Commercial real estate is undergoing a rapid shift away from decades-old manual processes toward sophisticated digital platforms. While the industry has long lagged behind the residential sector in technology adoption, that gap is closing at an unprecedented pace as firms face mounting pressure to modernize.
James Huang, Managing Director of Commercial Real Estate at RESAAS Services Inc., has witnessed this evolution firsthand over his 30-year career. From the era of fax machines and paper contracts to today’s AI-driven tools, Huang’s background — spanning biochemistry, finance, and the founding of BRC Advisors, a Southern California brokerage that grew to 180 agents and $2 billion in sales — offers a window into how technology is reshaping the business.
Technology And Real Estate
The speed of technological advancement in commercial real estate has accelerated sharply over the past decade. In the 1990s, most firms operated without websites, and transactions relied on physical paperwork and fax machines. “When I first started in the 90s, the internet was just emerging. Most companies didn’t even have a website. Everything was manual and paper-driven,” Huang recalls.
Today, the landscape is dominated by artificial intelligence, integrated data platforms, and global connectivity. Companies are increasingly protective of their data, recognizing it as a critical asset. “Everyone now is closing their databases. They’re putting a wall around their data. The bigger the company, the more control over data,” Huang explains. Data has become central to deal-making, risk assessment, and client management.
NAR Rule Changes Fuel Platform Growth
Recent changes to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) regulations have created new openings for technology platforms. RESAAS, which previously served about 500,000 agents, saw its user base double after NAR restricted the display of commissions and pre-marketing of properties on the MLS. “We doubled because of the NAR ruling… a lot of the technology allowed us to scale and grow quickly,” Huang notes.
These regulatory shifts have underscored the value of alternative platforms that allow agents to pre-market listings and share data outside traditional MLS systems. This is especially relevant for agents who handle both residential and commercial deals — a group that accounts for about one-third of residential agents.
The Shrinking Technology Gap
Commercial real estate has traditionally trailed residential in technology by nearly a decade. But according to Huang, this lag is narrowing. “Time compression is happening faster across all industries,” he says.
One reason: the success of consumer-facing platforms in residential real estate has raised expectations for user experience and immediate data access. Huang compares this to the early days of Amazon, when buyers were unsure if an online purchase would actually be delivered. “I bought the cheapest book I could find on Amazon. It arrived three weeks later,” he recalls. In the same way, commercial real estate professionals are now adapting to platforms that promise greater transparency and efficiency.
AI And the Workforce
The adoption of artificial intelligence is changing how commercial real estate firms operate and staff their teams. Huang has observed significant reductions in headcount at technology companies in his portfolio, as AI automates much of the work previously handled by entry-level and middle management employees. “AI’s integration is replacing a lot of entry-level or middle management. Senior or technical people oversee the dashboard and correct people’s work,” he says.
Rather than eliminating jobs, AI is shifting the mix of roles. Firms now need fewer staff in routine positions and more employees with technical and analytical skills. “You need smart technical people to oversee now 10, 20, 100 people — lawyers, CPAs, engineers. It’s crazy what AI can do,” Huang observes.
For commercial real estate professionals, this means technology skills are no longer optional. Those who can use AI tools while maintaining strong client relationships and market knowledge are best positioned for long-term success.
Building Global Platforms
The technological overhaul is not limited to the U.S. market. Huang’s work with Renaissance, a global network company, shows how new platforms are enabling international collaboration in commercial real estate. “We globally tie technology to the world, not just brokerage, but services and other industries,” he explains.
This global connectivity is especially valuable for cross-border investment and development projects, which require coordination across markets and regulatory systems. Integrated technology platforms enable real-time sharing of leads, referrals, and market intelligence — capabilities that were previously out of reach with manual processes.
Who Owns the Data?
As more technology platforms emerge, the question of data ownership has become a central concern. Companies are increasingly protective of their data, adding new disclosures and restrictions to safeguard their information. “Everyone now is putting these weird disclosures — this data is mine. You can’t use it without my permission. Data is powerful information now,” Huang says.
This trend toward data silos can make it harder for professionals to access a comprehensive view of the market. At the same time, it creates opportunities for platforms that can aggregate high-quality, verified data and offer it to paying clients.
Human Relationships Still Matter
Despite rapid technological advancement, Huang stresses that commercial real estate remains a relationship-driven business. “AI doesn’t give you trust or credibility. People do, because they’ll see you on LinkedIn, they’ll see you on social media,” he says.
While technology can automate tasks and improve analysis, successful deals still depend on trust, negotiation skills, and local knowledge. The industry’s complexity and high dollar values mean that personal relationships and reputation are still essential.
A Generational Balancing Act
The industry faces a generational divide: younger professionals are fluent in technology but lack experience and established networks. At the same time, veteran brokers have deep connections but may be slower to adopt new tools. “The younger generation understands tech; they want to do this business, but they can never get their foot in. The old timers have all the experience and branding,” Huang observes.
The most successful firms are those that bridge this gap, pairing tech-savvy newcomers with seasoned professionals to blend innovation with experience.
The Next Frontier
Looking forward, the future of commercial real estate technology is increasingly global. Huang’s organization is targeting international markets where modern real estate technology infrastructure is still lacking. He expects to bring 30,000 to 40,000 agents onto RESAAS platforms in countries without an MLS or integrated communication systems. “In different countries, they actually do not have an MLS or a communication system tech. We do, and our partners are some of the largest global leaders in tech,” he explains.
These platforms are designed to handle the complexity of cross-border transactions, adapting to different regulatory environments and market norms. For professionals, this opens new avenues for collaboration and deal-making beyond traditional geographic boundaries.
What’s Next
The shift from manual processes to digital platforms is more than an upgrade — it’s changing how commercial real estate operates at every level. Technology is enabling new business models, redefining jobs, and connecting markets worldwide. But the human element remains vital: trust, expertise, and relationships are still at the core of every major transaction.
As technology platforms expand and the market becomes more global, firms that combine digital sophistication with deep market knowledge will have the greatest advantage. The industry’s future will be defined by those who can navigate both worlds — leveraging data and AI while building the credibility and relationships that drive commercial real estate forward.
