Rethinking Real Estate: A Roadmap to Technology’s Impact on the World’s Largest Asset Class

Disclaimer: I am friends with the author.I started this book more as duty to my friend than interest in the subject matter. Despite having worked at multiple companies discussed within, a book tag-lined "A Roadmap to Technology's Impact on the World's Largest Asset Class" is not something I'd likely read of my own accord. Nonetheless, I bought the book and started reading - because that's what friends do.I'm happy to admit: I couldn't have been more wrong.Rethinking Real Estate reads closer to a Yuval Harari-esque page turner than the dry academic white-paper I'd anticipated. It reduces immensely complex ideas about how the world works into a cohesive framework, littered with surprising, digestible, and practical insights. It connects dots about real estate, technology, and human behavior (duh) that seem flat out obvious once you read them, yet are connections you'd probably never make on your own.By way of example, here are some questions I didn't even know I wanted asked, and am now delighted I know the answers to:-Why are the world's largest hotel chains owned and operated by separate entities?-What can the evolution of music consumption teach us about current trends in office space?-How did the cash register fundamentally change retail real estate forever?While these are "fun" examples, each tie back to a larger theme:-Why certain behaviors are an inevitable outcome of structural constraints-The bundling and unbundling nature of the world-How seemingly unrelated technological advancements can impact adjacent industries.If your work touches the real estate industry, you'll almost certainly be able to relate these themes to your day-to-day life. At a minimum, they will impact how you approach your work going forward. The examples listed above are just crumbs. Read the book, you'll get a whole cake.If your professional career is even tangentially related to real estate, this is a must-read. If you are an investment professional, entrepreneur, or in any way interested in how technology shapes the world - this is a must-read. If you are merely looking for an entertaining, informative, and educational non-fiction read, this is a pretty good bet.

This was different from any other real estate book I've ever read. It ties together tech, strategy, human behavior, history... in a way that helps you understand how the industry evolved and where it is headed. It also includes many case studies about famous companies and lessons from their failures and successes (WeWork, Airbnb, Simon Malls, Prologis, Tishman Speyer, Blackstone etc.). Overall, a fun read, with a great summary and practical insights at the end.

I love this book. If you are passionate about real estate and how it's changing, this is a must-read. For others, this book is engaging and educational and contains many fascinating insights about business and history in general. Highly recommend

Great insight of real estate market. The current pandemic is reshaping the market dramatically, which the book is helpful for me to deal with it.

In this book you will find the most up-to-date intelligent conversation on space and technology. A must-read for anyone who is interested in learning about the past, present, and future of Real Estate.

Dror does a great job of outlining the major trends that are happening in real estate today and what impact they may have. It is a quick read yet incredibly well researched.

Completely shifts your view on where the value in real estate is.

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Bought this book on pre order and was delighted I did, I work in property and I wanted to understand how technology was changing the way investors and lenders are reacting to real estate and how the market is changing. This book gives you a really useful insight and understanding of how the world of Real estate is changing in a simple and clear way, it’s one of those books I go back to and re read chapters. If you want to keep ahead of the curve in property read this book, its not a manual on how to buy your first investment, but understanding the wider issues around property market will make you a better investor.

As someon who spent 4 years 'studying' real estate at university, I wish I had been given this book instead. Would have saved a lot of time and money! Full of insights on where the industry is going, and genuinely reignites excitement about how the real estate industry can better serve the needs of its customers. The author has a good style of writing, its easy to follow along and understand the concepts, even if you are not from a real estate background. Pick up the book. Read it. Take notes. Read it again and get to work!

Exceptional insights on the real estate space and it’s shift. Well-grounded research and outstanding case studies. Highly recommended read for anyone in the industry who wants to have a crystal ball view of the future.

Great book. This book provides a good framework on the subject. Easy read.