Commercial Investment Real Estate January/February 2017 | Page 15

CIRE: How did your experiences as a commercial real estate professional prepare you for running for U.S. Congress? Elizondo: I served on the CCIM Legislative Subcommittee and it was during the time Dodd-Frank was coming into play. I watched as the local banking systems in our community began to erode because restrictions and regulations that stifled growth. Even I was not borrowing money because the financial environ- ment was just too unstable. We had to come up with new ways to improve real estate revenue. Eventually, the opportunity arose to run for U.S. Congress, and I thought, there it is. no better initial education to enter a new industry. You must also expand your knowledge through any educational opportunities available. I was lucky to have found CCIM Institute not only for my advancement in the industry but also for my introduction to local politics. The CCIM designation gives you instant cred- ibility. You can’t put a price on that. CIRE: In 1999, you became the first women south of San Antonio to earn the CCIM designation. How has the CCIM designation enhanced your career in commercial real estate? CIRE: What advice would you give to women entering commercial real estate? Elizondo: When I speak with a client about internal rate of return or doing a 1031 exchange, I’m able to do so with both confidence and experience due to the rigorous coursework and portfolio required to earned my CCIM designation. I completed my first development without my CCIM designation, but after I received my designation, it changed my entire life. Every project I did after, I knew exactly how to negotiate, exactly what my ROI would be, and exactly how to save money on taxes. Having the designation puts me on a different level. And it’s helped to bring me a long way so far. Elizondo: Find someone who is willing to mentor you. You must shadow a person that does it day in and day out. There is Samuel S. Moon is media relations manager at CCIM Institute. CIRE: Now that the primary election is over, will you continue to participate in local politics? Elizondo: Absolutely, I still serve on Annie’s List, a state level organization whose main objective is to elect women to office in Texas. And I will continue to do what I can in local political groups. Build Your Own Vacation Giveaway THE CCIM FOUNDATION’S MAJOR FUNDRAISER FOR 2017 Two lucky winners will each receive a $5,000 voucher for a dream vacation. You choose your destination, your itinerary, and your timetable. CCIM Institute members can enter to win by donating $100 to the CCIM Foundation. Winners will be announced at the CCIM Fall Governance Meetings in Toronto, Oct. 14-18. Each member can enter up to two times (i.e., $200 donation total). You do not need to be present to win! Contact [email protected] to get your donation form. Prizes sponsored by: Your donation will be tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law.The CCIM Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. CCIM.COM January | February 2017 13