Disclosure
PSV sells AI consulting and builds AI systems for CRE firms, so we have a stake in what you choose. This page also says which technology work we don't do, and which kind of firm does it.
What is commercial real estate technology consulting?
Commercial real estate technology consulting is outside help choosing, connecting and running the systems a CRE firm works in: property management and accounting, the deal pipeline, underwriting models, investor reporting and now AI. Five kinds of firm do this work, and most CRE teams need one or two of them, not all five. Pacific Software Ventures (PSV) is one kind: an AI consulting and engineering firm for commercial real estate that audits how a firm works, builds AI systems on the firm's own documents and models, and stays on as its embedded AI team. Westlake Realty Group cut per-deal underwriting from 6-8 hours of senior time to a 20-minute review, in its own model with every number traced to source.
The five kinds of CRE technology consultant
They are often sold under the same words. Ask which of these a firm actually is before you compare them.
- Managed IT provider. Runs devices, networks, email, backups and the helpdesk, usually for a monthly fee per user. Pick one that already supports other real estate firms and puts its response times in writing.
- Software selection adviser. Helps you choose property management, accounting, CRM or investment management software, writes the requirements and runs the vendor demos. Worth it when you are replacing a core system.
- Implementation partner. Sets up and migrates the software you bought, and is often certified by that vendor. Ask whether the vendor pays them, because that shapes what they recommend.
- Fractional CIO or technology strategist. A part-time senior lead who owns the technology roadmap and budget, and manages the other firms on this list for you.
- AI consultant and builder. Finds where AI saves time in deal and asset work, then builds it on your documents, templates and models. This is what PSV does. AI consultants for CRE, ranked
Where PSV fits, and where it doesn't
PSV is the fifth kind. We start with an audit of how your deals and assets move through the firm, write the AI roadmap, build the systems in the environment you choose and train your team to run them. We are not a managed IT provider and we don't resell or implement property management or accounting software. If that is the job, hire the first or third kind on this list.
- A fixed-price first engagement. PSV's AI Consulting typically costs $10K to $25K, priced before it starts. What AI Consulting covers
- Monthly advisory and training. For a team that wants a regular outside view on AI, PSV's plans run $2K to $5K a month. What an AI consultant for CRE costs
- Proof. Westlake Realty Group cut per-deal underwriting from 6-8 hours of senior time to a 20-minute review, in its own model with every number traced to source. Read the Westlake Realty Group case study
Five questions to ask any CRE technology consultant
- Which CRE firms have you worked for, and what changed? Ask for a named client and a number. General IT experience doesn't transfer well to how a deal team or an asset manager actually works.
- Who else pays you? Referral fees and reseller margins are common in this market. They aren't wrong, but you should know about them before you take a recommendation.
- Where will our data live, and who owns what you build? Get both answers in writing, before the work starts. Is AI safe for CRE deal documents
- What would you tell us not to buy? A good adviser has a short list of things your firm doesn't need yet.
- Can our team run it without you? Ask what training and documentation you get at the end, and what happens if you stop paying.
Common questions
- What does a commercial real estate technology consultant do?
- Helps a CRE firm choose, connect and run its systems: property management and accounting, the deal pipeline, underwriting models, investor reporting and AI. Depending on the firm, that means running IT, selecting software, implementing it, owning the roadmap part time, or building AI systems.
- Do we need an IT consultant or an AI consultant?
- If the problem is devices, email, security basics or a broken core system, you need an IT provider or a software partner. If your systems work but your people spend hours moving numbers between documents and models, that is the work an AI consultant does.
- What is a fractional CIO for real estate?
- A part-time senior technology lead who owns the roadmap and the budget and manages your vendors, without a full-time executive salary.
- How much does CRE technology consulting cost?
- It depends on the kind. For AI work, PSV's AI Consulting typically costs $10K to $25K for a fixed-price first engagement, and its monthly advisory and training plans run $2K to $5K a month.
- Does PSV provide IT support or software implementation?
- No. PSV is an AI consulting and engineering firm for commercial real estate. For IT support, hire a managed IT provider; to set up property management or accounting software, use that vendor's implementation partner.