🎙️ Episode Summary
In this episode of Real Estate Breakthrough, Christina Suter sits down with Neal Bawa to discuss how data and AI are changing real estate investing in a higher-rate environment. Neal explains why access to information is no longer the advantage and why interpretation and context now matter more than raw data. The conversation also covers why ground-up development is under pressure, how excess supply has stalled rent growth, and what investors should realistically expect as the multifamily market moves toward the next phase of the cycle in 2026.
📌 Key Takeaways
- AI removed the data-access advantage. The edge today is disciplined analysis and decision-making, not speed alone.
- Context drives better decisions. Data only creates value when it is translated into clear, actionable insight.
- Development economics are strained. Higher interest rates and cap-rate expansion have undermined many new-build projects.
- Recovery will be uneven in 2026. Some markets may regain momentum late in the year, while oversupplied Sunbelt metros are likely to lag into 2027.
