Jimmy Hinton joins Transwestern from HFF, where he was managing director.

HOUSTON—Increasingly, real estate decisions are going beyond basic research information to filter and interpret data so it is insightful and more importantly, actionable. For many brokerage firms, this requires top-level research that assists in make or break decisions.

Transwestern is filling that role with a senior managing director of investment and analytics, Jimmy Hinton, who will be based in Houston. Hinton will develop research and predictive analytics to guide and support real estate investment strategy, market and asset selection, underwriting, and portfolio management.

“Transwestern is dedicated to delivering its clients and team members relevant, actionable market insights so they are better equipped to make informed business decisions,” said Charles Hazen, president of Transwestern Investment Group. “Jimmy's prominence in the industry and extensive economic and market knowledge will help us leverage data analytics and research to more accurately predict demand drivers and make better investment decisions for our clients.”

As a member of the firm's executive committee and board of directors, Hinton will direct investment and analytics initiatives across all three companies: Transwestern Investment Group, Transwestern Commercial Services and Transwestern Development Company. Each business will further enhance its strategic use of research and analysis to address real estate challenges and pursue new opportunities.

“As the flow of commercial real estate data continues to accelerate, the ability to identify key themes, shape sound investment strategies and execute against them in a highly competitive market becomes increasingly important,” said Hinton. “This is where Transwestern's local research professionals and real estate advisors add the greatest value. Leadership's commitment to excel on this front, buttressed by a multifaceted platform of real estate offerings and services, provides a true competitive advantage for clients.”

Hinton joins Transwestern from HFF, where as managing director he provided analysis of economic, property and capital market trends for a wide range of commercial property types.

“Real estate investment decisions are becoming more complex as we seek to utilize the extensive amount of data available today to develop a comprehensive view of current conditions and future demand,” Hazen tells GlobeSt.com. “Today, it's not simply a matter of having access to information, but being positioned to filter and interpret data in a manner that is insightful and actionable.”

Transwestern's first quarter national office report confirmed the general opinion that the US office market remains strong, with overall vacancy holding steady at 9.8%. National average asking rents nudged higher during the quarter to $26.63 per square foot, reflecting a 4.1% annual growth rate that exceeded the five-year compound annual average of 3.4%.