2 Quick CCIM Questions

[Karma Senge]

Just 2 quick questions.

1. If I went to go get my CCIM license, after I got it, could I go work for a company listing commercial real estate, or would I also need to get my Realtors License as well? I fully want to stay commercial and have no intention of getting into listing residential.
2. Besides just listing commercial real estate, what other benefits are there to get my CCIM license?

Thanks

[Bill Gulley]

I can't see any one book, much less a guru book, provide anything near the educational materials contained in obtaining the CCIM designation.

The CCIM isn't a license it's a designation, you need a RE license to conduct commercial transactions. Now, some states provide exemptions from classes based on other education, requirements will vary.

I did not take any of the CCIM courses, my degrees were beyond the curriculum of the RE courses, it would have only given me letters for my business cards and a lapel pen. listing, selling or managing commercial properties was never a primary concern.

When licensees consider going into a niche, like commercial, I'd suggest you look at the market first and see what the potential might be. The CCIM can take a couple years, it will cost you money and time.

Just as someone might assess the need for an MBA or a CPA, will the degree advance their goals? Same with RE designations. I'm all for formal education paths but you need to consider the goals too.

I mention this because in my area there are several commercial brokers. It's a very tight market, very competitive and the old guys pretty much have that niche tied up, you'd starve trying to break in on your own, sometimes experienced brokers and attorneys are just the known, go-to brokers, convincing a larger corporation to jump ship and go with a new broker would be like banging your head on a wall, IMO.

Most commercial brokers want experience, not green from any school as there is a difference from the classroom and reality. You can get hired by C brokers with training, you'll likely be placed with an experienced broker for street training. It can be a very good profession, but I'd suggest at least a bachelor's degree in business, accounting, finance or economics. Much of the CCIM is finance, having a degree will make things easier.

Really depends on your area, state requirements and market. There are some that have moved into commercial that have very little formal training and they learn on the run by doing. That can happen when there is less competition, they may think there is competition but if there are really big bucks involved, those deals usually go to bigger operators with sufficient experience. Just saying, know where you're headed, who controls that market and what the future holds in that market. :)