Commercial Investment Real Estate Fall 2021 | Page 43

is the ideal way to go , but they don ’ t fully realize the depth of expertise available to them . I ’ ve noticed that CCIM isn ’ t quite yet the household name it deserves to be within the industry , but I ’ m excited to be a part of helping it quickly get there .
CIRE : WHAT SUPPORT STRUCTURES HAVE HELPED YOU DURING THIS PROCESS ? IS THERE A CCIM WHO INSPIRES YOU ?
FARSAI : I would be foolish to say I didn ’ t have the support of numerous colleagues ( including some CCIM mentors ), family , and close friends during this journey . I remember calling them after the start or finish of each course , saying how different it was from other education and how much the consumption of knowledge felt like drinking from a fire hose . I ’ ve never felt more simultaneously excited and overwhelmed , and I ’ m grateful for a strong support circle during those moments .
CIRE : HOW HAS COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SHIFT- ED FOR YOU , GIVEN THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ?
FARSAI : Real estate in the Bay Area and Northern California by nature presents some unique challenges and need for creative strategies . Add to that the events of the last few years ( wildfires , the pandemic , political shifts , a residential and commercial exodus from the Bay Area , demand for new construction and bottlenecks with supply , etc .), and we ’ re really talking about what felt a bit like a suddenly new Wild West . I feel confident in
I ’ ve noticed that CCIM isn ’ t quite yet the household name it deserves to be , but I ’ m excited to be a part of helping it quickly get there . saying that it ’ s my CCIM knowledge that allowed me to optimally navigate these new changes . I believe it ’ s also what helped set me apart as a local broker , resulting in 2020 being one of my most successful years to date .
CIRE : WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A PART OF A FAMILY BUSINESS ? ARE THERE ANY UNIQUE POSITIVES ( OR CHALLENGES ) THAT COME UP WHEN WORKING WITH YOUR FAMILY ?
FARSAI : It was a privilege in that I was able to be closely involved in some high-level jobs and conversations at an earlier stage in my career than I may have been otherwise , but it wasn ’ t particularly easy . Candidly , working with family sometimes comes with higher expectations and less leniency . Looking back , I ’ m appreciative of the pressure and trial-by-fire moments because I think that ’ s what expedited my learning curve and helped me more quickly understand the value of what we as CCIMs do .
Nicholas Leider
Senior content editor of Commercial Investment Real Estate Contact him at nleider @ ccim . com .
Editor ’ s note : Congratulations to Peter , who passed the comprehensive exam in October . He is one of a class of 122 new designees .

Become a Development Expert

CCIM Institute ’ s Development Specialty Track program provides commercial real estate developers , investors , and consultants with a comprehensive understanding of the entire process of development — from due diligence to disposition .
Plus , several courses in the program are also available on demand in an online , self-paced format , allowing you to fit your professional development into the tightest of schedules .
Upcoming Courses
Introduction to Development Workshop Nov . 1 , 3 , 5 , 8 , 9 & 12 | Virtual
RE Development : Building Development Nov . 9 & 11 | Online Instructor Led
RE Development : Building Renovation Nov . 29 & Dec . 1 | Online Instructor Led
RE Development : Land Packaging Dec . 13 & 15 | Online Instructor Led
To learn more , visit www . ccim . com / dev-track or call ( 800 ) 621-7027 , opt 2
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