Common questions

Is SmartProp AI a smart-home gadget vendor, a brokerage or listings portal, or a get-rich-in-real-estate course — and do you guarantee your market calls?

No. We are an AI-driven real-estate analytics and intelligence studio. The .life TLD is branding only — not a lifestyle brand. Smart means data intelligence for property, not smart-home IoT devices and not smart contracts, crypto or tokenized property. We are not a licensed real-estate brokerage or agent, not a listings portal or marketplace, not a real-estate-investing course or passive-income scheme, and not a property fund, iBuyer or REIT.

Our forecasts, scores and valuations are model-generated estimates with documented uncertainty — for information only. They are not investment advice, not professional appraisals, and not guarantees of price, rent, appreciation or return. A qualified human analyst reviews outputs; the decision stays with you. We do not guarantee market calls.

How do engagements work — project or retainer?

Projects address a defined analytics question with fixed scope, timeline and deliverables — a market intelligence study, portfolio dashboard build or location-demand read. Retainers provide ongoing intelligence: refreshed demand forecasting, automated reporting, model evaluation and analyst access on a monthly or quarterly cadence. Both models are confirmed in a written engagement letter covering scope, CAD budget, IP ownership and data handling under PIPEDA.

What are typical CAD budgets?

Analytics review projects often fall between C$12,000 and C$28,000 for an initial scoped read. Market intelligence studies run C$18,000–C$45,000. Portfolio analytics builds range C$28,000–C$72,000. Ongoing intelligence retainers typically start at C$18,000 per quarter. Final fees depend on data complexity, integrations and reporting cadence. We confirm budget before work begins.

How long does onboarding take?

Expect two to three weeks for data discovery and access provisioning before modelling starts. Simple market studies with clean MLS feeds can move faster; portfolio analytics spanning multiple ERPs and legacy spreadsheets may take longer. We publish a onboarding checklist at kickoff.

Which data sources and technology stacks do you work with?

We integrate with common real-estate stacks: CRM platforms, MLS data feeds, property management systems, ERP exports and cloud warehouses (AWS, Azure, GCP). Machine learning models may use open-weight or cloud-hosted approaches depending on your security requirements. Document AI, OCR, natural language processing and retrieval-augmented generation are available for property document workflows. Geospatial analytics use standard GIS tooling and parcel datasets.

Where is data stored and who can access it?

Client data is stored in Canadian or client-designated regions unless otherwise agreed in writing. Access is limited to project team members under confidentiality obligations. We do not sell personal data or property leads. Cross-border sub-processors are disclosed in our privacy policy. BC client personal information is handled in accordance with PIPEDA and BC's Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA BC).

Who owns models, dashboards and IP?

Custom models, dashboards and code developed specifically for your engagement are typically assigned to you under the contract. Our pre-existing frameworks, evaluation methodologies and studio tooling remain our property. Specific terms are set out in the engagement letter.

How are models evaluated and how is uncertainty handled?

Every model goes through back-testing, error measurement and sensitivity analysis before client delivery. Forecasts publish confidence bands or scenario ranges — not single-point predictions presented as fact. When models drift or data quality degrades, retainer clients receive evaluation refresh reports. Analysts document known failure modes (thin markets, policy shocks, incomplete rent rolls) alongside outputs.

Why are your figures estimates, not appraisals or investment advice?

Automated valuation models and forecasting tools produce probabilistic outputs based on available data. Professional appraisals require accredited appraisers following specific standards. Investment decisions require your own due diligence, legal counsel and financial advisors. We provide analytics to inform property conversations — insight, not advice. That distinction protects your organization and keeps our work honest.

What is your reporting cadence?

Project deliverables are defined at scope — typically a final intelligence brief plus dashboards or data exports. Retainers include a fixed cadence: weekly market folios, monthly portfolio refreshes or quarterly model evaluation reviews, depending on the engagement.

What do you NOT do?

We do not guarantee prices, rents, appreciation or returns. We do not claim to beat the market. We are not a licensed brokerage, mortgage lender, investment dealer or property fund. We do not operate a listings portal, sell courses, install smart-home devices, build crypto or tokenized-property platforms, or broker personal data. We do not provide legal, tax or financial advice.