As the Ken behind KensTrends, I wanted to take this opportunity to focus on the trends that shaped 2025 and look forward to 2026. Without hesitation, the top trend affecting life as we know it is Artificial Intelligence. As early as January 2024, I commented on “How AI is Pissing Me Off.” I’m not losing any sleep worrying about a world controlled by tech overlords. But if I read one more needlessly redundant AI-generated property description stating “abundant open space to help foster employee interaction,” I think my head will explode.
But yes, I now have a paid Chat GPT account, I have used AI to help generate prospect lists, create graphics and provide cost estimates. I promise to never have Chat GPT write my blog. But my Chat GPT “Year in Review” – their version of the “Spotify Wrapped“, gave me the idea for this post.
To See Your Own Year in Review: Go To ChatGPT.com, log in, and either (1) Look for the “Your Year with ChatGPT” on your home screen or (2) Type in “Show me my year with ChatGPT”
While AI will continue to piss me off, it would be foolish not to see the huge potential payoffs. My business is understanding the market and how it affects the needs of my clients. AI cannot replace experience and skills, but those who embrace AI will be significantly better equipped to compete than those who don’t. I’ve always had a reputation for being on the cutting edge in Commercial Real Estate technology and I will continue to stay ahead of the curve.
What other trends shaped my year in 2025 and what will you be seeing on Ken’sTrends in 2026?
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- Taxes remain one of the key factors driving our growth. The lack of a state income tax in Florida continues to drive relocations from the Northeast. The elimination of state sales tax on commercial rents is saving Florida tenants up to 7% on their monthly rent bill. Proposed legislation reducing or even eliminating property tax on homesteaded property could further stimulate relocations. Meanwhile, increasing property values, particularly in the industrial sector, are driving property taxes upward. The resulting increase in operating expenses will tend to temper the dizzying growth of net rental rates and property values.
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I prompted Chat GPT – “create a humorous graphic of a full parking lot”
The return to the office is accelerating. We are finally seeing leasing activity return to the office market. While I don’t have a full statistical breakdown, parking lots seem fuller; and while my activity had shifted to the industrial side since COVID, I am currently closing three office deals.
- South Florida, and Miami in particular, continue to be hubs for international business. I recently shared my screen with clients in Dubai, Columbia and the UK. Technology is making the world smaller and more connected. Tarriffs won’t change that and “America First” does not mean America alone. They say “The great thing about Miami is that it’s is so close to the U.S.” Particularly in light of the current situation in South America, that has never been more true.
Wishing you all a healthy and successful 2026. There are great challenges ahead, but with great challenge comes great opportunity. And may the parking Gods be with you !
