REI Freedom

Optimizing Real Estate Investments with PropTech: Insights from David Blumenfeld

Jeremy & Shelly Beland Episode 91

Can Tech Really Transform Your Real Estate Investments? Here's How It’s Already Happening

What if one strategic tech decision could save thousands, and completely change the tenant experience?
 In this episode of the REI Freedom Podcast, listeners get a front-row seat to the digital revolution in real estate.

Host Jeremy Beland is joined by David Blumenfeld, co-founder of Next Rivet, to unpack how Property Technology (PropTech) is reshaping the landscape for real estate investors. With over 25 years of experience in business development, sales, and marketing across the tech and real estate sectors, David brings a wealth of insight into how modern tools are helping investors optimize operations and increase returns.

The conversation covers:

  • What PropTech really means, and why it matters now. 
  • Cost-effective technologies that improve efficiency in off-market deals and multifamily properties. 
  • Real-world examples from David’s experience at Westfield Labs and Next Rivet. 
  • Tools that enhance tenant satisfaction, streamline building management, and drive tax advantages. 
  • How investors can future-proof their businesses with practical tech solutions

Whether you're an off-market investor or managing a growing multifamily portfolio, this episode offers clear strategies and inspiration for embracing innovation without losing sight of ROI.

Connect with David Blumenfeld & Next Rivet:
Website: https://nextrivet.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dblumenfeld/

🎧 Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction and Welcome
02:04 – Introducing PropTech and Special Guest
02:28 – David Blumenfeld's Background and Expertise
03:33 – Understanding PropTech in Real Estate
04:45 – Technological Innovations in Retail Real Estate
06:12 – PropTech in Multifamily Residential Properties
09:13 – Cost and Implementation of PropTech
12:34 – Next Rivet's Role and Services
14:31 – Tax Advantages and Efficiency
17:49 – Final Thoughts and Contact Information
 

Connect with Jeremy and Shelly Beland

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Optimizing Real Estate Investments with PropTech: Insights from David Blumenfeld

Summary:

In this episode of the REI Freedom Podcast, host Jeremy Beland welcomes David Blumenfeld, co-founder of Next Rivet, to discuss the transformative impact of PropTech (Property Technology) on real estate investing. With over 25 years of experience in business development, sales, and marketing across technology and real estate, David shares his expertise on how digital solutions are revolutionizing property management, tenant experience, and operational efficiency.

Key Topics Covered:

  • What is PropTech?
    David explains PropTech as a broad category encompassing all digital technologies applied to real estate, from consumer-facing apps to backend management systems.
  • Digital Layer for Physical Properties:
    Drawing from his experience at Westfield Labs, David describes how malls and shopping centers have integrated digital solutions like license plate recognition for parking, indoor navigation, digital signage, and food pre-ordering to enhance the customer experience.
  • Modern Tenant Experience:
    The conversation shifts to multifamily and residential properties, where technology enables tenants to access buildings, reserve amenities, and submit maintenance requests through apps or mobile web platforms. Owners and managers can streamline operations and offer a frictionless experience, making their properties more attractive to tenants.
  • Affordability and Implementation:
    David reassures investors that digitalizing properties is more affordable than ever, thanks to advances in software and AI. Many solutions can be integrated with existing systems, avoiding costly overhauls.
  • Building Management Systems & AI:
    The episode highlights how smart building management systems can automate energy use, monitor building conditions, and provide real-time data, leading to significant cost savings and operational insights. AI is described as a tool that makes existing technologies smarter, not just a futuristic concept.
  • Next Rivet’s Role:
    David outlines how Next Rivet helps clients move from strategy to action—identifying needs, selecting vendors, and managing implementation. Their approach is technology-agnostic, focusing on the best solutions for each property.
  • Tax Incentives & Efficiency:
    The discussion touches on potential tax benefits for energy-efficient upgrades and how technology can help document and maximize these incentives.
  • Financial Dashboards & Automation:
    Jeremy and David discuss the value of automated dashboards for tracking property performance, rent collection, and maintenance, moving beyond manual spreadsheets and bookkeeping.
  • Practical Examples:
    Real-world scenarios are explored, such as using smart systems to prevent frozen pipes in winter or reduce AC usage in vacant units, demonstrating tangible cost savings for property owners.
  • Final Thoughts:
    The episode concludes with encouragement for investors to embrace digital optimization, not only to save money but also to increase property value and tenant satisfaction. David shares contact information for listeners interested in learning more about Next Rivet’s services.

Contact:
David Blumenfeld, Next Rivet
Website: www.nextrivet.com
Email: david@nextrivet.com

Takeaway:
Digitally optimizing your real estate portfolio can streamline operations, enhance tenant experience, and deliver real cost savings. Whether you own a single property or a large portfolio, PropTech solutions are becoming essential for staying competitive in today’s market.

For more resources and to connect with the show, visit https://reifreedom.com/or follow on social media @REIFreedom.