You may or may not be familiar with the term CCIM. This stands for Certified Commercial Investment Member, and simply put, is a designation that recognizes experts within the commercial and investment real estate industry.
This is a strong point of differentiation among real estate brokers. As you likely know, when you go to find a broker in your area, you are inundated with options. It can be hard to narrow them down and know who will offer you a superior level of service and expertise. Looking for a CCIM designation is a great place to start.
Just like you would carefully consider the various levels of education and certifications of your lawyer or doctor, you should also consider the education and certifications of your real estate broker. A CCIM is will bring to the table valuable qualities that can contribute to an overall more positive working relationship.
Let’s take a look at five reasons you should work with a real estate broker who is a CCIM.
It demonstrates commitment to the industry
You can be a real estate broker without being a CCIM; it’s not required. It takes extra drive and commitment to seek out this designation and successfully complete it. Just as someone pours a lot of time and resources into earning their graduate degree, a CCIM has also worked hard and invested a lot to earn such a title.
Don’t these sound like the same qualities you want to see in your real estate broker? Someone who is driven, committed, hardworking and not looking for “the easy way out” is a person who will also likely work tirelessly on your behalf to seek out all available options to deliver success.
It places them within an elite group of real estate professionals
There are more than 150,000 commercial real estate professionals in the United States alone, but only an estimated 6 percent hold the CCIM designation. Narrowing down your selection of potential brokers by their CCIM designation will quickly identify this elite group and help you to see who rises to the top.
It provides access to an impressive professional network
A CCIM designation provides independent brokers with access to a professional network of over 13,000 CCIM’s in 1,000 markets across the United States and in 30 other countries. It’s like an exclusive society of real estate professionals who all share the same level of education, experience and commitment and who stand ready to help their “brothers” out whenever needed. This is a powerful professional network that is not easily replicated. As a client, it’s also a network you want to have access to!
It ensures you are working with the latest tools and technology
CCIM brokers have access to an exclusive suite of online technology and tools. Such resources would be cost prohibitive or too much work for an independent broker to seek out on his or her own. But with the direction and connections of the CCIM Institute, all CCIMs are provided with access to tools that help them stay ahead of trends and find answers to solve unique problems on behalf of their clients.
It requires competency and experience
In order to become a CCIM, you have to do a lot more than fill out a form or pay dues. The designation is awarded to professionals who complete over 160 hours of graduate level courses and who pass a comprehensive exam covering financial analysis, market analysis, user decision analysis and investment analysis. Additionally, a CCIM must prepare a portfolio demonstrating practical real world experience. It’s truly a combination of competency and experience – one without the other is not enough to make you a CCIM.
Now that you know more about what it takes to become a CCIM, you’re likely wondering “How do I work with one?” Finding a real estate broker in your area who is a CCIM is simple. Go to www.ccim.com and click the “Networking tab” then click “Find a CCIM.”
…Or you can simply contact Omni Realty Group. Owner, Mike Kushner has earned his CCIM and exemplifies these five valuable assets of working with a CCIM with every client!
Do you have any other questions about the CCIM designation or how it differentiates real estate brokers? Join in the conversation by commenting below!