How AI Is Reshaping PropTech: A Q&A with Carla Hinson of MRI Software — MRI - July 30, 2025
By Staff Reports - July 30th, 2025
As artificial intelligence (AI) transforms nearly every industry, the property technology sector—PropTech—is seeing a surge in innovation across leasing, operations, asset management, and portfolio strategy. To better understand how AI is being deployed within commercial and residential property ecosystems, BizTechReports spoke with Carla Hinson, Vice President of Solution and Innovation at MRI Software. With nearly three decades of experience in real estate technology, Hinson offers grounded insight into how AI is moving from pilot to practice in a traditionally risk-averse industry.
This Q&A is organized into four key sections: Strategic Assessment, Operational Imperatives, Financial Implications, and Technology Implementation. Hinson explains how PropTech is evolving beyond isolated software tools into an integrated, intelligence-driven platform—and how organizations can align their internal competencies to prepare for this shift.
Here is what she had to say:
STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT
BTR: Carla, how would you describe the current phase of PropTech evolution?
Hinson: We’re entering a phase where PropTech is less about digital point solutions and more about connecting systems through intelligence. Historically, departments like leasing, facilities, and finance all operated in silos—each using their own tools, leading to costly missteps. Now, AI gives us a way to bridge those gaps without reengineering the entire tech stack. It’s not just about having data; it’s about accessing and using it in ways that serve the whole organization.
BTR: What role does AI play in elevating real estate strategy?
Hinson: AI helps surface insights that drive better strategic decisions—such as when to invest in an asset, when to renew a lease, or how to optimize space. And it’s not about replacing people. It’s about giving them the ability to make smarter, faster decisions based on data that was previously inaccessible. It enhances HUMAN intelligence—it doesn’t replace it.
OPERATIONAL IMPERATIVES
BTR: How is AI influencing day-to-day operations in real estate organizations?
Hinson: The impact is huge. Tasks like lease abstraction, which once required hours of manual entry, can now be automated using AI to extract terms directly from contracts. We’re seeing more real-time analysis and decision-making—whether that’s around lease renewals, occupancy trends, or preventative maintenance. That shift means professionals can focus less on paperwork and more on value creation.
BTR: Does AI affect how teams are organized or how workflows function?
Hinson: Absolutely. We’ve seen studies showing people spend up to 30% of their time just aggregating data. AI reduces that dramatically, which has a ripple effect—boosting retention, reducing burnout, and speeding up cycles. It also supports operational continuity. For example, AI-driven tools can predict when a major system might fail, giving teams a heads-up so they can take preventative action rather than dealing with emergencies.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
BTR: What kind of financial benefits are you seeing from AI deployments?
Hinson: There are a few areas where we’re seeing clear ROI. First, reduction in errors—whether it’s mistyped lease data or uncoordinated capital expenditures, AI helps eliminate those costly mistakes. Second, AI contributes to better budget forecasting. With predictive insights, organizations can plan CapEx more accurately and identify anomalies in OPEX before they spiral. Third, it improves the efficiency of internal teams, which translates into lower labor costs and faster cycle times.
BTR: Is AI influencing capital planning or investment decisions?
Hinson: It is—though the trust curve is still developing. Executives are using AI-generated models to explore scenarios and stress-test decisions, but humans are still the final decision-makers. That’s where I think AI is especially valuable: not in telling you what to do, but in showing you the range of possibilities so you can make better-informed choices.
TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION
BTR: What needs to be in place for organizations to adopt AI effectively?
Hinson: First, know where your data is. That’s foundational. A lot of companies don’t realize how much useful information they’ve archived—or how to access it. Second, start with use cases that matter to your business. Whether it’s lease abstraction, maintenance, or tenant retention, pick a scenario where AI can make an immediate impact. Third, don’t assume your team needs to be highly technical. Natural language processing is making AI more accessible.
BTR: How do you handle compliance and responsible AI at MRI?
Hinson: We’ve created an internal AI lab to test new features quickly, but every new capability is reviewed by a legal and compliance steering committee before it goes live. Transparency is key—we always tell clients how their data is used and what our models are trained on. We also emphasize domain-specific AI. A model trained on residential leases won’t work well for commercial. That’s a crucial distinction.
BizTechReports – Closing Thoughts
The transformation of PropTech is not defined by software alone—it’s being driven by the convergence of data accessibility, strategic intelligence, and human-AI collaboration. As Carla Hinson points out, organizations don’t need to overhaul everything at once. The most successful adopters are starting with targeted, high-value use cases, strengthening their data foundations, and integrating AI as a trusted partner rather than a black box. For companies seeking competitive advantage in real estate, now is the time to act—with purpose, clarity, and confidence.