AppFolio has introduced a new platform called Real Estate Performance Management, designed to shift the property management industry's focus from simple task completion to measurable outcomes. The technology, which is built on an artificial intelligence framework, aims to improve operations for property owners, residents, and investors.
The company announced the new system at its FUTURE: The Real Estate Conference. The platform integrates data management, workflow automation, and growth analytics to streamline processes like leasing, maintenance, and resident communication.
Key Takeaways
- AppFolio launched Real Estate Performance Management, an AI-native platform for the property sector.
- The system focuses on delivering performance outcomes rather than just task efficiency.
- New features include AI agents called Realm-X Performers to automate leasing and maintenance workflows.
- User data indicates the platform can reduce vacancy periods by over five days and increase renewal rates by 20%.
- The company also introduced new tools to improve the resident move-in experience, a common challenge in the rental market.
A New Approach to Property Operations
The real estate industry is facing increasing complexity, making traditional methods of property management less effective. According to AppFolio, focusing solely on task efficiency is no longer sufficient for success. The company's new approach, Real Estate Performance Management, is designed to prioritize tangible results for all stakeholders.
Kyle Triplett, Senior Vice President of Product at AppFolio, commented on the industry's shift.
“The real estate industry is at a pivotal moment. The traditional focus on transactions and tasks no longer meets the needs of today’s operators,” Triplett stated. “With our AI-native architecture – where intelligence is built in, not bolted on – we’re empowering customers to amplify human strengths.”
The AppFolio Performance Platform is structured around three core systems working together. The first is a system of record for secure data storage. The second is a system of action that uses AI to execute tasks. The third is a system of growth that uses data insights to identify new opportunities.
Automating Workflows with AI Agents
A central component of the new platform is a set of advanced AI capabilities called Realm-X Performers. These tools function as AI agents that automate complex, repetitive workflows, allowing property management teams to focus on more strategic work.
The initial offerings are now available to all AppFolio customers and target key operational areas.
Leasing and Maintenance Automation
The Realm-X Leasing Performer is designed to manage the entire process from a potential tenant's first inquiry to a signed lease. It engages with prospects through multiple channels, captures necessary information, schedules property tours, and consistently follows up with every lead.
The Realm-X Maintenance Performer handles service requests from residents. It can communicate in real time and in multiple languages, analyze photos of maintenance issues submitted by tenants, ask clarifying questions, and create prioritized work orders for the maintenance team. This automation is intended to resolve issues more quickly and reliably.
Reported Performance Gains
According to a survey of Realm-X users conducted in August 2025, the platform delivers significant results:
- Vacant units are filled 5.2 days faster on average.
- Renewal rates increase by 20%.
- Net operating income (NOI) improves by an average of 2.8%.
- Users save an average of 12.5 hours per week on tasks like communications and reporting.
AppFolio also introduced the Realm-X Resident Messenger Performer. This AI agent manages ongoing communication with residents, handling renewal discussions and answering common questions about rent payments or lease details.
Improving the Resident Experience
Creating a positive resident experience is critical for retention and profitability. A 2025 AppFolio report on renter preferences revealed significant room for improvement in the move-in process, a key moment in the landlord-tenant relationship.
The Challenge of Move-In Day
The 2025 AppFolio Renter Preferences Report, which surveyed over 2,000 U.S. renters, found that:
- 75% of residents experience challenges during their move-in.
- Residents who are satisfied with their move-in are 76% more likely to be satisfied with their property manager overall.
- 71% of residents said having additional services offered at move-in is important to them.
To address these issues, AppFolio has developed new Resident Onboarding tools. These features transform the traditionally manual move-in checklist into a guided digital experience for new tenants. Property managers gain better visibility into the process, ensuring all steps are completed smoothly.
Danielle Holloway McCarthy, President of Advanced Management Company, shared her experience with the platform. “Before, we were relying on nine separate systems to manage our properties, which made it impossible to deliver a truly seamless resident experience,” she said. “AppFolio’s AI-native platform changed all of that. By consolidating our data and automating our core workflows, we freed up our teams to focus instead on creating meaningful connections with our residents.”
Partnerships and Future Outlook
AppFolio is also collaborating with other companies to enhance its offerings. The company partnered with Second Nature to create Resident Onboarding Lift, a service that provides residents with access to valuable services during their move-in. This integration aims to improve convenience for tenants while creating new revenue opportunities for property owners and investors.
The company plans to share more details about its new platform and the concept of Real Estate Performance Management in an upcoming webinar. The event, titled “The Best of FUTURE 2025: Highlights, Insights, and What’s Next in Real Estate,” is scheduled for October 30, 2025.
With these innovations, AppFolio is positioning itself to lead a fundamental shift in how the real estate industry measures success, moving beyond simple efficiency to focus on comprehensive performance that benefits everyone involved in the property ecosystem.
