Research, analysis, and perspectives on the built world.
A workflow-specific breakdown of CRE automation in 2026 -- what AI handles end-to-end across site screening, market analysis, document extraction, pro forma modeling and draw processing, what still requires human judgment, and how to sequence deployment for the highest ROI.
April 20, 2026 ·5 min read
The traditional CRE services model runs on billable hours and analyst headcount. The AI-native model delivers equivalent outputs faster by deploying AI across data gathering, document review and analysis -- with senior practitioners focused on judgment, not assembly. Covers the structural shift, what AI-native services look like in practice, and what to evaluate before choosing a services partner.
April 20, 2026 ·5 min read
A letter of intent outlines key deal terms before the formal purchase agreement is drafted. This guide covers what an LOI must include, where developers make costly mistakes, and how AI is streamlining LOI review and term benchmarking for high-volume development teams.
April 19, 2026 ·5 min read
Retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) is the architecture behind AI tools that can answer questions about your documents accurately. This guide explains how it works, why it matters for CRE document workflows, and what to evaluate when selecting RAG-based platforms for lease abstraction, title review, and due diligence.
April 19, 2026 ·6 min read
Value-add real estate covers properties with upside through capital improvements, repositioning, or lease-up. This guide explains the value-add spectrum, how to structure the underwriting model, where deals go wrong, and where AI is providing the most traction for institutional development teams.
April 19, 2026 ·6 min read
The schedule of values (SOV) is the line-item breakdown that controls every construction draw, lien waiver, and budget reconciliation. This post explains what an SOV is, the three ways it breaks down on complex projects, and how AI automates draw reconciliation, front-loading detection, and change order integration. For development teams running multiple active projects, AI-assisted SOV workflows typically reduce draw processing time by 60-70% per cycle.
April 18, 2026 ·4 min read
AI agent orchestration -- the coordination of multiple AI calls, tool uses, and decision points -- enables complex multi-step development workflows no single prompt can complete. This post explains the three components of orchestrated AI (tools, memory, planning), where orchestration is deployed in real estate development today (site screening, due diligence, IC prep, permit tracking), and honest limitations to evaluate before buying. A practical guide for development teams assessing AI platforms beyond the chatbot layer.
April 18, 2026 ·5 min read
Net lease development -- NNN retail, industrial, and medical office -- generates predictable institutional returns when site selection and tenant credit work is done correctly. This post covers site criteria by product type (retail traffic thresholds, industrial operational specs, medical office proximity requirements), the inputs to tenant credit analysis (corporate vs. franchisee guarantee, category risk, lease structure terms), and where AI compresses screening, credit research, and cap rate analysis.
April 18, 2026 ·5 min read
American manufacturing construction hit $235 billion in 2024, more than double the 2022 baseline, driven by CHIPS Act incentives, IRA clean energy programs and a shifting tariff regime. This piece covers what is actually being built, how site selection criteria differ from standard industrial and where institutional capital is flowing in 2026.
April 17, 2026 ·4 min read