Building a Smarter Future: How AI Is Transforming Real Estate Through...

Building a Smarter Future: How AI Is Transforming Real Estate Through Community and Collaboration

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how the real estate industry operates, from underwriting and development to marketing and asset management. But according to Jake Heller, founder of AI for CRE Collective, the real transformation begins with people. His conversation with 30|90 Marketing’s Rachel Ledet and Christianne Brunini revealed how connection, curiosity, and collaboration are driving a new chapter for the industry.

Community Over Competition

When Jake launched AI for CRE Collective, he did not set out to build a company. He started a conversation: what began as an informal network of professionals curious about technology has grown into a global community of more than 400 members. Their shared goal is to explore and implement AI tools that make real estate deal-making smarter and more accessible.

The group’s culture is one rooted in abundance. Members exchange ideas, templates, and technical solutions to help each other move faster. That openness is reshaping an industry long known for its silos. Through this community, developers, brokers, and innovators can access collective expertise that accelerates progress and sparks creativity.

Democratizing Development

One of the most promising aspects of AI in real estate is its potential to remove traditional barriers to entry. Tools that automate underwriting and financial modeling are making it easier for emerging developers, including minority- and women-owned firms, to understand their numbers and compete for projects.

New AI agents within familiar platforms like Excel can handle complex modeling and analysis with speed and accuracy. These advancements save time while empowering smaller firms to participate in deals that once required larger teams and higher budgets.

From Knowledge to Implementation

Education is at the heart of AI for CRE Collective’s mission. The community is developing structured learning tracks tailored to specific roles: brokers, investors, property managers, and developers. These resources help members go beyond theory by showing them how to integrate AI tools into daily workflows.

This next phase is about bridging the gap between awareness and application. Knowing what AI can do is only the first step; implementing it effectively is what will shape the industry’s future.

Learning Through Discomfort

Jake’s journey into leadership and thought sharing came with an unexpected challenge: visibility. He admits that speaking publicly, creating content, and leading discussions were outside his comfort zone. Yet stepping into that discomfort allowed him to connect with peers and inspire others to do the same.

His experience reflects a broader truth: growth often begins where familiarity ends. By staying curious and leaning into change, professionals can adapt alongside evolving technology rather than being left behind. This has served him well.

A Call to Collaboration

The message behind AI for CRE Collective is simple: progress is a team effort. Real innovation happens when people share, experiment, and learn together. Whether it’s automating underwriting, improving access to opportunity, or building new skill sets, the industry’s success depends on open collaboration.

As Jake says, “Collaboration is key in our community.” That spirit of collective learning is what will keep commercial real estate at the forefront of innovation.

Dive Deeper

Listen to the full episode: Harnessing AI in Real Estate: A New Era on The Comms Exchange to hear a discussion on the transformative impact of AI in the real estate sector with Jake Heller, founder of AI for CRE Collective.

Listen now on Spotify

Listen now on Apple Podcasts