Commercial Investment Real Estate July/August 2017 | Page 15

For investment institutions, the properties in U.S. primary
market cities have stable returns from rental income. Investors
prefer to invest in the multifamily sector in U.S. regions with
large Chinese populations. At the top of their priority invest-
ments are apartments in cities, with highly rated universities and
student housing projects, built in their urban centers.
CIRE: How are Chinese investors being exposed to
U.S. markets? What types of guidance are they seeking
from U.S. commercial real estate professionals?
Li: We invite high net worth individuals to participate in regu-
larly scheduled CCIM events, highlighting U.S. properties
for sale.
Many Chinese investors do not have suffi cient information
about the U.S. capital markets, tax laws, and available proper-
ties. They are looking for experienced and educated professionals
they can trust.
CIRE: What advice do you have for U.S. investors
considering investments in China?
Li: The Chinese government plays a considerable regulatory and
guiding role in the commercial real estate market. When invest-
ing in China, investors need to understand what drives these
policies and the differences in economic development among
the cities in China.
CIRE: How can U.S.-based CCIMs connect with Chinese
high net worth individuals interested in noninstitutional-
grade U.S. properties?
Li: With more than a dozen courses and over 250 students reg-
istered in 2016, CCIM Institute’s educational and networking
opportunities are pivotal. In November 2016, the Asia-Pacifi c
Real Estate Forum was held in Shanghai, with more than 400
visitors. This year’s Asia-Pacifi c Forum will take place on Nov.
10, 2017, with more than 500 visitors expected. Commercial real
estate professionals are encouraged to come to China to network,
see what technology platforms are being used, and establish the
foundation for transnational deals.
CIRE: How has the CCIM designation and your
involvement with the CCIM network improved your ability
to adapt your skills to multiple national and international
marketplaces within commercial real estate?
Li: My CCIM training and connections have increased my
understanding of the complexity of commercial real estate invest-
ments. CCIM Institute also enables me to establish an interna-
tional networking platform, meet with my peers from across the
world, start exchanges, and set up a bridge of understanding and
cooperation connecting the Chinese to their U.S. counterparts.
Samuel S. Moon is media relations manager at CCIM Institute.
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