Published: Aug. 18, 2023

In commercial real estate, who you know is sometimes as important as what you know.

silhouettes of a group that make up an association

Explore leading real estate associations:

Focus areas: educational programs, networking opportunities, industry codes and standards, market analysis and trends. Learn more about BOMA.

Focus areas: innovation, global networking, multi-disciplinary problem-solving. Learn more about CCIM. 

Focus areas: innovation, global networking, multi-disciplinary problem-solving. Learn more about CRE.

Focus area: research analysis, networking opportunities, mentorship, educational programs. Learn more about ICSC.

Focus areas: international, learning, certifications, and networking. Learn more about IREM.

Focus areas: networking opportunities, educational programs, advocacy, research and education. Learn more about NAIOP. 

Focus areas: build expertise, professional ethics. Learn more about NAR.

Focus area: investment index performance, data products, networking opportunities, educational programs. Learn more about NCREIF. 

Focus area: diversity, equity and inclusion in real estate, educational programs, mentorship and partnerships. Learn more about Project REAP.

Focus areas: land real estate nuance, brokerage, subdivision and lot wholesaling, site selection and assemblage of land parcels, appraisals and land valuation, auctions. Learn more about Realtors Land Institute.

Focus areas: global network, trusted industry leaders. Learn more about SIOR.

Focus area: global networking, research indices. Learn more about ULI.
 

Networking is a critical element to navigating the strong community of experts and practitioners working together to meet the changing demands in a profession that is nuanced, complex and ever-changing.

If you’re looking to expand your network in commercial real estate, it’s important to take advantage of connections with the numerous real estate associations. While each association has its own mission and personality, they all share the common goal to provide trusted guidance, thought-leadership, education and inspiration for current and aspiring real estate professionals.

Every association offers a robust catalog of tools and resources, so how do you take full advantage of the perks of networking and associations?

  1. Business opportunities – building relationships can be an overlooked asset in commercial real estate, but still very important. The more people you know and connect with, the greater number of opportunities you will have to find clients, investors, partners and tenants. Every connection expands your network and increases your financial potential.
  2. Market knowledge and trends – Tapping into associations and networks helps you stay up to date on the latest trends, market conditions and industry insights. Participating in events and discussions can help you make better investment opportunities by staying on top of the emerging trends to make informed business decisions.
  3. Continuing education – Many associations offer workshops, courses and seminars to help maintain necessary continuing education credits.
  4. Partnerships – Learn to leverage others’ areas of expertise and focus to build collaborative relationships where you can pool resources and contacts that may result in shared projects, joint ventures or partnership on complex deals.
  5. Referrals and recommendations – In real estate, word-of-mouth and your reputation go a long way. Building trust and credibility in your network can help foster those deeper relationships whether you’re looking for a new job opportunity or a new business opportunity.

Want to build your commercial real estate knowledge, while also getting access to a built-in network of peers and instructors in real estate? Providing education at the undergraduate level and through the MS in real estateMBA coursework and executive education programs ensures the university can reach all levels of experience to advance real estate education. The executive education commercial real estate certificate offers flexible courses that can be taken independently or combined to earn a certificate and continuing education credits for those in the state of Colorado. For continuing education hours outside the state, please contact us for more details. The finance course is open for enrollment with the course beginning on September 13.

Curious? Contact LeedsExecEd@colorado.edu.

Why Leeds  Executive Education at Leeds