience in various real estate sectors, integrating technology, products and services to create opportunities, efficiencies and investment returns. This is Darabase’s first such agreement in Canada since entering the market in February.

 

‘As AR and the spatial web advance, buildings, streets & landmarks will be transformed … reshaping our daily lives’

 

The collaboration merges each company’s expertise in AR advertising and managing property digital rights, an emerging asset class.

With the rise of AR-enabled devices and advances in the spatial web, the companies partnered to create new value for property owners across Venturon’s client and partner network.

“Real estate needs a new foundation, and technology is the key to unlocking its full potential,” says Deena Pantalone, founder and managing partner of Venturon. “Our partnership with Darabase aligns perfectly with our vision to rethink real estate. By leveraging Darabase’s expertise in AR and the spatial web, we’re paving the way for innovative solutions that benefit both property owners and the broader community.”

Peter Pinfold, CEO of Darabase Canada, notes that Venturon shares their vision that modern property ownership includes not just physical space but also property digital rights: “These rights enable property owners to protect, manage and monetize their digital assets, much like air and subterranean rights add value to traditional real estate.

The world is becoming a digital canvas for immersive brand experiences. As AR and the spatial web advance, our buildings, streets and landmarks will be transformed with dynamic, interactive content, reshaping our daily lives.”

 

Image: Darabase

 

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Why realtors should embrace AI diversity: Beyond ChatGPT for better results https://realestatemagazine.ca/why-realtors-should-embrace-ai-diversity-beyond-chatgpt-for-better-results/ https://realestatemagazine.ca/why-realtors-should-embrace-ai-diversity-beyond-chatgpt-for-better-results/#respond Fri, 23 Aug 2024 04:02:49 +0000 https://realestatemagazine.ca/?p=33806 Learn why limiting your business to one AI tool is risky and explore how diverse models can provide new opportunities, better insights & enhanced adaptability

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If you think AI begins and ends with ChatGPT, you’re missing out on a universe of possibilities. While OpenAI’s chatbot took the world by storm, it’s just one star in an ever-expanding galaxy of AI models. Relying solely on ChatGPT is like trying to build a house with only a hammer — you’re limiting your potential and possibly compromising your results.

This principle applies across industries like Canadian real estate. Realtors in this field wear many hats, requiring skills in negotiation, social media, content creation and more. By exploring AI tools beyond ChatGPT, realtors can leverage diverse AI capabilities to enhance various aspects of their business, rather than limiting themselves to a single tool.

 

Risks of relying on a single AI system

 

  • Missed opportunities. Using a single AI system can lead to missed opportunities and biased results.
  • Limited perspectives. A single model can only provide a narrow view of a problem or solution.
  • Stagnation. Relying on a single AI system can lead to stagnation, as you miss out on innovations from other models.
  • Vulnerability to outages or updates. Dependence on a single system leaves you exposed if it experiences downtime or significant changes.

 

My experience using various AI models over the past four years has reinforced these risks. The quality of outputs can change dramatically, sometimes on a weekly basis. This volatility underscores the danger of stagnation when relying on a single system.

For instance, if one AI model consistently produces poor social media posts for first-time homebuyers, exploring alternative models could yield better results rather than waiting for improvements in a single system. 

 

Benefits of AI diversification

 

  • Comprehensive insights. Multiple AI models provide a more comprehensive understanding of a problem or solution.
  • Innovative solutions. AI diversification can lead to innovative solutions and new ideas.
  • Adaptability. By using multiple AI models, you can adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
  • Enhanced problem-solving. Different AI models approach problems in unique ways, leading to more robust solutions.

 

Diversify your AI arsenal — at no cost

 

Imagine having unrestricted access to the internet in its early days — you would have seized the opportunity!

Today, top tech companies worldwide are offering their cutting-edge AI language models for free. However, unlike the internet’s early days, we now have multiple AI models in an intense arms race, with innovations emerging every week.

 

Compare AI responses: One prompt, multiple platforms

 

One of the most effective ways to harness the power of AI diversity is to use identical prompts across different AI platforms. This approach allows you to directly compare outputs, highlighting each model’s unique strengths and perspectives. By using it, you can identify which AI excels at specific tasks, uncover nuanced differences in language understanding and even spot potential biases.

The method not only enhances the quality of your final output but also deepens your understanding of each AI’s capabilities, enabling you to make more informed decisions about which tool to use for future tasks.

 

Top alternative AI tools

 

In the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence world, several powerful alternatives to mainstream AI models have emerged, each offering unique strengths and capabilities.

For example, Claude by Anthropic excels in nuanced conversations and ethical reasoning, while Google’s Gemini brings multimodal capabilities and up-to-date information to the table. Perplexity AI stands out with its real-time information synthesis and source citation (very important), offering an interactive search experience. For those seeking open-source solutions, Meta’s Llama 2 provides flexibility and customizability.

By exploring and leveraging these diverse AI tools, users can tap into a rich ecosystem of capabilities, each suited to different tasks and requirements.

1. Claude by Anthropic — known for nuanced conversations, ethical reasoning, detailed explanations

2. Gemini by Google — known for multimodal capabilities, up-to-date information, integrated search

3. Perplexity AI — known for real-time information synthesis, citation of sources, interactive search

4. Llama 2 by Meta — known for open-source flexibility, customizability, strong performance on various tasks

 

Stay diverse to stay ahead

 

The AI landscape is evolving rapidly, and relying on a single AI system can lead to missed opportunities and biased results. By embracing AI diversification and exploring multiple models, you can gain comprehensive insights, innovative solutions and adaptability.

Stay ahead of the curve in your real estate business by harnessing the power of AI diversification.

 

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Vancouver startup revolutionizes condo and townhome assessment with AI-powered tool https://realestatemagazine.ca/vancouver-startup-revolutionizes-condo-and-townhome-assessment-with-ai-powered-tool/ https://realestatemagazine.ca/vancouver-startup-revolutionizes-condo-and-townhome-assessment-with-ai-powered-tool/#respond Tue, 06 Aug 2024 04:03:08 +0000 https://realestatemagazine.ca/?p=33412 Discover how Eli Report is transforming the way realtors and buyers evaluate condos and townhomes, saving time, enhancing transparency and facilitating informed decisions

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A Vancouver-based startup is changing the way realtors and buyers assess condominiums and townhomes, making the process more efficient and transparent.

Eli Report is an online tool powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that scans and summarizes condominium and strata documents, culling important information with speed and accuracy.

 

Aims to make understanding the health of a building and rules around living easy

 

“We wanted to help realtors save time on critical issues,” says Eli Report CEO Thomas Beattie. “This type of knowledge, when properly equipped, allows them to improve their negotiating position. It’s delivering value for them.”

Beattie describes it as a “breath of fresh air” from the client’s perspective. “It’s a single snapshot report about any lifestyle restrictions, critical issues and other things you wouldn’t be aware of in a new community.”

The Eli Report first started about six years ago, looking to solve a simple problem: to make understanding the health of a building and rules around living easy. It’s applied to condominiums, townhomes or any buildings or developments where a board issues rules to residents and owners collectively share responsibility for common areas.

 

A ‘huge time saver’ — strata or condo documents can be ‘fairly long and very convoluted’

 

“Strata documents are fairly long,” says Greg Zayadi, President of rennie, a company that provides real estate consulting to agents, developers and communities. “Some are very convoluted, with years worth of information basically about the health of a building. If you’re a realtor representing a buyer, that’s very important information to understand when you’re advising someone what they should pay, what they should value and if there’s liability.”

An early adopter, Vancouver-based agent Hani Faraj has been impressed not by just the efficiency of Eli Report, but the accuracy as well. 

“It’s a huge time saver,” he says. “When I started using it, I was blown away by how quickly I can pinpoint stuff.” Faraj notes it can cut some reading in half, down from many hours to only a few. “You still have to read, it’s not going to read it for you, but it’s fully transparent. My clients love it. It only adds professionalism to our industry. On our team, every realtor uses it.”

Faraj relayed a story about how a colleague was fined for failing to read a strata document and providing quality support for his client. He also noted he couldn’t think of a moment when the program was wrong. 

 

Accuracy of the report: ‘We’re very confident we are not going to hallucinate’

 

Beattie cited only one time in six years that a report raised a question; it wasn’t an inaccuracy, just something that wasn’t yet programmed by the team.

Its accuracy is due in part to the fact that Eli Report does not use generative AI — it’s not trying to create or speculate, but instead, extract.

“It’s designed to pull out anything that’s possibly relevant, even if it’s potentially irrelevant,” says Beattie, who notes his team also reviews the results. “We’re very confident we are not going to hallucinate. Everything you see that’s data-driven is manually approved and reviewed by me or my team. We check everything before it goes out.”

 

May give pause for sellers

 

Maria Senajova, also out of Vancouver, is another longtime user, citing Eli Report as a tool for efficiency as well as safety. She doesn’t depend on it completely, but it serves as useful information for clients as well as a third set of eyes on the documents. 

“It offers a quick snapshot,” she says. “It’s really helpful for clients to start getting engaged.”

Senajova only uses it for her buying clients, as due diligence is on the buyer. The transparency that Eli Report offers, however, may give pause for sellers.

“I can see why sellers or listing agents are a little more reluctant,” she says. “I highly recommend it to buying agents.”

Indeed, Faraj was able to leverage information about an upcoming building assessment in a report to take some money off the sale price for his client.

 

Zayadi wants to see more agents and boards using Eli Report. “We’re talking about consumer protection,” he says, adding there is value in the insurance world as well, as data aggregation and access to key information could help mitigate costs when determining the health of a building.

For Beattie, it has always been and continues to be about providing all the necessary information for clients when looking to buy a condominium or townhome. “It’s the biggest investment most of us make in our lives,” he says. “Whether it’s a starter home or an investment in our future, I certainly believe it should be easier than it has been.”

 

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AREA offers free payment services to member brokerages through new partnership with Payload https://realestatemagazine.ca/area-offers-free-payment-services-to-member-brokerages-through-new-partnership-with-payload/ https://realestatemagazine.ca/area-offers-free-payment-services-to-member-brokerages-through-new-partnership-with-payload/#respond Tue, 30 Jul 2024 04:01:07 +0000 https://realestatemagazine.ca/?p=33326 “This partnership will provide significant value to our members, allowing them to focus more on client service and less on administrative tasks”

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The Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA) has recently partnered with Payload, a digital payments fintech company specializing in streamlining transactions for the real estate industry. The collaboration will provide AREA’s 600+ member brokerages with free access to Payload’s payment processing services.

Payload automates all incoming and outgoing payments for real estate transactions, including EFT deposit funds, invoicing for agent fees, the distribution of commission payments and many other inbound or outbound payment types.

“We are excited to partner with the Alberta Real Estate Association and extend our innovative payment services to their member brokerages,” says Zach Jacob, VP of partnerships at Payload. “This partnership underscores our commitment to transforming the real estate payment landscape in Canada, making transactions faster, more secure and completely digital.”

 

Benefits to AREA members

 

With this integration, AREA aims to enhance operational efficiency and financial management for its member brokerages which will benefit from automated payment processing, enhanced security, streamlined transactions and versatile payment options.

“We are delighted to offer Payload’s state-of-the-art payment services to our member brokerages,” says Jolene Ledene Reimer, AREA chair. “This partnership will provide significant value to our members, allowing them to focus more on client service and less on administrative tasks.”

 

Image: Payload.com

 

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MPAC launches new tool to offer homeowners real estate insights https://realestatemagazine.ca/mpac-launches-new-tool-to-offer-homeowners-real-estate-insights/ https://realestatemagazine.ca/mpac-launches-new-tool-to-offer-homeowners-real-estate-insights/#respond Mon, 29 Jul 2024 04:01:26 +0000 https://realestatemagazine.ca/?p=33283 Property owners can learn more about changes to the residential property market in communities across Ontario and facilitate more informed decision-making

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Last week, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) launched its Property Pulse Dashboard, a new free tool to help homeowners make informed decisions about their property and understand market trends over time.

“We are enhancing the information we provide property owners, allowing them to gain a better understanding of the residential market,” says Greg Martino, vice president and chief valuation and standards officer for MPAC.

“This new tool, along with our recent release of housing inventory data, has been designed with property owners in mind so they can learn more about the changes to the residential property market in communities across Ontario and therefore facilitate more informed decision-making.”

 

Features of the tool

 

Using Teranet Inc.’s sales data, the tool is updated monthly and includes the latest residential sales data by municipality and property type. It also offers a “compare” feature to analyze sales information across up to five municipalities simultaneously. Searches can be customized based on sales year/month, the year the property was built and its square footage.

 

How to access the new dashboard

 

Property owners can access the dashboard via AboutMyProperty under the Browse My Neighbourhood section. To log in or register, they will need their roll number and access code from their Property Assessment Notice.

 

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Wahi announces Alberta expansion, launches first AI-powered realtor recommendation system in the province https://realestatemagazine.ca/wahi-announces-alberta-expansion-launches-first-ai-powered-realtor-recommendation-system-in-the-province/ https://realestatemagazine.ca/wahi-announces-alberta-expansion-launches-first-ai-powered-realtor-recommendation-system-in-the-province/#respond Wed, 10 Jul 2024 04:01:17 +0000 https://realestatemagazine.ca/?p=32790 "We believe homebuyers in Alberta would benefit from a tech-enabled experience that brings the same conveniences as shopping online, streaming content or ordering food”

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This week, digital real estate platform Wahi announced its expansion to Alberta. This follows its launches in the GTA in 2022 and other Canadian markets.

The platform offers insights on listings including sold price history, school scores and local real estate data, along with personalized listing recommendations tailored to user preferences. Users can also invite co-buyers to collaborate in house-hunting together and engage with their realtor to discuss listings and book showings.

As well, Wahi is offering Alberta residents a first-of-its-kind AI-enabled realtor matching, which connects them with realtors in their area with a proven track record.

“Alberta’s affordability is attracting homebuyers from around Canada, with 2023 being a banner year for interprovincial migration to the province. We believe homebuyers in Alberta would benefit from having access to a tech-enabled experience that brings the same conveniences as shopping online, streaming content or ordering food,” says Benjy Katchen, Wahi’s CEO and co-founder.

 

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Will AI replace realtors? Embrace it to stay competitive https://realestatemagazine.ca/will-ai-replace-realtors-embrace-it-to-stay-competitive/ https://realestatemagazine.ca/will-ai-replace-realtors-embrace-it-to-stay-competitive/#comments Mon, 08 Jul 2024 04:03:57 +0000 https://realestatemagazine.ca/?p=32441 AI won't replace realtors, but those using AI will outpace you. Discover how AI can streamline tasks, enhance client interactions, and keep you ahead

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You don’t need to worry about artificial intelligence taking over your job, but the realtor using AI down the hallway can potentially take your business.

This technology is the single most powerful tool that humans have ever had. The AI locomotive left the station on November 30, 2022. Now, it’s a bullet train hurtling down the tracks and can’t be stopped.

What’s important to understand about artificial intelligence and being in real estate is that AI will take over your remedial tasks such as social media posts, marketing, identifying real estate trends and creating newsletters. The result for you as a realtor is spending less time on the computer and more time with clients or finding new clients to grow your sphere.

 

How realtors are using AI

 

Currently, most realtors are using AI for their property descriptions and email responses. But AI goes way beyond simple language output. It’s now generating lyrical songs for your social media posts about your properties and creating AI videos about the local real estate market. 

With OpenAI dropping a bomb on the entertainment industry by introducing us to SORA, an AI system that can create 60-second videos from a simple one-line command, you can create real estate videos completely generated by AI. What’s more impressive is the simplicity of using this technology.

 

Most AI language models are now free

 

One thing that shocked me about this technology is that some of the most powerful AI language models are free to use. A lot of people missed the announcement by OpenAI (developers of ChatGPT 3.5, 4 and now 4o) that all the versions of ChatGPT will soon be free to everyone. Currently, to get access to ChatGPT 4, you have to pay a subscription every month. Here in Canada, we should see the rollout this summer.

When I’m talking to realtors about artificial intelligence language models, they mainly talk about ChatGPT. The reality is that AI has exploded since late 2022 with close to 12,000 AI tools being developed. In the past 12 months, we’ve seen tools like META AI, Claude, CoPilot, Gemini and more each month. The most amazing part is that all of these AI language models are free to use.

 

What should I be using AI for in real estate?

 

The real estate world is constantly changing, and the reality is that we need to upgrade our skills or learn new tools to keep up. This is where AI can help! Here are just a few examples of the ways AI can assist:

Negotiation. When you’re negotiating, whether it’s with your clients or the other agent, you simply prompt the AI by saying:

“I want you to act as a real estate negotiator. I’m representing the buyers in the transaction, and we just received a counter of $20,000 above our initial offer on the property. The counteroffer put the price right at the fair market value. Can you provide me with three different scripts I can use to speak to my buying clients to say this counteroffer is exactly the fair market value of the property?”

Social media posts. It can be challenging to consistently create new and engaging social media content. Try prompting AI with the following:

“I want you to act as a real estate social media marketing expert. Create three social media captions that target first-time homebuyers. I want the captions to be engaging and witty. Also, include in the caption emojis, hashtags and an image prompt that’s related to the caption.”

Real estate coach. Did you know that you can now have a verbal conversation with the ChatGPT app? Now you can ask ChatGPT to be your real estate coach. Here’s a great example of a prompt that I use to coach me:

“I want you to act as a real estate coach. Grade me on the opening of my listing presentation. I want you to listen to the quality of the content for a listing presentation, plus my energy, cadence and anything else. Let me begin…”

 

Final words about artificial intelligence

 

Engaging with AI in real estate isn’t optional — it’s essential for staying competitive. By automating tasks, AI empowers agents to focus on relationships and complex decisions. Don’t wait; embrace AI now to streamline operations and enhance client interactions. The future belongs to those who adapt and innovate with this technology.

 

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The proptech revolution: Adapting to a new real estate landscape https://realestatemagazine.ca/the-proptech-revolution-adapting-to-a-new-real-estate-landscape/ https://realestatemagazine.ca/the-proptech-revolution-adapting-to-a-new-real-estate-landscape/#comments Wed, 19 Jun 2024 04:03:07 +0000 https://realestatemagazine.ca/?p=32040 Proptech innovations are reshaping how we live and work, emphasizing sustainability, data-driven decision-making and adaptability to new lifestyle preferences — the industry must be ready

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The real estate sector is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by technological advancements collectively referred to as “proptech” (property technology). These innovations are reshaping how we live and work, emphasizing sustainability, data-driven decision-making and adaptability to new lifestyle preferences.

Insights from industry experts Philip Major, investor associate at R-LABS, and Lynette Keyowski, managing partner at NAR REACH Canada, shed light on the evolving landscape of proptech and its impact on both residential and commercial real estate.

 

Adapting to new lifestyle preferences

 

Post-pandemic, the rise of remote work has significantly altered residential and commercial real estate demands. Major observes, “Remote work can alleviate density and affordability issues in urban areas. On the commercial side, the winners will be those who can optimize unused spaces.” He cites LOFT, a company offering flexible office spaces throughout cities, as an example of how businesses can adapt to these changes without relying solely on central business districts.

However, converting commercial spaces into residential areas, although a popular idea, poses significant logistical challenges. “It’s not always feasible or profitable,” Major notes. Instead, there’s a trend towards luxury rentals and condominiums that incorporate amenities such as daycare centres, restaurants and other services directly into the building, catering to the evolving lifestyle preferences of urban dwellers.

 

Sustainability and energy efficiency

 

The drive for sustainability is becoming increasingly prominent in real estate, particularly in commercial properties. “LEED certification will continue to be a major trend, driven by tenant demand,” says Major. Tenants with strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives are likely to prefer sustainable buildings, which can influence property values and development costs.

In this context, companies like Measurable, which tracks carbon emissions, are becoming essential. Developers are now considering the entire lifecycle of buildings, including end-of-life recycling options, to enhance the sustainability of projects.

 

Leveraging data and AI

 

Data-driven decision-making is revolutionizing real estate investment and management. Keyowski highlights a significant trend in the 2025 REACH Canada cohort: “AI is being leveraged to reduce costs, automate routine tasks and enhance backend processes.” This trend spans across the industry, supporting the personalization of real estate services, from property valuations to virtual tours.

Keyowski also mentions the “Netflixization” of real estate, where data is used to tailor user experiences. This trend makes the homebuying process more interactive and personalized, improving how consumers engage with listings and agents.

Major adds, “Commercial real estate will move slower to adopt AI compared to other industries, but this won’t stop AI from happening.” He highlights how companies like Hatch are acquiring AI-driven platforms such as Brainwave’s Mosaic to help developers understand zoning regulations and other complex data points. “It’s about pulling in multiple points of data, like zoning and school capacity, to centralize information and optimize property investments,” Major explains.

He also sees potential in AI democratizing the development process: “It could reduce costs and make the process more accessible, although the extent of this democratization remains to be seen.”

 

Addressing housing affordability

 

Affordability remains a critical issue in the real estate market, and alternative financing options are emerging as a solution. Keyowski notes, “Along similar lines, we have been seeing a surge in the number of ‘alternative financing’ options come to market. With affordability at all-time lows, these are just beginning to hit the radar of the industry but aren’t anywhere close to top-of-mind for the average consumer.”

These tech-enabled solutions aim to keep borrowing and administrative costs low, offering diverse options from Halal mortgages (Manzil) to creative down payment financing (Ourboro) and leaseback home purchases (Requity Homes).

 

Under-the-radar innovations

 

Despite widespread technological advancements, some tools remain underutilized by the broader public. Keyowski explains, “There are many backend tools, like online MLS systems and showing suites, that facilitate seamless real estate transactions.” These tools often go unnoticed by consumers but are crucial for the industry’s efficiency.

Moreover, there are innovative solutions not yet widely adopted but with the potential to streamline the homebuying process. Keyowski points to digital mortgage platforms and offer transparency tools, which can make real estate transactions faster and more transparent. “These tools expedite the process, but the industry is often reluctant to adopt them,” she adds.

 

Challenges and opportunities for traditional real estate players

 

Integrating new technologies into traditional real estate models presents challenges. Keyowski emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s value proposition: “Real estate is a relationship business. The clearer you are about your value, the more efficiently you can adopt technology that enhances that value.”

AI, while promising, introduces both opportunities and uncertainties. “On one hand … AI is allowing more to be done with less (and in less time). Real estate is about relationships … but it’s also about volume. This has the potential to create more competition among agents: for eyeballs, for listings, for differentiation, for partnerships and more. The ability for agents to reach their audiences faster and more effectively could impact business models and market share,” Keyowski notes.

However, the industry’s slow pace of change and potential regulatory hurdles may temper AI adoption. “On the other hand, there is no knowing (yet) how the space will be regulated, if at all. As it always does, this could certainly impact the rate of adoption — or even temper adoption until those frameworks are clearer. This is not an industry that moves fast at the best of times!”

 

Consumer readiness for change

 

One significant shift is the consumer’s readiness for digital transactions. A decade ago, some consumers were hesitant to put their credit cards online or engage in online banking. Now, it’s considered standard. The consumer in real estate has similarly evolved, having become extremely comfortable transacting digitally where there’s an element of immediacy. As Keyowski observes: ‘’I see what I want, I can access as much information as I deem necessary and I can make a decision and execute in almost everything.”

However, real estate transactions remain cumbersome and opaque. Keyowski illustrates this with a common scenario: “As an example, what the heck DOES happen to that agreement for purchase once you’ve signed it and “sent it back” to your agent? Who sends it to my mortgage broker? How’d the lawyer get involved? Didn’t they say you’d see the deal back in two days? It’s been a week …”

Proptech solutions are addressing these issues by providing transparency and efficiency throughout the transaction process.

 

Embracing the future of real estate

 

The proptech revolution is fundamentally changing the real estate landscape. From optimizing unused spaces and enhancing sustainability to leveraging data and AI for better decision-making, these technologies offer significant benefits. However, the industry’s traditional players must navigate challenges related to technology adoption and value proposition clarity to stay competitive.

As Major aptly puts it, “Darwinism is alive and well in real estate.” Those who adapt and innovate will thrive in this new era, while those who resist change may find themselves left behind. The future of real estate lies in embracing proptech to meet evolving demands and create more efficient, sustainable and personalized experiences for all stakeholders.

 

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Proptech startup ResVR secures $1.7 million in funding to revolutionize homebuilding visualization https://realestatemagazine.ca/proptech-startup-resvr-secures-1-7-million-in-funding-to-revolutionize-homebuilding-visualization/ https://realestatemagazine.ca/proptech-startup-resvr-secures-1-7-million-in-funding-to-revolutionize-homebuilding-visualization/#respond Fri, 14 Jun 2024 04:01:42 +0000 https://realestatemagazine.ca/?p=31938 Led by Inverted Ventures, the funding will help ResVR empower homebuyers and builders to make informed decisions

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Last week, ResVR, a property technology (proptech) startup that enables homebuilders and developers to sell more upgrades through a visualization platform, announced a series of financings that closed a total of $1.7 million in aggregate.

The funding was led by Inverted Ventures. Weave VC, with participation from Bluesky Equity, InRoad Ventures, ThresholdImpact, Startup TNT and a Canadian-based group of angels provided the non-dilutive capital ($270,000).

 

Saving homebuyers from relying on blacklines or blueprints to imagine their new home

 

Founded in 2023, ResVR specializes in 3D visualization proptech, working with production homebuilders to showcase their designs and plans to help homebuyers feel confident in their purchase and the options and upgrades they choose.

“In 2024, it is crazy that people are making the biggest purchase of their lives and have to imagine what it will look like off blacklines or blueprints. This is the problem ResVR solves,” ResVR founder and CEO, Nathan Nasseri, explains.

The company cites data from homebuyer surveys indicating the need for homebuilding sales visualization software is significant: 87 per cent of new homebuyers would make changes to their homes with better visualizations, but 73 per cent weren’t provided sufficient information to move forward confidently and only 65 per cent felt the floor plan selected matched what they received.

“ResVR empowers builders and buyers, which leads to happier customers who are more satisfied with their decisions because they were able to visualize them and make more thoughtful choices,” says Nasseri.

 

‘(We) invested in ResVR because it represents an innovative change that will create a paradigm shift in the legacy homebuilding industry’

 

Craig D’Cruze, COO of Inverted Ventures, comments on his firm’s participation in the equity funding round: “Inverted Ventures invested in ResVR because it represents an innovative change that will create a paradigm shift in the legacy homebuilding industry. ResVR offers a service that digitizes and optimizes the sales upgrade process for homebuilders in ways previously unattainable. With his deep-rooted experience in homebuilding and his instrumental role in developing this technology since 2015, Nathan brings unique insights, capabilities, and a founder-market fit that will be crucial to this company’s success.”

“I am thrilled to be supporting Nathan in his newest endeavor,” adds angel investor Aaron Flynn, CEO of Edmonton’s Inflexion Games. “Nathan is bringing enormous drive and strong experience to ResVR as he and the team help homebuilders make buyer’s dreams come true with more confidence and understanding than ever possible.”

 

What’s next 

 

Later this year, ResVR will unveil follow-up products for designing home exteriors and showcasing new communities for land developers. “This is the beginning of something massive,” Nasseri says. “The homebuilding industry is overdue for a shift towards digital transformation, and ResVR is here to make that happen.”

 

Image source: resvr.com

 

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