E commerce for the 21st century

E-commerce in real estate refers to the use of online platforms and technologies to facilitate real estate transactions. This can range from buying, selling, or renting properties online, to using digital tools for property management12. Here are some ways e-commerce is impacting real estate: Warehouse Location and Functionality: E-commerce is influencing the logistics of real estate, particularly in the area of warehouse location and functionality1. Companies are reconsidering the positioning of their warehouses and shifting away from large, highly centralized facilities1. Urban warehousing is on the rise, with companies repurposing dormant urban buildings into last-mile distribution centers1. Secondary Markets: Demand for warehousing space near secondary markets has grown1. New industrial hubs are emerging along the U.S.-Mexico border1. Digital Sales: Digital sales soared in 2020 and grew by 14.6% in 2021, equating to $870.8 billion being spent online2. E-commerce companies accounted for 28.2% of all industrial absorption from 2016 through 2019, and that number increased even more to approximately 40% from 2020 through 20212. Rent Growth: Rent growth for warehouse and logistics space should rise by more than 15% over the next two years with Class A and new construction rents expected to grow at an even higher rate2. Online Real Estate Platforms: If you own a real estate website, it’s possible to transform it into a solid e-commerce website3. This can be done by adding features like online property listings, virtual tours, online booking, and secure online payments3. Remember, while e-commerce provides opportunities for growth and innovation, it also presents challenges that real estate businesses must navigate. These include managing supply chains, optimizing logistics, and staying competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace1