Real Estate Tax Forecasting for Title Agents | Ep 23

Episode Summary

Ross Litkenhous shares his 21-year journey from real estate tax consulting to building Taxonics, a technology platform solving property tax forecasting for commercial real estate. He explains how title professionals can evaluate new technologies without disrupting operations, why AI won’t replace human expertise in real estate, and the trust-but-verify approach to vendor claims. Ross also discusses entrepreneurial resilience, the data center boom, nuclear power’s role in AI infrastructure, and practical strategies for title agents navigating 3,100+ U.S. taxing jurisdictions.

About Ross Litkenhous

Ross Litkenhous is CEO and founder of Taxonics, a real estate tax technology platform, and Calvary Real Estate Advisors, a consultancy specializing in property tax appeals, credits, incentives, and fiscal impact studies. With 21 years in the real estate tax space, Ross helps commercial property owners navigate the complexities of 3,100+ U.S. taxing jurisdictions. He holds a graduate degree in real estate and urban development from American University and is a partner in a data center development venture. Ross is also a competitive lacrosse player in the Beltway Lacrosse League.

Key Takeaways

• Real estate taxes are the single largest operating expense for property owners, with $700 billion paid annually across 3,100+ U.S. taxing jurisdictions, each with different assessment methods and deadlines.
• Blockchain will facilitate real estate transactions and help developing countries establish ownership chains, but it won’t replace the title industry’s human expertise and trust verification role.
• AI and machine learning excel at processing data but cannot replicate right-brain contextual analysis—title professionals who layer human expertise onto AI tools will outperform those relying solely on technology.
• Before implementing new technology, validate vendor claims with a trust-but-verify approach, because tools promising paradigm shifts often drag down operational efficiency instead of improving it.
• The office real estate glut and data center boom are reshaping commercial markets, with AI-purpose-built data centers consuming 60-100 megawatts versus legacy facilities’ 10-20 megawatts, making nuclear power essential for U.S. competitiveness.
• Successful entrepreneurs must build support networks of legal, accounting, and industry professionals before launching, then validate their solution by asking ten potential customers if they’d pay for it.
• Every team member sells something—whether pitching ideas internally, serving customers, or representing the brand—and entrepreneurial success requires a don’t-stop mentality through daily obstacles.

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