Top 5 STDB Tools Blog

Top 5 STDB Tools: How CRE Professionals Leverage Cutting-Edge Technology

The Site To Do Business (STDB) platform has been an essential resource for commercial real estate professionals, equipping them with industry-leading tools to conduct market research, analyze investment opportunities, and make data-driven decisions. This month, we’re highlighting the top five tools within STDB, the professionals who benefit from them the most, and how they’re used in the field.
February 03, 2025
Industry Trends
STDB
Technology

1. Esri’s Business Analyst & ArcGIS Online 

 

Who Uses It? 

  • Investment sales professionals 

  • Economic development professionals 

  • Site selection specialists  

How It’s Used 

Esri’s Business Analyst and ArcGIS Online provide interactive mapping, market research, and spatial analytics. Investment sales professionals use these tools to evaluate trade areas, identify emerging markets, and present data-driven insights to clients. Economic developers utilize them to showcase market opportunities to potential investors, while retail site selectors leverage GIS data to pinpoint optimal locations based on customer density, competition, and spending patterns. 

2. Moody’s CRE Market Pro 

 

Who Uses It? 

  • Investment analysts 

  • Commercial real estate brokers 

  • Real estate developers 

  • Requires additional subscription; not included in the base STDB 

How It’s Used 

Moody’s CRE Market Pro delivers in-depth market analytics, economic forecasts, and risk assessments. Investment analysts use it to assess potential property performance, while brokers leverage it to provide clients with accurate market data for investment decisions. Developers rely on Moody’s data to identify emerging market trends and determine the best locations for new projects.

3. DatabaseUSA / Data Vu 

 

Who Uses It? 

  • Tenant representatives 

  • Property managers 

  • Leasing agents 

How It’s Used 

DatabaseUSA and Data Vu offer extensive business intelligence, helping users identify potential tenants, research companies within a market, and refine leasing strategies. Tenant reps use these databases to match businesses with ideal commercial spaces, while property managers and leasing agents leverage business insights to optimize occupancy and prospecting efforts. 

4. Pictometry 

 

Who Uses It? 

  • Commercial appraisers 

  • Marketing professionals 

  • Property investors 

How It’s Used 

Pictometry provides high-resolution aerial imagery and property visualization, making it a crucial tool for appraisers and marketing professionals. Investors use it to analyze property conditions remotely, while marketers utilize property imagery to enhance listings, create compelling marketing materials, and showcase site features in a visually engaging way. 

5. Commercial Real Estate Performance Index (CREPI) 

 

Who Uses It? 

  • Portfolio managers 

  • Institutional investors 

  • Corporate real estate executives 

How It’s Used 

CREPI tracks overall commercial real estate market performance and cycles, providing insights into trends, forecasts, and market timing. Portfolio managers and institutional investors use it to gauge sector momentum and identify optimal entry or exit points. Corporate real estate executives rely on CREPI to assess broader market conditions, helping guide strategic decisions on acquisitions, dispositions, and portfolio adjustments. 

 

Final Thoughts 

STDB’s suite of tools empowers CCIMs and other commercial real estate professionals to make more informed, strategic decisions. Whether identifying the best location for a new business, evaluating an investment opportunity, or analyzing market trends, these resources provide a competitive edge in an increasingly data-driven industry. 

Want to learn more about how STDB can elevate your business? Log in today and explore these tools firsthand!