LAS VEGAS— The real estate landscape constantly changes, driven by innovation, evolving needs, and shifting economic dynamics. But how do industry titans navigate this environment and cultivate enduring success? This question was addressed at RETCON 2025, held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas this week.
The conference, which explored innovation across asset classes and cutting-edge PropTech solutions, attracted more than 2,000 attendees nationwide. The event brought together top property owners, developers, managers, investors, REITs, startups, VCs, lenders, AEC firms, brokers, associations, and industry media.
Among the key takeaways was a discussion with Cindy Claire, COO of Bell Partners. She shared insights into the company’s expansion into various multifamily properties, explaining the delicate balance between scaling up and staying true to the company’s core values. “It’s easy to say yes, but it’s harder to say no,” Claire said. “While small companies are nimble, scaling up presents its own set of challenges.”
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A key focus for Bell Partners is integrating new technology to enhance portfolio strategies without overcomplicating operations. “It’s about finding what moves the needle and what becomes exhausting. Finding those innovations that are easy to implement at the site level is crucial.”
Claire also discussed the importance of balancing technology with human touch in customer service. “We need to streamline processes with tech, but also bring back the human element in a way that resonates with residents,” she explained. “Residents want convenience, but when things go wrong, they still want a person to turn to. Striking that balance is what will attract and retain residents.”
Shifting gears, Claire addressed migration trends, noting the impact of the pandemic on both technology adoption and migration patterns. “Covid accelerated the adoption of technology, but we’re seeing migration trends beginning to stabilize,” she said. “Gateway cities are starting to recover, and while there’s not a mass exodus, we’re witnessing a leveling off. Volatility will continue, but the economy will ultimately dictate the direction of migration.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Claire expressed caution regarding the real estate market. “People are starting to explore deals, but we haven’t seen pricing adjust to match interest rates,” she said. “Sellers are hesitant to lower prices, and buyers struggle to make deals work with current rates. It will be a slower market, requiring creativity to close deals. We’re back to a normal absorption rate after years of a distorted market, especially in the apartment sector.”
Claire ended the discussion noting that while challenges persist, real estate leaders are adapting, utilizing a blend of strategy, creativity, and technology to navigate the evolving landscape. The road to success in 2025 will require flexibility, foresight, and a balanced approach.
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Natalie Dolce
Natalie Dolce, editor-in-chief of GlobeSt.com, is responsible for working with editorial staff, freelancers and senior management to help plan the overarching vision that encompasses GlobeSt.com, including short-term and long-term goals for the website, how content integrates through the company’s other product lines and the overall quality of content. Previously she served as national executive editor and editor of the West Coast region for GlobeSt.com and Real Estate Forum, and was responsible for coverage of news and information pertaining to that vital real estate region. Prior to moving out to the Southern California office, she was Northeast bureau chief, covering New York City for GlobeSt.com. Her background includes a stint at InStyle Magazine, and as managing editor with New York Press, an alternative weekly New York City paper. In her career, she has also covered a variety of beats for M magazine, Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel, FashionLedge.com, and Co-Ed magazine. Dolce has also freelanced for a number of publications, including MSNBC.com and Museums New York magazine.
