Spencer Burton, CEO and co-founder of CRE Agents, joins us to explore how AI is transforming the way CRE professionals work. From eliminating repetitive tasks to enabling smarter, faster decision-making, Spencer shares how digital coworkers are already creating a multiplier effect for their human counterparts across the industry.

In conversation with our host, Omar Eltorai, they discuss strategies for adopting AI without overhauling your entire operation, and why building reflexive AI usage habits now will give both professionals and firms an edge in the years ahead.

Tune in if you’re looking to work smarter, move faster, and stay competitive.

Key Takeaways:



00:46 Spencer Burton's background

02:12 Automation and efficiency in commercial real estate

04:38 Founding of CRE Agents

06:49 Building a digital coworker

09:32 The role of AI in commercial real estate

17:56 The technical bench strength behind CRE Agents

19:41 Challenges and future of CRE technology

23:12 The AI multiplier effect

32:07 Zero friction adoption for AI in CRE

34:42 Advice for industry professionals

Resources Mentioned:

Spencer Burton

https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerburton/

CRE Agents | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/creagents/

CRE Agents | Website

https://www.creagents.com/

Email us -

altusresearch@altusgroup.com

Thanks for listening to the “CRE Exchange” podcast, powered by Altus Group. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#CRE #CommercialRealEstate #Property

From interest rate volatility and sector-specific repricing to evolving strategies across construction lending and senior housing, Justin Pinckney, Head of Private Debt at AEW, offers a tactical lens on balancing risk and opportunity in today’s CRE debt market. Together with our host, Omar Eltorai, they also explore the case for standardized valuation benchmarks, results and findings from Altus Group's Q1 2025 Debt Capital Markets Survey, and how AEW is positioning itself for the next phase of the cycle.

Tune in for Justin’s engaging and data-driven perspectives on lending and underwriting strategies in 2025’s US CRE environment.

Key Moments:

01:52 Justin Pinckney's career journey

04:41 Role at AEW and credit platform

06:37 Market trends and strategies

13:40 Senior housing opportunities

17:13 CRE debt market analysis

25:54 Private credit and portfolio construction

31:00 Bank and non-bank lenders

33:59 Future of CRE lending

Resources Mentioned:

AEW – https://www.aew.com/

Searching for gold: Strategies for navigating debt opportunities in uncertain times - https://www.aew.com/research/searching-for-gold

Altus Group’s Debt Capital Markets Survey - For more information about the survey findings or to participate in future surveys, please reach out to the team at AltusResearch@altusgroup.com

Email us - altusresearch@altusgroup.com

Thanks for listening to the “CRE Exchange” podcast, powered by Altus Group. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#CRE #CommercialRealEstate #Property

Christine Mastandrea, President and COO of Whitestone REIT, shares how a community-first mindset can drive long-term value in commercial real estate. From tailoring retail environments to local culture, to acknowledging and leveraging psychographics and generational shifts, Christine lays out Whitestone’s strategy of turning shopping centers into vibrant and diverse hubs for community.

We explore how retail spaces can serve as the “living rooms” of their neighborhoods, and why flexible, experience-driven developments are key to succeeding in today’s constantly changing landscape.

Tune in to better understand the value of building resilience and relevance into a retail property investment.

Key Moments:

01:07 Meet Christine Mastandrea: Background and early Career

03:36 The rise of REITs

05:00 Teaching experience and generational Insights

06:32 Christine's role at Whitestone REIT

08:14 Strategic decisions and market focus

11:55 Whitestone's IPO journey

14:41 Wearing a lot of hats at Whitestone

19:51 COVID-19 response and adaptation

26:09 Entrepreneurial mindset and growth of the “small business”

28:45 Impact of high Interest rates and inflation

31:10 Generational shifts in consumer behavior

36:36 The role of retail in community building

42:44 Challenges and opportunities in retail development

49:03 Advice for breaking into the CRE industry

50:45 Redefining retail for the future

Resources Mentioned:

Whitestone REIT - https://www.whitestonereit.com/

ESRI – https://www.esri.com/en-us/home

Placer.AI - https://www.placer.ai/

Email us - altusresearch@altusgroup.com

Thanks for listening to the “CRE Exchange” podcast, powered by Altus Group. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

#CRE #CommercialRealEstate #Property