IQLAND

Sunday mornings are my time to catch up on market trends and reflect on their impact, especially on the built economy. One trend that's hard to miss is the recent dip in mortgage rates, and this is happening even before the Federal Reserve makes any rate cuts. Jerome Powell hinted at potential rate cuts, with some economists predicting a significant drop of up to 0.75% to the prime rate. This scenario will ignite a frenzy in the housing market. We've been in a quasi-buyer’s market for the past year, with homes lingering longer on the market. Despite this, the homes that do sell are often priced out of reach for many buyers. Currently, the housing supply is under four months, while a healthy market typically sees around six months of supply. When rates drop, expect the limited homes on the market to be snapped up quickly. The only solution to this impending demand surge is to build—and build fast. Interestingly, for the first time, new homes are becoming more affordable than existing ones, yet we still don’t have enough of them. The wave of demand is coming, and the big question is:?How do we innovate to meet this challenge? #RealEstate #HousingMarket #UrbanPlanning #Innovation #SundayThoughts

Been away for a while... A year ago, my journey into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) began, not from a background in tech, but from a place of pure fascination. I dove beneath the surface of AI technologies like ChatGPT, seeking to understand the true cognitive abilities of this groundbreaking innovation. What I discovered was a world where AI isn't just about robots and complex algorithms; it's about making technology accessible to everyone, translating the intricate language of code into the simplicity of human conversation through Natural Language Processing (NLP). This revelation brought me to a simple yet profound realization: we are all coders now. While the expertise of engineers and full-stack developers remains invaluable, the democratization of technology through AI tools means that architects, bankers, urban planners, and professionals across diverse fields are now equipped to solve some of our most pressing challenges. From addressing the housing crisis to innovating in financial markets and healthcare, the potential applications of AI are boundless. At the heart of my exploration was a core belief in AI's capacity to drive positive change. This belief not only led me to venture into the competitive arena of Techstars with no more Python experience than a pet snake I once owned but also to begin shaping the future of real estate development and construction through IQLAND. Our platform stands at the intersection of AI and proptech, harnessing the power of data to unlock new possibilities in land development and architectural design. As I navigate the remaining 10 weeks of the Techstars program, the timing feels right to start sharing the insights and experiences that have shaped my journey thus far. The advancements in AI are not just technological feats; they represent a shift in how we perceive our roles in creating, innovating, and problem-solving. The future of proptech, and indeed all sectors touched by AI, is one where the barriers between technology and human creativity are increasingly blurred, opening up unprecedented opportunities for growth, efficiency, and sustainability. This is just the beginning of a conversation I hope to continue, exploring how AI can redefine industries, empower professionals, and address some of the most critical challenges facing our world today. Stay tuned for more reflections on my journey with AI and proptech, and let's envision a future where technology serves as a bridge to a better, more inclusive world.