Education and CCIM

Are you familiar with the CCIM designation? Certified Commercial Investment Member, some describe it as the PhD of commercial real estate and I couldn't agree more. The CCIM lapel pin denotes that the wearer has completed advanced coursework in financial and market analysis, and demonstrated extensive experience in the commercial real estate industry. CCIM designees are recognized as leading experts in commercial investment real estate.

My business partner embarked on his CCIM educational journey in the early 1990's and received his designation. Frankly when you see someone with the CCIM designation on their signature line it does add to a certain level of confidence in their abilities. Commercial real estate is a competitive industry and for the most part it's a career that we embark on with the professional understanding that this is a marathon and not a race. Our colleagues with their CCIM are well trained for this marathon.

Many industries require continuing education for licensing and real estate is no different. The CCIM designation meets some of the continuing ed requirements so it serves a dual purpose. And not only commercial real estate agents can earn the degree: it is also held by professionals is complimenting industries that include:

• Investment counselors
• Asset managers
• Appraisers
• Corporate real estate executives
• Property managers
• Developers
• Institutional investors
• Commercial lenders
• Attorneys
• Bankers
• Other allied professionals

So now it is a resource for networking with others that provide services that we need to get the deals done! 

My encouragement...look into your local CCIM Chapter and attend an event. Then consider joining the chapter while you take the courses to become a designee because honestly this takes TIME! There are 4, week long courses that are required, several smaller electives as well as the time to produce your portfolio. There are tests you will take after each course and then the grand daddy test of them all that is offered 2 times a year. It's a process and a commitment but the learning, connections and other benefits are worth it. 

CCIM Recognized Leaders in Commercial Real Estate

The Value of Team

Have you ever tried to do something on your own? Then later watched someone do the same thing but with a team involved? In most instances an effective team makes the process smoother and faster but the key word here is EFFECTIVE!

We knew from experience that we wanted to form a team that not only was effective for the client and the process but that also would provide a level of customer service that was greater than the competition. But finding the right elements (aka people) for the team can sometimes be a challenge. What a person brings to the table can be both positive and not so positive, right?

Several years ago, we were told that the best commercial agents are typically from a sports background and/or military which translates to them being easily coached and able to be on a team. Now taking the sports analogy a step further, it's obvious that we don't need a team full of quarterbacks or linebackers, our team needs to be balanced in order to be successful. Recruiting for all positions is important, looking at what the team already has in place and filling the voids is necessary.

A team needs to understand each others strengths as well and to do that we enlisted the expertise of Gallup Research and Strengthfinder 2.0. We started by having each member of the team purchase the book & take the online test to help identify their Top 5 strengths. Once we knew what each persons' strengths were, we had a better understanding of what strengths we needed to fill and also how to best utilize one another! www.strengthsfinder.com

Our team of 5 is strong and balanced with attributes that include Strategic, Analytical, Activator, Learner, Developer, Communication, Positivity and Woo! But most importantly we are committed to our clients and have made it our goal to be the best commercial real estate team in Orange County and in the process become highly recognized for providing service that exceeds our clients expectations. What do you think?