Part 1: Why Your AI Assistant Only Gets Better With You
To those in the know, professionals who aren’t embracing AI and LLMs (large language models) may soon find themselves left in the proverbial internet ether. The good news? Incorporating AI into your workflow is a lot easier than you might think.
In this three-part series, we’ll explore what AI can do, how to incorporate it into your day-to-day CRE tasks—and, just for fun, how it can even whip up a gourmet dinner using whatever you’ve got in your fridge. (Yep, it can do that, too.)
Getting Started
From ChatGPT to Claude, Copilot to Gemini, there are dozens of AI tools at your fingertips. Start with a free version to test the waters. If you want more robust features, upgrade to a paid version. Platforms like ChatGPT (Plus plan and above) offer memory capabilities that recall previous conversations, making each new interaction feel like a seamless continuation.
The Art of Prompting
Talking to AI is more than just asking it a question. To get the most relevant and useful answers, include context and specificity. Avoid fluff, but don’t skimp on details. A great prompt starts by telling the AI what role it should play, followed by a clear question and relevant facts.
Example Prompt:
You are an award-winning chef. I need recipe ideas for dinner. In addition to the basic household ingredients, I have an onion, a bag of broccoli, and some leftovers from last night (a rotisserie chicken). Please help me create a recipe for two people. My wife is craving Thai food.
Response:
Absolutely—let’s elevate your leftovers into something worthy of a five-star Thai bistro.
Thai-Inspired Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry for Two
Ingredients:
1 tbsp neutral oil · 1/2 onion, thinly sliced · 2 cups broccoli florets · 1.5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken · 2 cloves garlic · 1 tsp grated ginger · 2 tbsp soy sauce · 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional) · 1 tbsp brown sugar · 1 tbsp lime juice · 1/2 tsp chili flakes · 1 tbsp peanut butter (optional) · Jasmine rice or noodles · Cilantro & peanuts (for garnish)
Instructions:
Sauté onion, garlic, and broccoli. Add chicken and sauce. Stir until heated through. Serve over rice. Garnish.
✨ Result: A Thai-style dinner in minutes—tailored from your fridge.
Be Polite, Get Precision
Think of AI as your virtual assistant; it mirrors your tone. It doesn’t just respond to what you ask, it responds to how you ask it. Tone, clarity, and curiosity all impact the outcome.
Prompt 1 (Cold & Abrupt):
Explain how AI is useful in CRE. Be concise.
Response:
AI in CRE streamlines site selection, predicts ROI, automates lease processing, and enhances risk analysis. It reduces time spent on research, increases accuracy, and supports data-driven decisions in development, investment, and property management.
Prompt 2 (Kind & Curious):
Hi there! I’m curious. Can you help me understand why AI is so useful in the commercial real estate industry? I’m trying to learn more and would love a clear example if you have one. Thanks!
Response:
Absolutely! I’d be happy to explain. AI is incredibly useful in CRE because it helps professionals make faster, smarter decisions by analyzing large volumes of data—things like property values, market trends, zoning, and even foot traffic patterns. For example, AI can predict which neighborhoods are likely to grow based on historical data and local economic signals. That gives brokers and investors a powerful edge. Plus, AI tools like lease abstraction bots save hours by summarizing complex documents instantly. It’s like having a data analyst and legal assistant rolled into one.
The Bottom Line
AI isn’t replacing your expertise, it’s amplifying it. For CRE professionals, it’s the modern toolkit for everything from site selection to market analysis to client communication. The better you prompt, the smarter it becomes. Whether you're optimizing your daily workflow or impressing clients with lightning-fast insights, using AI thoughtfully will give you a lasting edge.
👉 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we explore how AI is saving CRE professionals time and money through automation, from lease abstraction to zoning compliance.