Generative AI is moving fast, and commercial real estate (CRE) could be next in line to see big changes. One emerging concept is the Vertical AI Agentic Platform —a specialized solution designed to support highly nuanced, industry-specific work. Rather than offering generic AI features, in the context of real estate these platforms create “Digital Coworkers” customized for our industry. The vision is that they’ll manage repetitive chores, simplify complex processes, leverage industry and company-specific knowledge, remember and learn over time, and integrate directly with the software CRE pros already rely on. At the heart of this evolution is a simple but powerful idea: time is our most precious asset. CRE Agents was founded on the belief that by returning time to professionals—through automation, intelligent delegation, and seamless integration—we unlock immense potential. In this piece, we’ll explore how a Vertical AI could reshape real estate, plus an inside look at how CRE Agents plans to lead the charge toward a more efficient, data-driven future. What Is an AI Agent? What Is a Digital Coworker? In the coming years, an AI Agent could be an autonomous, task-based system that proactively handles work, adapts to changing conditions, and interacts with users through chat, email, or voice. It won’t wait around for commands like traditional software—it will look for ways to help, all on its own. A Digital Coworker would be a specialized version of that concept—an AI Agent crafted to work alongside people in a particular industry. Think of it as an extra member of your team, able to take on repetitive tasks and blend into current workflows and tools. Similarities Autonomous & Task-Focused: Both AI Agents and Digital Coworkers could make decisions without constant human oversight. Proactive: They might initiate actions, gather information, and deliver results independently. Machine Learning & Instructions: Both would rely on training data and predefined guidelines to carry out tasks. Seamless Integration: These agents are likely to connect with tools such as Slack, Teams, and email, so you wouldn’t have to change how you work. Differences Team Dynamics: A Digital Coworker would be designed to work as part of a team—communicating naturally, providing updates, and sharing insights like a real colleague. Specialization: Each Digital Coworker could be tuned to a specific vertical or department (like CRE underwriting or project management). Collaboration Focus: While a general AI Agent might operate alone, a Digital Coworker would be built to cooperate with human teams, taking mundane tasks off their plates. How an Agentic Platform “Could” Train AI Agents In future AI Agentic Platforms, training an agent might work differently from the usual “train a model” approach. Instead, the focus would be on defining tasks clearly and connecting the AI to the right tools. Task Definition and Workflow Design. Potential users could identify repetitive tasks within an industry—say, data analysis or automated reporting—and then break those tasks down into step-by-step instructions. Building a Skill Library. Each agent might come with a library of “skills” tailored to industry needs (e.g., underwriting, reporting, or transaction management). Over time, this library would grow and evolve. Integration with Industry Tools. To fit seamlessly into existing workflows, future AI Agents could hook into popular CRE tools—like ARGUS for valuations or Yardi for property management—so there’s no need for manual data entry or switching systems. Customization for Unique Processes. Users might customize standard skills to reflect their specific methods. For instance, one firm’s AI Agent might generate a standard memo, while another might apply a special set of metrics or formatting. Continuous Learning and Improvement. Over time, these AI Agents could refine their work based on user feedback and real-world performance, boosting efficiency and accuracy. Unique Integrations and Skills in Vertical AI Agents What will set Vertical AI Agents apart is deep integration with industry-standard tools and specialized skills designed with CRE in mind. Industry-Specific Integrations. Instead of forcing you to adapt to new software, future Vertical AI Agents could connect to ARGUS, Yardi, CoStar, LoopNet, or Cherre—where they’d handle tasks like market research, valuations, or listing updates without you lifting a finger. Skill Library Tailored to CRE. They might offer pre-built skills for: Underwriting & Financial Modeling Investor Reporting Transaction Management Lease Abstracting & Renewal Analysis Customizable & Bespoke Skills. Customizable Skills : Firms could tweak these built-in skills to follow their own best practices. Bespoke Skill Development: For truly unique processes, entirely new skills might be built to meet specific needs—kept private and secure. Differences Between Vertical and Horizontal AI Agentic Platforms AI Agentic Platforms could be s