New Facebook Ad Policy Means Big Changes for Real Estate Marketers

Facebook is no stranger to the limelight these days. From Cambridge Analytica and other confidence-shaking scandals to major changes to business pages, the only constant is change. But this months new ad policies for special categories including housing, employment, and credit is set to have a major impact on real estate marketers.

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Warfel Construction Company

Established in 1911, Warfel Construction Company provides strategic construction solutions to clients throughout the mid-Atlantic states. We are an innovative and dynamic company that specializes in building for educational, senior care, health care, corporate and hospitality clients.

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Real Estate Technology

Enhance Asset Management Efficiencies with Data-driven Real Estate

Article | July 25, 2022

Explore the potential of data-driven real estate in optimizing asset management and revolutionizing strategies. Learn how advanced technology is changing the future of real estate asset management. Contents 1. Importance of Data-driven Decision Making in Asset Management 2. Overcoming Difficulties to become Data-driven Real Estate Business 2.1 Availability of Data and Connectivity 2.2 Implementation of a Structured and Agile Development Process 2.3 Accelerating Speed and Reducing Costs 3. Benefits of Data-driven Real Estate Asset Management 3.1 Increased Efficiency and Cost Savings 3.2 Improved Tenant Satisfaction and Retention 3.3 Better Risk Management and Decision-making 3.4 Increased asset value and profitability 4. Data-driven Asset Management Solutions 4.1 Property Management Solutions Providers 4.2 Digital Asset Management Solutions Providers 4.3 Project Portfolio Management Solutions Providers 5. Emerging Data-driven Asset Management Patterns 1. Importance of Data-driven Decision Making in Asset Management Real estate asset management is a complex and competitive industry, presenting challenges for asset managers and portfolio managers. Gathering and analyzing information provides valuable insights for data-driven decision making, impacting the success of real estate investments. Decision-making through insights allows real estate asset managers, as well as portfolio managers, to identify trends for the future of digital real estate asset management, make accurate predictions, and forecast future outcomes. For example, data analytics can provide insights related to occupancy rates, rent growth, and lease renewals, which further helps in strategic decision-making for the future. 2. Overcoming Difficulties to Become Data-driven Real Estate Business Corporate real estate asset management requires strategic planning and informed decision-making. Utilizing data-driven approaches, valuable insights into commercial property performance can be gained, leading to optimized operations, reduced costs, and increased profits. However, implementing a data-driven approach comes with its own set of challenges. Therefore, executives and managers in the real estate industry need to understand how to overcome these difficulties and successfully transform their businesses through data-driven operations. Key challenges the businesses must address include data availability, structured processes, and cost efficiency, all of which are essential for improving the effectiveness of asset management in the long run. 2.1 Availability of Data and Connectivity Reliable data availability is a significant challenge in data-driven decision-making for real estate businesses, as the data generated is often fragmented and siloed across different departments. To overcome this challenge, businesses must invest in technology cloud-based platforms, APIs, and data warehouses to enable seamless data integration and connectivity across the organization. In addition, organizations must consider implementing an integrated data management system to analyze data from multiple sources, providing the decision-makers with a comprehensive view of the organization's performance. 2.2 Implementation of a Structured and Agile Development Process For businesses adopting a data-driven methodology, implementing a structured and agile development process is a major challenge. A data-driven approach requires a planned data collection, analysis, and decision-making process. At the same time, the process needs to be adaptable to the changing market conditions and business requirements. To overcome this challenge, businesses must establish a formal process for data-driven decision-making, including clear roles and responsibilities, data governance policies, regular reporting and analysis. This can be achieved by leveraging agile methodologies, DevOps practices, and automation tools. 2.3 Accelerating Speed and Reducing Costs Speed and cost reduction are critical challenges for real estate businesses that operate in a highly-competitive market Data-driven decision-making is time-consuming and expensive, demanding executives and managers to invest in tools that can automate the data analysis and decision-making process. It includes implementing artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to rapidly process large amounts of data and provide real-time insights to facilitate informed decision-making. 3. Benefits of Data-driven Real Estate Asset Management Data-driven real estate asset management has the potential to revolutionize the way real estate businesses operate. Businesses will be able to unlock valuable insights to enhance overall operations and drive innovation by leveraging asset management tools and techniques. 3.1 Increased Efficiency and Cost Savings Data-driven commercial real estate asset management services offer businesses a powerful tool for increasing efficiency. Businesses must automate their manual processes and optimize workflows to increase productivity by leveraging real estate automation tools. It will save time, money and improve the overall quality of service provided to tenants, leading to higher tenant satisfaction rates. Additionally, data-driven decision-making help businesses identify areas to reduce unnecessary expenses, like energy consumption or maintenance costs. 3.2 Improved Tenant Satisfaction and Retention Real estate businesses understand tenants better and improve satisfaction as well as retention rates by managing assets using data-driven methods. By analyzing demographics, behavior, and preferences data, businesses can determine tenants' needs regarding property and make informed decisions to improve services and tailor offerings accordingly. In addition, it leads to higher satisfaction rates and helps companies to retain tenants, which is crucial for long-term success in the real estate industry. 3.3 Better Risk Management and Decision-making Real estate enterprises can make more informed decisions and better manage risks with data-driven asset management. Businesses must use real estate data analytics tools to examine property performance, identify potential opportunities and risks. It improves the accuracy and reliability of their decision-making process and helps mitigate risks more effectively. Furthermore, by incorporating predictive analytics in the real estate decision-making process, businesses can anticipate future trends and proactively take measures to address potential issues before they occur. 3.4 Increased Asset Value and Profitability Data-driven real estate asset management help businesses improve the value and profitability of assets. Business intelligence in real estate helps interpret property management data. In addition, businesses can identify areas for improvement, like cost savings or increasing rental rates. It can result in improved asset value, leading to higher profitability. Furthermore, by analyzing data on market trends of real estate asset management and tenant behavior, businesses can also identify potential areas for investment, leading to increased profitability in the long run. 4. Data-driven Asset Management Solutions Data-driven asset management solutions help real estate businesses manage assets more efficiently and effectively. With data analytics, businesses will be able to streamline their operations, make better-informed decisions, and increase asset value. Ultimately, it will result in overcoming the difficulties in managing the assets and improving the portfolio performance. With the help of advanced technology and automation tools, one can stay ahead of the curve in the highly competitive market and achieve business objectives effectively. 4.1 Property Management Solutions Providers TenantCloud TenantCloud is a cloud-based property management solution provider that offers comprehensive tools and features for real estate businesses to manage their assets efficiently. Its property management software enables real estate executives and asset managers to automate their workflow, increase efficiency, and reduce costs by centralizing and streamlining their property management processes. Its platform provides real-time visibility into property performance, tenant behavior, and rental income, allowing businesses to make data-driven decisions and identify opportunities for growth. Its online portal also allows tenants to submit maintenance requests, pay rent online, and communicate with property managers seamlessly. London Computer Systems London Computer Systems (LCS) is a leading real estate asset management service provider established in 1987. Its flagship product, Rent Manager, is a Property Management Software that offers a comprehensive solution for property management, including integrated accounting, contact management, work orders, and marketing solutions. LCS offers Net Dial Tone VoIP telephone systems, enterprise-level hosting solutions, network design and support services, and custom website development. With its customer-focused approach and advanced technology, The company streamlines operations by eliminating the need for multiple programs and driving innovation in the real estate industry. DoorLoop DoorLoop is a cloud-based property management software that specializes in real estate software, commercial real estate PMS, and residential property management software. Its solutions offer a range of features, including lease management, rent collection, maintenance requests, accounting, and reporting. With DoorLoop, managers and executives in real estate businesses can easily manage their properties and tenants from a single platform, improving efficiency and streamlining processes. Guesty Guesty is an end-to-end property management solution provider that offers a comprehensive platform for managing short-term rental properties. Its features include multi-calendar management, automated messaging, dynamic pricing, guest communication, and channel management. With Guesty's intuitive and user-friendly dashboard, real estate businesses can easily manage their properties anywhere. Its innovative solutions help businesses stay ahead of the competition, enhance their efficiency, and drive growth in the real estate industry. 4.2 Digital Asset Management Solutions Providers Canto Canto is one of the leading digital asset management solution providers for visual communications to help real estate companies of all sizes. Established in 1990, Canto is one of the digital asset management industry pioneers. 2,500+ customers leverage Canto’s software to organize, find and share videos and images that helps to work faster and build a brand in this evolving digital ecosystem of real estate businesses. Bynder Bynder is a digital asset management solution provider that is a centralized platform for managing all marketing and creative assets. Its features include asset organization and categorization, asset distribution and sharing, digital rights management, and analytics. Its solution enables real estate businesses to streamline their asset management workflows, collaborate more efficiently, as well as reduce the time and resources required to manage their digital assets. Bynder also integrates with other software tools, such as Adobe Creative Cloud, WordPress, and Salesforce, allowing seamless workflow integration. Aprimo Aprimo is a marketing operations platform provider that offers digital asset management, marketing resource management, and campaign management solutions. Businesses will be able to streamline marketing process workflows using the centralized platform. Aprimo's features include digital asset management, workflow automation, project management, budget tracking, and marketing performance analytics. With the company’s centralized platform, real estate businesses can optimize their marketing operations and drive innovation. The platform also enables businesses to collaborate on projects and measure the impact of marketing campaigns, leading to increased efficiency. 4.3 Project Portfolio Management Solutions Providers ClickUp ClickUp is an all-in-one productivity platform that offers a wide range of features, including task management, time tracking, calendars, and project reporting. Enterprises utilize the platform for creating Gantt charts, and tasks, tracking time, and reporting to stay on top of their projects and meet deadlines. The company enables effective project portfolio management, playing a crucial role in real estate asset management by helping businesses streamline their operations, optimize resources, reduce costs, mitigate risks, and drive innovation. Organizations can leverage this solution to ensure the effective delivery of projects, maintain alignment with strategic objectives, and ultimately achieve better outcomes for their real estate assets. Saviom Software Saviom Software provides futuristic resource management and workforce planning solutions that help real estate businesses optimize project portfolio resources, schedules, and budgets. Its solution offers features such as capacity planning, project scheduling, forecasting, and resource allocation, which are crucial for effective real estate asset and project portfolio management. It benefits real estate industry professionals by providing extensive features to improve project delivery times, resource utilization, and cost management. In addition, it enables real estate organizations to enhance team collaboration, automate manual processes, and reduce administrative burdens, leading to greater efficiency and profitability. Octalsoft Octalsoft is a project portfolio management solution provider that offers a comprehensive suite of tools to manage real estate assets efficiently. Its features include project planning, resource management, budgeting, and risk analysis. In addition, its project and portfolio management solution offers robust reporting and analytics capabilities, providing insights into project performance and identifying areas for improvement. By streamlining project management processes, Octalsoft's project and portfolio management solution drives innovation by allowing real estate asset management companies to focus on high-value activities and drive better outcomes. 5. Emerging Data-driven Asset Management Patterns Data-driven asset management is essential in the real estate industry, allowing businesses to optimize efficiency, improve tenant satisfaction, manage risks, and increase asset value and profitability. The emerging data-driven asset management patterns discussed showcase how businesses can leverage technology and data analytics to drive innovation. The variety of solutions offered by project portfolio management, property management, and digital asset management solution providers enable real estate businesses to streamline processes, increase collaboration, and make data-driven decisions. Investing in these solutions will help real estate businesses to remain competitive and achieve long-term success.

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Real Estate Technology

What role do circular economy ideas play in real estate?

Article | July 12, 2022

More than just reducing carbon emissions from building operations will be required to decarbonize cities. As communities commit to ambitious net zero objectives, the most forward-thinking are increasingly thinking about how to better plan building lifecycles, from construction through maintenance and, eventually, destruction. The real estate business generates the most garbage in the world. Construction and demolition trash accounts for around one-third of total garbage in the EU and nearly 40% of solid waste in the US. If cities want to attain a net zero future, this must alter soon. This is why circular economy philosophy, which strives to minimize waste, is gaining traction. It has far-reaching implications for decarbonizing cities because it considers whole-life emissions - the carbon emitted from the production and transportation of goods all the way to their usage and disposal. However, this is only a portion of the solution. For example, in North America and Europe, almost 80% of buildings that will be in use in 2050 already exist today and will fall significantly short of future carbon reduction objectives. However, demolishing an old structure in order to construct a new, greener structure is not a viable strategy. Regulations On the Horizon Incoming rules in large cities are increasingly on developers' minds. By 2030, Amsterdam will have cut its usage of new raw materials in half, on its way to being totally circular by 2050. Los Angeles aims to be the largest city in the United States to reach zero waste by 2025, with a 90% garbage diversion rate, while Melbourne is likewise on a similar path. With Design for Reuse Principles, Paris is paving the path for 50% of building projects to send no trash to landfill by 2030. These urge developers to focus on facilities that can support several purposes over time - residences, workplaces, hotels - without requiring large modifications or improvements. By 2030, 30% of its office stock will be required to be flexible.

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Real Estate Investment, Asset Management

Top 5 Trends in Digital Real Estate Asset Management of 2023

Article | May 25, 2023

Learning the latest trends and strategies in digital real estate asset management will help enhance business. Leveraging digital tools, benefits, and techniques transforms asset management approach. Contents 1. Introduction 2. Five Latest Trends in Digital Real Estate Asset Management 2.1. Cloud-based Real Estate Asset Management 2.2. Blockchain Integration 2.3. Growth of Smart Buildings 2.4. Adoption of Virtual and Augmented Reality 2.5. Expansion of Proptech Ecosystem 3. Why should Businesses Implement Digital Asset Management Trends? 3.1. Improved Customer Experience 3.2. Future-Proofing 3.3. Better Brand Management 3.4. Improved Collaboration 3.5. Cost Savings 4. Conclusion 1. Introduction Keeping abreast with emerging trends and technologies is crucial for success in the ever-changing and dynamic real estate industry. With the proliferation of real estate assets, there is a growing demand for improved organization, storage, and management of digital assets. Digital asset management assists real estate professionals in optimizing workflow, collaboration and improving decision-making abilities while reducing costs and ensuring asset security. Additionally, organizations adopting digital asset management can future-proof their strategies and gain market advantage. The article highlights the significance of digital asset management in real estate and the most recent developments in this field. 2. Five Latest Trends in Digital Real Estate Asset Management Digital Real Estate Asset Management has emerged as a critical component in the management of real estate portfolios. As a result of technological advancements, businesses have access to new tools, platforms, and applications that facilitate automation and streamline asset management activities. With the increasing demand for transparency and efficiency, adopting digital technologies in asset management has become necessary. 2.1. Cloud-based Real Estate Asset Management The real estate industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with more and more businesses moving towards cloud-based platforms for asset management. This shift is driven by the need for increased scalability, flexibility, and accessibility in managing real estate assets. With cloud-based platforms, real estate asset management professionals can now work on properties from anywhere and anytime without being confined to their offices. Cloud-based platforms have simplified asset management by leveraging cloud computing technology to streamline processes and enhance productivity. In addition, leveraging the technology businesses can also provide their clients with better digital asset management solution and faster services, which can help increase customer satisfaction and retention rates. 2.2. Blockchain Integration Blockchain is a secure, decentralized, and transparent ledger system that enables the transfer of assets and data without intermediaries. Integrating blockchain technology into real estate asset management is a trend businesses must follow for digital asset management. However, the siloed nature of digital real estate business networks causes friction and opacity. With blockchain integration, real estate businesses get solutions to tokenize assets, increase process efficiency, reduce costs, and offer global asset distribution, ownership fractionalization, secondary market opportunities, and data accessibility. The integration further benefits in making better investment decisions, portfolio management and improve business position to compete in a rapidly changing digital landscape. 2.3. Growth of Smart Buildings The growth of smart buildings is a prominent trend in digital real estate asset management. Smart buildings utilize IoT devices and sensors to collect data and automate tasks, resulting in improved energy efficiency, cost savings, and enhanced tenant experiences. In addition, it leads to improved occupancy rates and brings in ROI for real estate asset managers. With the potential for greater sustainability and improved tenant satisfaction, implementing smart building technology is rapidly gaining traction among real estate professionals. Furthermore, smart buildings provide real estate asset managers with valuable insights into building performance and tenant needs, enabling them to make data-driven decisions and improve operational efficiency. As a result, the trend toward smart buildings is expected to continue, with real estate asset managers increasingly adopting technologies to stay competitive and maximize overall returns. 2.4. Adoption of Virtual and Augmented Reality The growing demand for augmented and virtual reality in the real estate industry can be attributed to the rapid adoption of advanced technology that has significantly enhanced user experiences, thereby streamlined the buying and selling process. These technologies have created a new reality for architects, builders, sellers, and buyers, ensuring cost-effectiveness, global reach, mobility, visualization of changes, construction management, and profits. Additionally, VR and AR technology facilitate remote property inspections and maintenance, thus reducing costs and saving time. However, implementing VR and AR technology comes with many challenges, including the need for specialized hardware and software and the cost of development and maintenance. Nevertheless, their potential benefits in real estate asset management make it a trend that businesses should consider implementing to remain competitive. 2.5. Expansion of Proptech Ecosystem The rapid advancements and widespread adoption of technology have fundamentally changed people's lives and work habits, influencing their expectations for living and workspaces. As a sector that touches every aspect of daily life, the real estate industry is well-positioned to engage in cross-industry integration with sectors such as finance, medicine, education, and healthcare. The concept of prop-tech explored in this report encompasses two dimensions. The first dimension is digitalizing the real estate ecosystem, which includes digitizing business activities from land acquisition and development to real estate transactions and property asset management services. The trends in user space requirements need flexible space selection, user-experience-tailored space, cutting-edge information practices, innovative exposure, and customized solutions that are closely connected to people. 3.Why should Businesses Implement Digital Asset Management Trends? As technology revolutionizes every industry, staying up-to-date with the latest trends is crucial to achieve success. Similarly, implementing digital asset management trends is about staying relevant, competitive, innovative and meeting the demands of a modern and tech-savvy customer segment. 3.1. Improved Customer Experience Adopting digital asset management trends in real estate can significantly improve customer experience. Businesses must offer fast and easy access to their assets, resulting in faster decision-making and increased satisfaction. Enhanced search capabilities make it easier for customers to find what they need, while personalized content based on their preferences and past interactions leads to better engagement and satisfaction. A user-centric approach helps businesses tailor their digital assets to meet customers' unique needs and expectations, improving customer loyalty and increasing revenue. 3.2. Future-Proofing In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, it is critical for companies in the real estate industry to remain agile and adaptable to stay relevant and competitive. By implementing digital asset management trends, businesses can future-proof their operations and ensure their longevity in the market. It means staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and continuously adapting to meet changing consumer demands. In addition, digital asset management allows for greater flexibility and scalability in business operations, providing a strong foundation for growth and expansion. 3.3. Better Brand Management Digital asset management can considerably improve brand management in the real estate industry. By providing a central repository of brand assets such as logos, images, and marketing materials, businesses can maintain consistency across different platforms and avoid inconsistencies in branding. In addition, with easy access to the latest version of assets, all organization members can ensure that the correct branding materials are being used. It further helps businesses maintain a strong brand identity and avoid confusion or misrepresentation of their brand. 3.4. Improved Collaboration With a central location for teams to access and share files, digital asset management trends help streamline the process, workflows and facilitate collaboration within teams. In addition, collaborative tools like version control and commenting features allow team members to work together more efficiently and effectively while ensuring accessibility to real-time information. With digital asset management, businesses can enhance team collaboration, improve project outcomes, increase innovation, and better business results. 3.5. Cost Savings Businesses in a highly competitive market continually look for ways to improve efficiency and cost cutting. Therefore, adopting digital asset management trends can be highly beneficial, as it provides a more effective and economical means of managing and disseminating digital assets. In addition, business processes can be streamlined, identical tasks are eliminated, and unnecessary third-party solutions can be avoided with the help of a centralized digital asset management system. Moreover, digital asset management can improve security by providing controlled access to assets and reducing the risk of unauthorized use or distribution. 4. Conclusion Digital real estate asset management trends help occupy better physical asset value through digital transformations, data analytics, and operational efficiencies. Traditional real estate companies are challenged to think like digital or technology-based asset management companies that help link service delivery and value to revenue. With the potential growth of digital asset management for real estate businesses, it is time for companies to shift from just space providers to service partners and tenant providers. Adopting software solutions and new trends in real estate asset management offers many benefits, including improved customer experience, future-proofing, digital transformation, better brand management, collaboration, and cost savings. In addition, integrating technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain can further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of digital asset management.

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Real Estate Technology

The modern homebuyer's checklist that is reaping the rewards of COVID-19 real estate

Article | December 23, 2020

Florida’s real estate market is on the up amidst a COVID-driven boom. But, as homebuyers flock to the Sunshine State, they are bringing with them a checklist that consists of more than just sun, shores and southern fun. In recent months, there has been an average of 1,000 people moving to Florida each day, resulting in more than a 50% increase in home sales in some parts of the state. Alistair Brown, CEO of Alistair Brown International Real Estate (ABIRE), an international real estate sales and marketing company that has particular expertise in the Florida market, explains the cause of the boom. “The pandemic has shifted behaviors and ways of life in more ways than one and, as a result, our living arrangements have had to adapt. “For example, the rise in remote working, restrictions on leisure activities and social distancing guidelines have all caused a spike in demand for homes that are outside of crowded cities, have more space and COVID-safe amenities on offer. Many of Florida’s high-end houses provide just that.” The migration has been particularly popular among families who, pre-COVID, resided in densely populated cites. But, with virus risks significantly higher in these areas and a threat of future outbreaks still looming, a rural escape seems to make perfect sense. But, while some favor a permanent move to the state, a vacation home is an attractive investment opportunity for others – whether that is for domestic getaways, as travel restrictions remain in place, or a sense of home comfort, as you enjoy an extended stay with self-isolation periods. However, no matter what the reason may be, the root motivating factor is an interesting one, and one that Alistair believes has inspired a new list of requirements among home buyers. “The pandemic has caused people to re-evaluate the way they were living. We all have visions and desires for how we want our lives to play out and at no point have these been more magnified than during the virus outbreak. “While the threat to our health and livelihoods has been worrying, the thought of a life with unfulfilled aspirations, confinement and heightened risk has become another significant concern. “Many have accepted that the virus is not going away any time soon and the chances of returning to what we knew as normalcy are slim. So, rather than living a life of regret, it is time to adapt and fulfil those wishes while we still can, as well as inspire new ones in the wake of our current reality.” But what exactly do these new desires entail? Well, Alistair explains they have a lot to do with the architectural design of homes. Space “For those who experienced lockdown restrictions in confined living spaces, particularly in populated cities, the need for a home with room will be stronger than ever. “Home buyers will be looking at the size and space available in specific areas of the house. For example, kitchens will need to have ample room to cater for an increase in cooking at home, as well as a dining area that is fit for the whole family. “Outside space will also become a priority. Whether that is a private backyard, decking area or a communal garden, families will be looking for homes with outdoor living spaces in which they can enjoy the Sunshine State to its fullest, no matter what COVID-restrictions are in force.” Purpose-built rooms “One of the biggest enabling factors of the migration trend is the rise in working from home. While this was a requirement during the peak of the pandemic, many companies and employees will choose to make the switch permanent. “Consequently, home buyers will be seeking properties with purpose-built home office spaces. These will also need to be spacious rooms that can accommodate everything from desks, filing cabinets and high-speed connectivity. “Home offices need to be areas that can be closed off from the rest of the house. Not only does this provide privacy and minimize distractions when working, it also allows people to properly switch off after a long day. “Balancing both home and work life can become incredibly difficult, especially when both are contained by the same four walls, so homes that allow for the separation of the two will be favored much more.” Sustainable living “An incidental effect of the pandemic has been the reduced environmental impact of our restricted movement and new, minimalist lifestyles. Having recognized this, many will be seeking ways to continue going about their lives with greater awareness of their actions. “At home, this will include things, such as efficient energy usage or growing their own food. Of course, this will require homes to have modern heating, plumbing and electricity systems in place, as well as gardens in which fruit and vegetables can be grown.” Cleanliness “While it would be wrong to assume people were living in unclean conditions prior to the pandemic, the threat of the virus’ long-lasting existence on surfaces has only heightened people’s hygiene concerns. “Therefore, homes that can be easily cleaned, or better, self-cleaned, will be more sought after than those in which risk prevails. Take for example, voice activated technology that can turn lights on and off or stop-start electrical appliances, without the need for manual intervention. And, while air conditioning units are a common feature of Floridian properties, they can be updated with smart technology solutions, such as those provided by RespirTech. “As well as cooling the home, the new system will be constantly cleaning the air and surfaces using photocatalytic technology, which emits small parts of hydrogen peroxide. Such equipment will be increasingly at the forefront of consumer’s minds, as they seek to minimise physical interaction with products and systems.” Entertainment “With risks and restrictions remaining in place at many entertainment venues, leisure facilities at home are becoming a must. This may include bar areas, private swimming pools and home gyms to name but a few. “While community amenities are still important in fulfilling our innate need for social contact, buyers are seeking properties which have more on offer at home than out. “As well as protecting them against any of the risks associated with shared facilities, more home entertainment options will ensure any quarantine periods or future lockdowns cause little disruption to people’s daily routines. “Ultimately, post-COVID living will focus more on maximizing comfort while minimizing the potential impact of any future chaos. And, like most things in life, that starts at home.” Ends -- Notes to editors About Alistair Brown International Real Estate Alistair Brown International Real Estate (ABIRE) is a boutique real estate consultancy and creative agency that brings together the most distinguished properties from around the globe. Offering a diverse portfolio focused exclusively on the world’s most desirable locations, its specialist team is committed to providing nothing but the very best in high-end property. Under the direction of founder Alistair Brown – who has more than thirty years’ worth of experience in the sector – the firm has attracted some of the finest real estate professionals in the business today. Laying a primary focus on Florida and the Caribbean, ABIRE has acquired an in-depth knowledge of the real estate market in each of these areas. Successfully navigating the complexities of premium real estate through creative thinking, worldwide networking and a distinct marketing approach, ABIRE’s longevity in the industry is a direct result of its ability to exceed the expectations of its clientele.

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Spotlight

Warfel Construction Company

Established in 1911, Warfel Construction Company provides strategic construction solutions to clients throughout the mid-Atlantic states. We are an innovative and dynamic company that specializes in building for educational, senior care, health care, corporate and hospitality clients.

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Real Estate Technology

SmartRent Launches Alloy SmartHome Hub+

Business Wire | January 25, 2024

SmartRent, Inc., the leading provider of smart home and property operations solutions for the rental housing industry, today announced the launch of Alloy SmartHome Hub+, the Company’s first thermostat with an integrated smart hub device developed under its Alloy SmartHome hardware brand. This innovative product, one of few on the market that integrates a thermostat with a smart hub device, operates on Z-Wave protocol and has less hardware to install and maintain. In addition to the built-in thermostat technology, Alloy SmartHome Hub+ establishes a single interface to control connected smart home devices, enabling users to turn off multiple lights in a home at once, remotely lock and unlock doors, receive alerts and automatically notify maintenance when a sensor detects a leak. “Alloy SmartHome Hub+, a device years in the making, is our latest solution that paves the way for the next generation of smarter living and working in rental housing,” said SmartRent CEO Lucas Haldeman. “Designed with our customers’ needs in mind, and inclusive of the feedback they’ve shared about the desire for less hardware, Alloy SmartHome Hub+ delivers sophistication and convenience, all while driving rent growth. Feedback from our beta pilot has been positive, and customer interest indicates eager demand to deploy this solution at scale. We are proud to bring Alloy SmartHome Hub+ to the market at large and to continue eliminating obstacles and easing implementation in the industry.” This high-value yet economical device builds upon existing SmartRent technologies by consolidating the hub hardware within a smart thermostat, which streamlines procurement, expedites installation and IoT setup. Alloy SmartHome Hub+ can be configured and paired with most HVAC systems and is compatible with smart locks, smart lights, leak sensors and other Z-Wave devices. About SmartRent Founded in 2017, SmartRent, Inc. is a leading provider of smart home and smart property solutions for the multifamily industry. The company’s unmatched platform, comprised of smart hardware and cloud-based SaaS solutions, gives operators seamless visibility and control over real estate assets, empowering them to simplify operations, automate workflows, benefit from additional revenue opportunities and deliver exceptional site team and resident experiences. SmartRent serves 15 of the top 20 multifamily owners and operators, and its solutions enable millions of users to live smarter every day.

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Real Estate Technology

EVORA Global Announces Acquisition of Metry

Business Wire | January 25, 2024

EVORA Global, a leading provider of tech-enabled sustainability solutions to the real asset industry, today announces its strategic acquisition of Metry, Europe’s number one platform for environmental data collection. The move will establish new standards in data excellence and technological innovation, delivering comprehensive data solutions for the global real estate and infrastructure investment industry. The acquisition signifies an improved level of data automation and quality for EVORA’s clients, achieved through direct connections to fiscal meters and hubs. This approach eliminates data gaps and reinforces the overall reliability of information provided into their analytics and content management platform, SIERA. EVORA's dedication to data quality and validation underscores the company's commitment to ensuring that all sustainability data is analytics-ready, combining external data sources with EVORA's expertise in regulations and carbon accounting, whilst simultaneously upholding the highest standards in the industry. Metry's customers will gain access to EVORA's expertise in setting strategy and implementing net-zero carbon initiatives in their real asset portfolios, broadening the value proposition available to them. This collaborative expertise - integrating human insights with advanced technology - is a testament to the forward-thinking approach of both companies. "We are thrilled to welcome Metry into the EVORA family," said Pradeep Menon, EVORA Global CEO. "This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone in our journey to empower real asset investors with the tools and data needed to drive sustainable practices in the built environment. It will enable us to offer unparalleled services to our clients, solving for the climate challenge.” “This the perfect match,” said Magnus Hornef, Metry CEO and co-founder, who will be joining EVORA’s Executive Committee as Chief Data Officer. “We are enabling each other to make a bigger impact faster and I’m really excited about expanding our data collection capabilities to all of EVORA’s customers. It is a giant leap towards connecting every building with reliable data and automated collection.” About EVORA Global: EVORA Global is a premier sustainability advisor, providing comprehensive, industry-leading climate solutions for real asset investors. With over a decade of experience, EVORA is dedicated to addressing the climate challenge posed by the real asset industry, focusing on the needs of investors in the built environment. Its clients include many of the biggest names in global real estate, including Invesco Real Estate, Hines and M&G. Founded in 2011, the company now has over 200 staff and 150 clients. About Metry: Metry is the #1 platform for environmental data collection in Europe, with a primary focus on energy data. With over a decade of expertise, Metry empowers companies to develop and use energy-saving technologies and IoT solutions, contributing to real change for the environment. Currently serving over 200 companies in more than 10 countries, Metry is actively expanding internationally to offer full data collection coverage in Europe.

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Real Estate Technology

Cushman & Wakefield Collaborates with Microsoft to Enhance AI Technology Platform

Business Wire | January 25, 2024

Cushman & Wakefield, a global leader in real estate services, today announced the firm is working with Microsoft to deploy an advanced suite of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. “We are committed to seamlessly integrating our people with the right technology and processes to enhance service offerings to our clients. Today’s launch of the use of Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service and Copilot for Microsoft 365 at Cushman & Wakefield again demonstrates our ability to pair robust technologies with market intelligence and expertise,” said Salumeh Companieh, Chief Information & Data Officer, Cushman & Wakefield. Since 2018, Cushman & Wakefield has been focused on aligning business, data, and operations. Results to date range from an 80% material reduction in operational cycle time, to a reduction of client supply chain costs via proprietary supply chain network optimization capabilities. Azure OpenAI Service Azure OpenAI Service is a cloud-based generative AI solution that offers customers a range of capabilities, including access to cutting-edge AI models, backed by the power of Azure. With Azure OpenAI Service, Cushman & Wakefield can benefit from the power of cloud computing, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to deliver innovative solutions for its clients and stakeholders. Azure OpenAI Service enables Cushman & Wakefield to create custom copilots that can enhance customer experience, improve operational efficiency, and increase competitive advantage. The platform enables developers to build, deploy, and manage AI solutions for various scenarios and domains. Some of the features of Azure OpenAI Service include machine learning, cognitive services, bot framework, computer vision, natural language processing, speech recognition and more. Microsoft Technology Centers Microsoft Technology Centers are facilities that provide immersive experiences and deep technical engagements in 50+ locations around the world. Microsoft Technology Center architects collaborate with academic, industry, and government partners to advance the state of the art in AI and create positive impact for society. The Microsoft Technology Center is providing Cushman & Wakefield with access to cutting-edge research, tools, and top specialists from Microsoft and its partners to develop powerful and adaptable applications that use AI features. It is also providing insight into various areas and problems that need AI solutions, with learning and improvement through feedback and advice. Copilot for Microsoft 365 Copilot for Microsoft 365 brings the power of next-generation AI, grounded in the user and company’s data, to Microsoft’s workplace productivity tools like Teams and Outlook and Word. It works alongside users to provide suggestions, summaries, generate, analyze and explore content and data across documents, presentations, spreadsheets, notes, chats, email, meetings, and more. Ensuring the safety and security of interactions with Generative AI is a crucial value driver for Cushman & Wakefield. Copilot for Microsoft 365 offers a high level of security for how the firm leverages GPT models, providing confidence that data is not exposed for training and does not leave the company’s ecosystem, thus safeguarding confidential information. “With this next generation of AI, we have a unique opportunity to accelerate innovation at Cushman & Wakefield and across commercial real estate,” said Laura Craig, General Manager, Data & AI, Microsoft. “We’re collaborating with Cushman & Wakefield to bring together AI advances that benefit from Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service and Copilot for Microsoft 365 to empower the firm’s professionals with new, AI-powered tools.” About Cushman & Wakefield Cushman & Wakefield is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 52,000 employees in approximately 400 offices and 60 countries. In 2022, the firm reported revenue of $10.1 billion across its core services of property, facilities and project management, leasing, capital markets, and valuation and other services. It also receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture and commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and more.

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Real Estate Technology

SmartRent Launches Alloy SmartHome Hub+

Business Wire | January 25, 2024

SmartRent, Inc., the leading provider of smart home and property operations solutions for the rental housing industry, today announced the launch of Alloy SmartHome Hub+, the Company’s first thermostat with an integrated smart hub device developed under its Alloy SmartHome hardware brand. This innovative product, one of few on the market that integrates a thermostat with a smart hub device, operates on Z-Wave protocol and has less hardware to install and maintain. In addition to the built-in thermostat technology, Alloy SmartHome Hub+ establishes a single interface to control connected smart home devices, enabling users to turn off multiple lights in a home at once, remotely lock and unlock doors, receive alerts and automatically notify maintenance when a sensor detects a leak. “Alloy SmartHome Hub+, a device years in the making, is our latest solution that paves the way for the next generation of smarter living and working in rental housing,” said SmartRent CEO Lucas Haldeman. “Designed with our customers’ needs in mind, and inclusive of the feedback they’ve shared about the desire for less hardware, Alloy SmartHome Hub+ delivers sophistication and convenience, all while driving rent growth. Feedback from our beta pilot has been positive, and customer interest indicates eager demand to deploy this solution at scale. We are proud to bring Alloy SmartHome Hub+ to the market at large and to continue eliminating obstacles and easing implementation in the industry.” This high-value yet economical device builds upon existing SmartRent technologies by consolidating the hub hardware within a smart thermostat, which streamlines procurement, expedites installation and IoT setup. Alloy SmartHome Hub+ can be configured and paired with most HVAC systems and is compatible with smart locks, smart lights, leak sensors and other Z-Wave devices. About SmartRent Founded in 2017, SmartRent, Inc. is a leading provider of smart home and smart property solutions for the multifamily industry. The company’s unmatched platform, comprised of smart hardware and cloud-based SaaS solutions, gives operators seamless visibility and control over real estate assets, empowering them to simplify operations, automate workflows, benefit from additional revenue opportunities and deliver exceptional site team and resident experiences. SmartRent serves 15 of the top 20 multifamily owners and operators, and its solutions enable millions of users to live smarter every day.

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Real Estate Technology

EVORA Global Announces Acquisition of Metry

Business Wire | January 25, 2024

EVORA Global, a leading provider of tech-enabled sustainability solutions to the real asset industry, today announces its strategic acquisition of Metry, Europe’s number one platform for environmental data collection. The move will establish new standards in data excellence and technological innovation, delivering comprehensive data solutions for the global real estate and infrastructure investment industry. The acquisition signifies an improved level of data automation and quality for EVORA’s clients, achieved through direct connections to fiscal meters and hubs. This approach eliminates data gaps and reinforces the overall reliability of information provided into their analytics and content management platform, SIERA. EVORA's dedication to data quality and validation underscores the company's commitment to ensuring that all sustainability data is analytics-ready, combining external data sources with EVORA's expertise in regulations and carbon accounting, whilst simultaneously upholding the highest standards in the industry. Metry's customers will gain access to EVORA's expertise in setting strategy and implementing net-zero carbon initiatives in their real asset portfolios, broadening the value proposition available to them. This collaborative expertise - integrating human insights with advanced technology - is a testament to the forward-thinking approach of both companies. "We are thrilled to welcome Metry into the EVORA family," said Pradeep Menon, EVORA Global CEO. "This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone in our journey to empower real asset investors with the tools and data needed to drive sustainable practices in the built environment. It will enable us to offer unparalleled services to our clients, solving for the climate challenge.” “This the perfect match,” said Magnus Hornef, Metry CEO and co-founder, who will be joining EVORA’s Executive Committee as Chief Data Officer. “We are enabling each other to make a bigger impact faster and I’m really excited about expanding our data collection capabilities to all of EVORA’s customers. It is a giant leap towards connecting every building with reliable data and automated collection.” About EVORA Global: EVORA Global is a premier sustainability advisor, providing comprehensive, industry-leading climate solutions for real asset investors. With over a decade of experience, EVORA is dedicated to addressing the climate challenge posed by the real asset industry, focusing on the needs of investors in the built environment. Its clients include many of the biggest names in global real estate, including Invesco Real Estate, Hines and M&G. Founded in 2011, the company now has over 200 staff and 150 clients. About Metry: Metry is the #1 platform for environmental data collection in Europe, with a primary focus on energy data. With over a decade of expertise, Metry empowers companies to develop and use energy-saving technologies and IoT solutions, contributing to real change for the environment. Currently serving over 200 companies in more than 10 countries, Metry is actively expanding internationally to offer full data collection coverage in Europe.

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Real Estate Technology

Cushman & Wakefield Collaborates with Microsoft to Enhance AI Technology Platform

Business Wire | January 25, 2024

Cushman & Wakefield, a global leader in real estate services, today announced the firm is working with Microsoft to deploy an advanced suite of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. “We are committed to seamlessly integrating our people with the right technology and processes to enhance service offerings to our clients. Today’s launch of the use of Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service and Copilot for Microsoft 365 at Cushman & Wakefield again demonstrates our ability to pair robust technologies with market intelligence and expertise,” said Salumeh Companieh, Chief Information & Data Officer, Cushman & Wakefield. Since 2018, Cushman & Wakefield has been focused on aligning business, data, and operations. Results to date range from an 80% material reduction in operational cycle time, to a reduction of client supply chain costs via proprietary supply chain network optimization capabilities. Azure OpenAI Service Azure OpenAI Service is a cloud-based generative AI solution that offers customers a range of capabilities, including access to cutting-edge AI models, backed by the power of Azure. With Azure OpenAI Service, Cushman & Wakefield can benefit from the power of cloud computing, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to deliver innovative solutions for its clients and stakeholders. Azure OpenAI Service enables Cushman & Wakefield to create custom copilots that can enhance customer experience, improve operational efficiency, and increase competitive advantage. The platform enables developers to build, deploy, and manage AI solutions for various scenarios and domains. Some of the features of Azure OpenAI Service include machine learning, cognitive services, bot framework, computer vision, natural language processing, speech recognition and more. Microsoft Technology Centers Microsoft Technology Centers are facilities that provide immersive experiences and deep technical engagements in 50+ locations around the world. Microsoft Technology Center architects collaborate with academic, industry, and government partners to advance the state of the art in AI and create positive impact for society. The Microsoft Technology Center is providing Cushman & Wakefield with access to cutting-edge research, tools, and top specialists from Microsoft and its partners to develop powerful and adaptable applications that use AI features. It is also providing insight into various areas and problems that need AI solutions, with learning and improvement through feedback and advice. Copilot for Microsoft 365 Copilot for Microsoft 365 brings the power of next-generation AI, grounded in the user and company’s data, to Microsoft’s workplace productivity tools like Teams and Outlook and Word. It works alongside users to provide suggestions, summaries, generate, analyze and explore content and data across documents, presentations, spreadsheets, notes, chats, email, meetings, and more. Ensuring the safety and security of interactions with Generative AI is a crucial value driver for Cushman & Wakefield. Copilot for Microsoft 365 offers a high level of security for how the firm leverages GPT models, providing confidence that data is not exposed for training and does not leave the company’s ecosystem, thus safeguarding confidential information. “With this next generation of AI, we have a unique opportunity to accelerate innovation at Cushman & Wakefield and across commercial real estate,” said Laura Craig, General Manager, Data & AI, Microsoft. “We’re collaborating with Cushman & Wakefield to bring together AI advances that benefit from Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service and Copilot for Microsoft 365 to empower the firm’s professionals with new, AI-powered tools.” About Cushman & Wakefield Cushman & Wakefield is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 52,000 employees in approximately 400 offices and 60 countries. In 2022, the firm reported revenue of $10.1 billion across its core services of property, facilities and project management, leasing, capital markets, and valuation and other services. It also receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture and commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and more.

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