Commercial Real Estate Tech & AI 2026 with Helen Calvin

In this episode of America's Commercial Real Estate Show, host Michael Bull welcomes Helen Calvin, CEO of Build Out, to discuss the accelerating role of AI and technology in commercial real estate. Calvin addresses the industry's slow adoption of tech, emphasizing that while CRE lags behind other sectors, it's poised for rapid transformation. She outlines a strategic framework for evaluating technology investments—prioritizing proven track records, end-to-end platforms, and industry-specific expertise—while cautioning against fragmented, single-point solutions. A central theme is identifying the 'chassis problem'—the core bottleneck in a business—before investing in AI. Calvin highlights how centralized data platforms like Build Out can automate marketing syndication, CRM management, and lead tracking, freeing brokers to focus on high-value human interactions. She also warns about AI hallucinations and data privacy, advocating for enterprise-grade AI tools with proper safeguards. The episode concludes with a strong message: AI isn’t replacing brokers but amplifying their value by handling repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on emotional intelligence, relationship-building, and strategic decision-making in a faster, more data-driven market. Key takeaways include: (1) Focus on your core business bottleneck before adopting AI; (2) Choose technology partners with proven, industry-specific platforms; (3) Centralize property data to eliminate redundant work across marketing, CRM, and transactions; (4) Use AI to automate administrative tasks, not replace human judgment; (5) Prioritize data privacy by selecting enterprise AI solutions; (6) Human connection and emotional intelligence remain irreplaceable in CRE deals; (7) Technology adoption is less about tools and more about change management and demonstrating early wins; (8) The future brokerage will be defined by high-skill, well-networked agents backed by seamless automation.