How to Get Started with AI in CRE - Even If You’re Not a Tech Expert

Trying to do everything at once with AI is one of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to integrate it into their business model. The key is to start small, test what works, and scale from there. AI might seem overwhelming but integrating it into your business doesn’t require a tech background—but it does take a strategic approach. 

Start Small—Pick One AI Tool 

Rather than overhauling your entire operation overnight, choose a single AI tool that addresses your biggest pain point. Maybe it’s maintenance costs eating into your profits, investment decisions based on gut instinct, or endless hours spent reviewing leases. There is an AI solution for each. 

It’s fairly common for many Property Managers to start with predictive maintenance because it has an immediate impact. According to a McKinsey & Company study, AI-powered maintenance can reduce costs by 18-25%, and in some cases, up to 40-60%, by identifying issues before they escalate. A Chicago-based landlord who implemented predictive maintenance tools, like Prop-Trax, saw a 25% reduction in maintenance expenses within a year—along with fewer emergency repair calls and happier tenants. 

But, if investment strategy is your focus, AI-powered platforms like Skyline AI analyze market trends, satellite imagery, and social sentiment to identify undervalued properties with 90%+ accuracy. Instead of relying on outdated reports or broker intuition, you get real-time insights that put you ahead of the competition. 

And for those drowning in paperwork, lease abstraction tools like LeaseLens can automate the tedious process of extracting critical data from lease agreements. This not only saves hundreds of hours but also reduces errors that could lead to costly legal disputes. 

Train Your Team 

AI is only as powerful as the people using it. We said it before, and it bears repeating. AI is no more than an incredibly sophisticated intern. It still requires accurate and pointed direction. If your team doesn’t understand how to leverage AI tools, even the most sophisticated technology won’t deliver results. That’s why training is essential. 

Fortunately, it doesn’t require a computer science degree. Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer accessible AI training, while many AI vendors provide in-depth onboarding programs tailored to CRE professionals. Assigning an AI Champion—someone on your team who takes the lead in learning and implementing AI—can make adoption smoother and ensure the technology is being used to its full potential. 

Audit Your Workflows

Before diving into AI, take a step back and identify inefficiencies in your current processes. Where are you losing the most time or money? What’s slowing you down? AI should be applied where it has the biggest impact first. 

For many property managers, the most common bottlenecks include manual lease abstraction, reactive maintenance, and disjointed tenant communications. If reviewing lease agreements takes weeks, AI-powered lease extraction can cut that time down to minutes. If maintenance issues are constantly reactive rather than proactive, predictive monitoring can help prevent costly breakdowns. And if tenant inquiries pile up unanswered, AI-driven chatbots can streamline communication, ensuring faster response times and higher tenant satisfaction. 

A simple self-audit—mapping out your workflow and pinpointing the friction points—will make it crystal clear where AI can drive the most value. 

The Future of AI in Commercial Real Estate 

AI is already transforming maintenance, investment, and lease management—but it’s only the beginning. In the next few years, emerging AI applications will redefine how commercial properties are marketed, managed, and monetized. 

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will replace traditional property tours, allowing investors and tenants to explore spaces remotely with hyper-realistic AI-generated simulations. Blockchain-powered smart contracts will automate lease agreements, reducing disputes and eliminating cumbersome paperwork. And AI-driven tenant engagement platforms like Elise AI are already optimizing leasing and service requests, boosting tenant retention by 15%. 

For property managers who embrace AI now, these advancements won’t feel disruptive—they’ll feel like a competitive advantage. 

Look; AI has already changed commercial real estate. The property manager who integrates it today will decimate the competition. 

Here is how to get Started with AI in CRE (even if you’re not a tech expert):

Pick one tool. Test it. Measure the impact. Scale from there. The future of real estate is here. 

Stay tuned for Part 2: The Top Five AI & Automation Tools for Your CRE Business - Where we will dive into specific examples, use cases, and tools. 

 

Want to Revolutionize Your CRE Buisness? Learn How MOBLZ Can Help You Today!

~ Izaic Yorks