A
I can boost commercial real‑estate operations through predictive analytics, smart maintenance, chatbots, market research, and cost control, and it can streamline tenant, credit, and employee screening. However, its use also introduces significant risks.

    **Key points**

    - AI improves analytics, maintenance, and leasing efficiency.

    - Using AI for screening or negotiations can expose firms to liability.

    - Ongoing human oversight and bias testing are essential for compliance.

    - Legal concerns include copyright infringement and voice‑based fraud.

    **Benefits and cautions**

    AI tools help brokers and owners cut costs and speed up tasks. Predictive models forecast market trends; maintenance systems flag issues early; chatbots handle routine inquiries; and expense‑optimization algorithms identify savings. Screening processes can be automated, but the algorithms may unintentionally discriminate. The user remains responsible for any biased or inaccurate output, and liability can arise if a chatbot provides misleading information.

    **Human oversight**

    Experts advise regular bias audits and keeping a human in the decision loop. AI lacks contextual knowledge of clients or negotiation dynamics, so it should not replace human judgment in lease negotiations or when evaluating complex documents. AI can compare lease templates, highlight inconsistencies, and flag missing exhibits, but it cannot negotiate terms.

    **Intellectual‑property and image use**

    Photographs are vital for marketing properties. Generating images with AI is risky because the source and ownership of the image are unclear, potentially leading to copyright disputes. Always use verified, licensed images.

    **Voice‑spoofing threats**

    Generative AI can create realistic audio from a short voice sample, enabling fraudsters to spoof wire‑transfer instructions. Any sudden change in transfer details should trigger verification protocols.

    **Understanding the AI product**

    Users must know how the AI works, its data‑retention policies, and whether the model is closed or public. Terms of service can change, and paid plans do not guarantee data privacy. Legal counsel is advisable before adopting a new AI solution.

    **Contact**

    For guidance on AI risks in real estate, email [email protected] or call (585) 653‑4020.