How important are people skills when it comes to CRE?
I'm a programmer now. You basically have to get along with everyone and you're good. 

But I remember reading that CRE jobs require a lot of networking. Is this just for brokerage? What type of people/communication skills would be required for an analyst job? Would you say candidates have to be above average?
[{"id": "d19w5g7", "text": "All real estate positions are essentially relationship based.  Even analysts are expected to source and network.  Less so in development shops.", "replies": [{"id": "d19wbrh", "text": "Well technically every  job is relationship-based", "replies": [{"id": "d1by83g", "text": "If you are going to be this antagonistic with someone who is politely answering your question, you may not have the personal and relationships skills necessary for a real estate career.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "d1a3kks", "text": "Typically, analyst work is done in excel, and data is gathered through research reports and market comps. It's not relationship work, but you need to interact with people that have the info you need. \n\nAlmost all roles beyond analyst require a lot of interpersonal and relationship building skills. With out them you'll have some challenges growing into other roles. Maybe a research path would fit your skill set. \n", "replies": [{"id": "d1aburf", "text": "What is the research path? ", "replies": [{"id": "d1adpad", "text": "Think big firms like CBRE, JLL, Newmark - they all publish research reports and market studies. Essentially what you do as a research analyst is oversee a database of thousands of commercial properties in your market. It is your job to make sure each property's information (size, rental rates, vacancy, ownership info, class) is up to date so when it comes time to publish a market report, you can show changes and trends in the market.\n\nThe research path is an awesome way to break into the industry, build professional relationships with brokers, and learn the fundamentals of the business. However, you will most likely be taking a substantial pay cut coming from a programming position. The skills required for a researched are not complex- basic excel skills are a must, and each company uses a different database system that they will train you on.", "replies": [{"id": "d1b62lx", "text": "Bleh. I don't know why you would want to get into commercial real estate just to do research.... ", "replies": [{"id": "d1bo3hq", "text": "As I said its a good entry point to learn the industry. Unless you have the money to jump straight into brokerage and go a few years without making much, research is a great way to learn from brokers and get involved in pitches.", "replies": [], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}, {"id": "d1bmak8", "text": "What do you think the base salary is for research analysts in offices like JLL, CBRE, CW in major cities like DC, NY, LA?  ", "replies": [{"id": "d1bo4tw", "text": "In those major markets I would guess the salary would be 50-55k", "replies": [{"id": "d1btz63", "text": "if one does not want to be a broker, whats would the career path for research analysts? In terms on climbing up the ladder, pay etc", "replies": [{"id": "d1budwu", "text": "If you mean the research ladder, well, its pretty dim. You would just progress from research analyst, to a senior research analyst, to a manger or regional research analyst. As you progress, you will probably have more resources and oversee bigger projects. I cant say much about the pay, besides that there is most likely a pretty low ceiling at that route.\n\nAlternatively, you could use the entry level research role to learn the business then move laterally to other sides of the industry. For example, you could become an analyst for a developer or REIT. You could also go into property management. Think of being a researcher as a position to learn the fundamentals and your market, meet senior level people, and springboard into  a mid-level role elsewhere or a broker internally.", "replies": [{"id": "d1buncs", "text": "Hey! thanks for the info, \n\nI prob want to start of as an analyst, get some experience then transition to Acquisitions/Dispositions or asset management for a private equity firm. What do you think? will there be a bump in pay?\n\nI am also planning to do my masters in RE finance in Gtown with the hopes that it will make me competitive. ", "replies": [{"id": "d1bushi", "text": "In that case there would be no reason for you to work as a research analyst at a brokerage firm. larger private equity firms hire analysts and if you have a masters in RE finance you should be qualified enough", "replies": [{"id": "d1buzpz", "text": "Yeah, I just want to keep the research position as a back up plan, in case I am not able to get an analyst gig straight out of school at a development or private equity firm. I just want to get my foot in the door and start somewhere. Thanks for all the info! appreciate it!", "replies": [], "depth": 10}], "depth": 9}], "depth": 8}], "depth": 7}], "depth": 6}], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}, {"id": "d1cob9w", "text": "Excel, yes, but if you have experience with Argus then it is an actual difference maker. \n", "replies": [{"id": "d1e74mb", "text": "best resource when it comes to learning Argus?\n", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "d1fxlw4", "text": "very.   Deals take a long to make, not like trading a stock.  People make deals with those they trust.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "d1ktmlk", "text": "The more I learn about the commercial real estate industry, the more I learn that it's really all about who you know. As in any industry, in CRE, knowledge is power. But because so much news is speculative before leases are signed, contracts are signed, vendors are chosen, etc., knowledge is passed around verbally. So, the larger your network, the more you will know about the activity in the industry. This knowledge is invaluable as it helps you and others get new business. in CRE, helping others get new business is a great way to help yourself get new businesses. ", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]