CRE is beginning to embrace the AI transformation that has been building for years. AI has the potential to eliminate much of the manual, time-intensive work that slows professionals down, freeing them to focus on higher-level analysis and decision-making. While CRE has historically lagged behind other industries in adopting technology, growing interest in tools like ChatGPT, Zapier, and others signals a real shift.
Today, brokers, investors, asset managers, and marketers are eager to learn, experiment, and apply AI in their work. The AI wave is here, and the opportunity to benefit is immediate.
To help cut through the noise, here are five AI tools already making a real impact in CRE.
1. ChatGPT – The AI Champion
The AI tool to rule them all (for now). ChatGPT remains one of the most widely used solutions—from Custom GPTs that analyze T12s and explain variances, to Agent mode that pulls public data from the internet, to deep research that surfaces creative ways to increase the appeal of a multifamily property. ChatGPT’s versatility is unmatched.
Use Cases:
- Lease Analysis & Negotiation Prep: Upload lease agreements and get summaries of key terms, identify potential red flags, and generate negotiation talking points
- Market Analysis Reports: Input demographic data and have ChatGPT create comprehensive market analysis narratives for investment committees
- Email Automation: Create templates for tenant communications, vendor follow-ups, and investor updates that maintain your professional tone
Pro-Tip: Pay $20 for the plus plan or have your company subscribe to the $60 business plan to be able to create Custom GPTs and access more Deep Research ability.
2. Perplexity – The Google Replacement
Perplexity is quickly becoming the go-to search tool in place of Google. Built on GPT-5 and other leading LLMs, it delivers richer, more contextual search results. Perplexity Labs (available on the $20/month plan) can even generate dashboards in minutes. For example, surfacing distressed properties in Manhattan that fit specific investment criteria:
Additional Use Cases:
- Comp Analysis: Quickly pull recent sales data and rental comps from multiple MLS and commercial databases in seconds
- Zoning & Regulatory Research: Get instant updates on zoning changes, permit requirements, and local ordinances affecting your properties
- Contractor & Vendor Vetting: Research potential contractors, check reviews, verify licenses, and compare pricing across multiple platforms.
Pro-Tip: Test Perplexity’s AI-powered browser, Comet, which could replace Chrome for many CRE professionals.
3. Genspark – Turn Excel into Beautiful Presentations, Get Insights from Your Data and More.
If you want to transform your boring Excel spreadsheets into professional presentations, Genspark will take your breath away.
Genspark can save hours during reporting cycles by transforming spreadsheets filled with rent rolls, T12s, and occupancy data into polished, investor-ready presentations. One upload can generate a 40-page deck that serves as a template for quarterly reports and beyond.
A key feature is the ability to pull results from multiple LLMs (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Grok) in one place, eliminating the need to toggle between platforms.
Beyond reporting, Genspark supports image generation, data analysis, chart building, and more. Its design is among the best available, and accuracy is consistently high.
Additional Use Cases:
- Investment Committee Presentations: Transform financial models into compelling investment narratives with professional charts and executive summaries
- Property Marketing Materials: Convert property data sheets into visually appealing marketing presentations for brokers and potential buyers
- Budget Variance Reports: Turn monthly variance reports into digestible presentations that highlight key trends and action items.
- Portfolio Performance Dashboards: Create executive-level portfolio summaries that showcase performance across multiple properties
- Acquisition Analysis Decks: Transform underwriting models into professional presentations for stakeholders and lenders
Pro-Tip: The free plan offers generous functionality for most professionals.
4. Granola + Fathom AI – A Powerful AI Notetaking Duo
Traditional AI notetakers often disrupt calls or deliver messy transcripts. Pairing Granola and Fathom solves those issues.
Granola quietly records from the desktop, generates clean, editable notes, and makes them easily accessible.
Fathom complements it with video recordings and task integration with tools like Asana for seamless accountability.
Additional Use Cases:
- Construction Progress Meetings: Record contractor updates, change orders, and timeline adjustments with automatic action item extraction
- Investor Calls: Generate detailed summaries of investor questions and concerns for quarterly reporting and relationship management
- Property Tours: Capture verbal notes during site visits and automatically organize observations by property area or system
- Team Training Sessions: Create searchable knowledge bases from property management training calls and best practice discussions
Pro-Tip: Use Granola for internal meetings where you don’t want to announce a bot, and Fathom for formal calls where transparency about recording is important.
5. Google Notebook LM – Your New Analyst
Notebook LM functions as an analyst and learning partner. Large PDFs, such as PSAs, PCAs, or loan agreements, can be uploaded for executive-level summaries or even converted into podcasts for faster comprehension. Notes can then be turned into visuals or presentations for teams and stakeholders.
Additional Use Cases:
- Environmental & Engineering Reports: Upload Phase I/II environmental reports and structural engineering studies for instant executive summaries
- Market Research Analysis: Process multiple market reports and research papers into consolidated market insights and trend analysis
- Legal Document Review: Analyze operating agreements, partnership documents, and management agreements for key terms and obligations
- Property Management Manuals: Convert lengthy property management procedures into digestible training materials for new team members
- Financial Audit Reports: Transform detailed audit reports into key findings summaries for management and investor communications
- Investment Thesis Development: Upload multiple research documents to create comprehensive investment thesis presentations for new markets
Pro-Tip: Use the podcast feature to “listen” to complex documents during commutes. It’s surprisingly effective for retaining technical information.
The Bottom Line
AI has evolved from a buzzword to a business tool in CRE, already transforming how deals are done and decisions are made. By embracing these technologies today, professionals can streamline their workflows, uncover smarter insights, and position themselves ahead of the curve. Those who adapt fastest will help define the industry’s next chapter.
To learn more, visit https://creaistudio.com/
