INSIGHT

Navigating the tech revolution in commercial real estate: A conversation with Mark Leverette 

Mark Leverette • May 27, 2025

Industries: PropTech, Real Estate

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From AI-powered property valuations to blockchain transactions, PropTech innovations are transforming real estate operations and investment strategies. Mark Leverette, head of the firm’s Real Estate Industry Group and Managing Partner of Client Accounting and Advisory Services at BPM, takes a closer look at these developments. 

Q: How is technology changing the landscape for real estate firms, particularly in financial operations? 

Mark: The real estate sector is experiencing a remarkable technological transformation. PropTech innovations are at the forefront, bringing AI-powers to valuations or rental rates, blockchain transactions, and immersive virtual tours that completely change how properties are marketed and managed. 

What’s exciting is how these technologies are enhancing operational workflows and decision-making capabilities. AI can now handle routine property management tasks that once required significant human hours. Predictive analytics now give us unprecedented foresight into market trends, and blockchain can provide that extra layer of security and transparency that builds trust. 

The real magic happens when firms leverage these technologies to inform investment strategies while simultaneously reducing operational costs. But I always emphasize to our clients that the foundation of all these innovations is high-quality data. Success ultimately depends on how well organizations systematize their workflows and refine their data management processes from initial collection through to final reporting. 

Q: What are the most significant challenges facing the real estate industry today from an accounting and advisory perspective? 

Mark: Several pressing challenges are keeping real estate executives up at night. Interest rates are certainly top of mind, affecting everything from acquisition financing to refinancing existing properties. And the on-again, off-again tariff situation is a constant concern. 

The cybersecurity landscape has become increasingly threatening, with real estate firms becoming attractive targets due to the sensitive financial and personal data they manage. And while new technologies offer tremendous benefits, the change management required to implement them effectively is often underestimated. 

The regulatory environment continues to grow more complex, requiring constant vigilance to maintain compliance while also adapting to evolving market conditions. 

At BPM, we’ve structured our advisory services specifically to address these challenges. We provide comprehensive support spanning tax planning, regulatory compliance, and strategic accounting solutions. Our specialized experience in real estate accounting enables clients to optimize financial performance while effectively mitigating risks in this challenging environment. 

Q: How are emerging technologies like automation, AI, and blockchain reshaping accounting processes in real estate? 

Mark: These technologies are fundamentally transforming accounting operations across the industry. Automation is streamlining previously time-consuming tasks like CAM reconciliations, tenant billing and collections, and lease administration. This shift allows teams to focus on more strategic activities that drive business growth. 

AI delivers exceptional efficiency gains through real-time data analysis, predictive insights, and intelligent automation. The result is higher data quality, more informed decision-making, and more accurate financial reporting. 

Blockchain technology is particularly interesting in how it accelerates transaction recording while simultaneously providing greater security and transparency. This reduces fraud risk and increases confidence in financial operations. 

Together, these technologies are making real estate accounting more efficient, accurate, and scalable. However, I always caution clients about the risks these technologies introduce if implemented without proper controls and oversight. 

Q: What misconceptions do you encounter when discussing outsourced accounting solutions with real estate clients? 

Mark: Our goal is for clients to view BPM’s solutions as a seamless extension of their own team. Many real estate clients initially express concerns about potential loss of control over financial operations, data security risks, or challenges integrating outsourced services with existing systems. 

We address these concerns by highlighting the tangible benefits of our approach, including improved operational efficiency, access to specialized experience, and the ability to refocus internal resources on core business functions. 

What makes our specialty practices effective is how they integrate both with each other and within our clients’ existing ecosystems. We offer flexibility to align with each owner’s preferred operational style rather than forcing clients to adapt to rigid systems. 

We also place tremendous emphasis on robust data security, providing various technology stack options and integrations, and ensuring smooth system transitions. Our team provides comprehensive support throughout implementation, making the process as seamless as possible. 

Q: How do you see the relationship between real estate and technology evolving over the next 5-10 years? 

Mark: We’re at the beginning of a significant evolution. As technology continues advancing, the adoption of innovative solutions will accelerate across the industry, boosting efficiency and enhancing client experiences. 

To maintain competitive advantage, firms should invest strategically in PropTech, AI, and blockchain technologies. The companies that thrive will be those that integrate these tools with strong project management practices to optimize processes, reduce costs, and strengthen market positioning. 

I believe it’s equally important for organizations to prioritize robust cybersecurity frameworks and meet compliance requirements with evolving regulations. These elements are essential to safeguard investments and maintain stakeholder trust. 

The real estate firms that embrace this technological transformation while adding proper controls and governance will be positioned to thrive in tomorrow’s market. 

Final thoughts and next steps 

The real estate industry stands at a technological crossroads: PropTech innovations are revolutionizing everything from property marketing to operational workflows, with AI handling routine management tasks and predictive analytics offering unprecedented market foresight. These advancements create opportunities to simultaneously enhance investment strategies while reducing operational costs. Teaming with a dedicated partner can help you take full advantage of this revolution. 

Ready to transform your real estate operations with strategic technology implementation and specialized accounting experience? Contact BPM today to schedule a consultation with Mark and his team. Their seamless, client-centered approach will help your organization leverage emerging technologies while strengthening financial operations and positioning your business for sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive market. 

Download the e-book, “Realizing the potential of outsourced accounting” to help your business maximize efficiency and transform your financial operations.