Would you recommend starting the CCIM courses before having an eligible portfolio?
I'm in my 2nd year in commercial real estate brokerage and plan on having my CCIM designation as soon as I'm eligible based on the portfolio. I've spoken with a few brokers that have the designation and some have said that it's a lot to work on, and others said it'll help in my day-to-day business. I met my local markets CCIM instructor at a networking event and was told that the first few courses are open to anyone willing to sign up. Any thoughts or recommendations?
[{"id": "fjhl6d7", "text": "There is no drawback to starting the CCIM courses now.  You'll gain industry specific knowledge that can be applied immediately, which should help you complete your portfolio experience sooner.  Also, you may have more available time now, as opposed to later in your career when you've got more deals in the pipeline.\n\nI would recommend taking the courses locally and in-person.  Attend the networking events and local continuing education events as well.  This will help establish your network which again will help you do more deals.", "replies": [{"id": "fjhvj1d", "text": "Thank you, this is great advice", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fjx79er", "text": "I personally have watched a transformation in my brokers who both started the CCIM courses.  They are much more confident and can speak the language from an investors point of view which is what I need.  They both have become tremendously more valuable to my business.  It\u2019s fun and rewarding to watch the light bulbs go on when they see the other side of the business that I try to explain to them often.  Side note; it\u2019s also a good place to meet clients and network.  A lot of investors put themselves through these courses.", "replies": [{"id": "fjxjrx5", "text": "This is what I'm hoping to achieve! My partner is a CCIM and it's amazing to hear him talk through certain deals with our clients. It's almost its own language.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]