In Episode #24 of Slice of Real Estate, Donal Warde, Director of Special Projects at TF Cornerstone. 

Listen to the full episode to learn about: 

• Donal Warde’s Career Journey – From real estate investment to prop-tech leadership.

• Build vs. Buy in Real Estate Tech – When to develop proprietary technology vs. using off-the-shelf solutions.

• AI in PropTech – Current applications and future potential in property management.

• Startup vs. Corporate Culture – The differences in risk, learning curves, and decision-making.

• TF Cornerstone’s Tech Spinout – The launch of Portico, a resident services platform.

Watch

Listen

Read More

From Real Estate Investment to PropTech Leadership

Donal Warde, Director of Special Projects at TF Cornerstone, brings a unique perspective to the intersection of real estate and technology. Originally from Ireland, Warde’s career journey has spanned sales, private equity, and technology. His experience includes nearly a decade in real estate investment before transitioning to the tech side, where he now focuses on developing and commercializing property technology solutions.

The Build vs. Buy Debate in Real Estate Tech

For real estate firms considering technology investments, a common question arises: Should they build proprietary systems or buy off-the-shelf solutions? Warde explains that while developing in-house platforms offers long-term control and customization, it’s typically a costly and complex process. TF Cornerstone, for instance, built its own resident services platform after dissatisfaction with existing vendor options. However, for most real estate owners, purchasing third-party solutions remains the practical choice due to lower upfront costs and reduced maintenance demands.

AI’s Role in Real Estate Operations

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the real estate industry, though Warde notes we’re still in the early stages of its adoption. AI-powered chatbots, automated lease follow-ups, and intelligent package scanning are among the current applications. At TF Cornerstone, AI is also streamlining resident communications by generating memos for maintenance updates, policy changes, and more. Looking ahead, Warde predicts AI-driven property management assistants will further optimize operations, but emphasizes that the industry has only scratched the surface of AI’s potential.

Startups vs. Established Firms: Key Lessons from Both Worlds

Having worked in both real estate investment and prop-tech startups, Warde highlights the stark differences between the two. Investment firms tend to operate with a stable, long-term focus, whereas startups demand rapid adaptation and innovation. He notes that working in a high-growth tech environment accelerates learning, forces problem-solving under pressure, and requires a willingness to handle rejection when bringing new solutions to market. For professionals looking to develop their skills quickly, Warde recommends experiencing both environments.

Portico: TF Cornerstone’s New Tech Spinout

TF Cornerstone recently spun off its resident services platform into an independent entity called Portico. Initially developed for in-house use, the platform has now been launched commercially, with its first third-party customer onboarded in Q4. Designed specifically for the New York City market, Portico addresses the city’s unique regulatory environment and high-service rental market, distinguishing it from national competitors. Warde describes the NYC real estate market as the “Galapagos Islands” of real estate—evolving along its own trajectory, requiring tailored technology solutions.

For real estate professionals navigating the tech landscape, Warde’s insights provide a valuable guide. Whether debating the build vs. buy decision, exploring AI-driven efficiencies, or considering the leap into prop-tech, the industry’s future is undeniably digital.

To learn more about TF Cornerstone:

Follow us 😁