Why David Bratslavsky Believes AI Will Transform Commercial Real Estate More Than Any Previous Technology
Commercial real estate has embraced technological advancements over the years, but many of its core processes remain surprisingly manual. Investment teams still spend countless hours reviewing documents, transferring data between systems, updating spreadsheets, and compiling reports before important decisions can be made.
According to David Bratslavsky, the industry is approaching a turning point. He believes artificial intelligence is creating a shift that goes beyond efficiency improvements and software upgrades. Instead, AI has the potential to redefine how information flows through commercial real estate organizations and how decisions are made across the entire investment lifecycle.
A Data-Rich Industry With Information Bottlenecks
Commercial real estate generates enormous amounts of valuable data. Every transaction involves leases, rent rolls, operating statements, offering memorandums, market studies, lender requirements, and performance reports. Yet much of this information remains trapped inside documents that require extensive manual review.
For years, real estate professionals accepted this reality as part of the business. Analysts extracted data manually, underwriting teams built models from scratch, and asset managers relied on periodic reports to understand performance.
David Bratslavsky argues that this approach is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain. As markets move faster and competition intensifies, delays in accessing information can directly impact investment outcomes.
The First Wave of AI Adoption
Artificial intelligence is already changing how commercial real estate firms process information.
Modern AI platforms can analyze large volumes of documents, identify key data points, and convert unstructured information into organized datasets. Tasks that previously required hours of manual effort can now be completed in a matter of minutes.
This capability is especially valuable during acquisitions and due diligence, where speed and accuracy are critical. By automating repetitive tasks, organizations can reduce bottlenecks and allow professionals to focus on higher-value activities.
However, Bratslavsky believes that automation is only the beginning of a much larger transformation.
From Historical Data to Real-Time Intelligence
One of the biggest limitations in traditional commercial real estate workflows is that information often becomes outdated shortly after it is collected.
Underwriting models, for example, are usually built using assumptions available at the time of acquisition. While those assumptions guide investment decisions, they often remain unchanged even as market conditions evolve.
David Bratslavsky envisions a future where underwriting becomes a living process rather than a one-time exercise.
In this environment, financial models continuously update based on property performance, leasing activity, operating metrics, and market trends. Instead of relying on static projections, firms gain access to dynamic investment intelligence that reflects current conditions.
This shift enables faster responses to opportunities and greater visibility into emerging risks.
Reinventing Asset Management Through AI
The impact of continuous intelligence extends beyond acquisitions and underwriting. Asset management may experience some of the most significant benefits.
Traditionally, asset managers spend considerable time collecting information, reviewing reports, and identifying issues after they occur. Artificial intelligence allows organizations to move toward a more proactive model.
AI-powered systems can monitor operational performance in real time, identify unusual trends, evaluate leasing opportunities, and recommend strategic actions before financial results are affected.
Rather than acting as a reporting tool, technology becomes an active participant in the decision-making process.
According to Bratslavsky, this does not diminish the role of experienced professionals. Instead, it allows them to focus on strategy, execution, and value creation rather than administrative tasks.
Building Connected Real Estate Organizations
The long-term vision extends beyond individual applications of AI. David Bratslavsky believes the future of commercial real estate will be defined by connected workflows where information moves seamlessly across departments.
Acquisitions, underwriting, asset management, reporting, and operations will increasingly rely on shared data environments. Intelligent systems will coordinate workflows, surface insights, and reduce the friction that currently slows decision-making.
This interconnected approach creates a more responsive organization capable of adapting quickly to changing market conditions.
The Firms That Move First Will Have the Advantage
As artificial intelligence continues to mature, competitive advantage may depend less on portfolio size and more on operational intelligence.
Firms that successfully integrate AI into everyday workflows can evaluate opportunities faster, manage assets more effectively, and make decisions with greater confidence. Organizations that delay adoption may struggle to keep pace with competitors operating on real-time information and automated processes.
David Bratslavsky believes commercial real estate is entering a new era where technology is no longer simply supporting operations—it is becoming a core driver of performance. The firms that embrace this transformation today may ultimately define the industry's future tomorrow.
