Commercial Investment Real Estate March/April 2016

working, and I stay busy and have a great sense of accomplishment.” Help Your Community with New Busi- nesses and Job Creation. In the tighter lending environment, Russell Webb, CCIM, expanded his business from leasing and land sales to a new niche to set him apart from other commercial real estate professionals. “On of ce and industrial deals, mortgage companies will give loans to owner-occu- pants with good credit,” says Webb, vice president at Silver Oak Commercial Realty in Flower Mound, Texas. “I know bankers I can introduce to prospective buyers who can persuade them of the value of owning versus leasing.” By implementing these suggestions, those seeking the CCIM designation or otherwise working in small communities can fulf ll the portfolio requirements more easily. Sara S. Patterson is senior editor at Commer- cial Investment Real Estate. BOOSTING BUSINESS Contrary to expectations, many CCIM candi dates close sales while taking CCIM core courses for earning the designation. During the CI 102 course on market analysis for commercial real estate investment in July 2015, Paula L. Bruns closed one deal for nearly $100,000 in commission, signed three tenants for leases, and proposed six new transactions. “It has taken me a long time to realize that my deal ﬂ ow increases when I sign up for a CCIM class,” says Bruns, vice president at Colville Ofﬁ ce Properties in Houston. “Do not let your job be an impediment to taking CCIM courses.” Smartphones, emails, and texting have revolutionized the ability of CCIM students to conduct business while taking classes. Breaks and lunch periods provide time to manage clients, team members, and others involved in transactions. While taking three of the four CCIM core courses for earning the CCIM designation, Simon Ha works on his own business deals outside of the sessions. In addition to deals, leases, and new business proposals, students meet their peers in the classroom and at networking events that CCIM chapters host. “I like being in the classroom because you never know when one of your classmates might have a business opportunity for you or vice-versa,” says Ha, principal at Centric Commercial REA in Houston. “Sign up for CCIM courses and deals ﬂ ow in,” Bruns says. “It sounds counterintuitive, but it’s commonsense. You know more and that will help you be better at your job.” SAVE THE DATE CCIM SPRING BUSINESS MEETINGS CHICAGO APRIL 2-6, 2016 CCIM.com March | April | 2016 21

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