Ep. 45 Turning Operational Data into Higher Property Value

In this episode of Peak Property Performance, Bill Douglas and Drew Hall welcome Mark Sinnett, Principal at Avison Young, to discuss how operational data, digital infrastructure, and property technology influence commercial real estate transactions. Drawing on more than 25 years in brokerage, Mark explains how buyers evaluate operational performance, why missing data creates uncertainty during underwriting, and how modern digital infrastructure can increase asset value while reducing operational risk.

• Commercial real estate underwriting

• Digital infrastructure and asset value

• Property operating data

• Due diligence and transaction readiness

• Portfolio benchmarking

• Tenant experience technology

• Operational efficiency

• Data-driven commercial real estate

Bill: What operational details are buyers paying attention to today?

Mark: Buyers increasingly evaluate operational performance, not just financial statements. Benchmarking expenses across a portfolio, understanding utility costs, and tracking operational metrics reveal whether a property is truly well-managed or simply well-presented.

Mark: Modern buildings benefit from integrated technology like automated HVAC systems, digital access control, tenant apps, smart elevators, and centralized building management. These systems improve operational efficiency while creating a better tenant experience and stronger long-term asset performance.

Mark: Clean, organized operational data makes due diligence smoother. When leases, maintenance records, contracts, and operational information are easily accessible, buyers have greater confidence in their underwriting, reducing uncertainty and helping transactions move more efficiently.

Bill: What happens when important operational data is missing?

Mark: Incomplete information often results in conservative underwriting, additional reserves, or pricing discounts. Operational inefficiencies, outdated infrastructure, and fragmented systems ultimately reduce net operating income and asset value.

Mark: Features like keyless entry, digital maintenance requests, automated parking, tenant communication platforms, and integrated building systems not only simplify operations but also increase tenant satisfaction, retention, and revenue opportunities.

Mark: Accurate historical operating data allows buyers to underwrite with greater confidence. Cleaner information means fewer assumptions, lower perceived risk, and stronger pricing because buyers can clearly understand how a property performs.

Bill: Best career or life advice?

Mark: Say yes to opportunities. Stay open to unexpected paths because you never know where they'll lead.

Bill: Habit that makes you more effective?

Mark: Persistence. Success often comes after many setbacks, so don't let early "no's" stop you from continuing forward.

Drew: Early bird or night owl?

Mark: I used to be a night owl, but having young kids has turned me into an early bird. More importantly, I try to stay available whenever clients need me.

Mark Sinnett

Email: [e-mail] 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-sinnett/ 

The Peak Property Performance Podcast is hosted by Bill Douglas and Drew Hall of OpticWise. The show explores how commercial real estate owners and operators improve performance through digital infrastructure, operational intelligence, AI, and better decision-making.

Learn more:

https://www.peakpropertyperformance.com

https://www.opticwise.com

Watch this episode on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@PeakPropertyPerformance

Key Topics CoveredEpisode TranscriptWhy Operational Data Matters in Every TransactionDigital Infrastructure Creates Operational ValueBetter Information Builds Buyer ConfidenceMissing Data Creates Hidden DiscountsTechnology Improves Both Operations and Tenant ExperienceData Reduces Risk and Supports Stronger ValuationsExtra Floor —