1.3 Professional Organizations

Professional Organizations in Real Estate

The real estate industry is supported by a variety of trade organizations that promote different business specializations. Membership in these organizations provides benefits such as training programs, professional designations, and communication channels for staying updated on industry events and laws. Belonging to a trade organization can also enhance your professional image with clients and the public.

Some major real estate trade organizations and designations include:

• • American Society of Appraisers (appraisers.org)
  • American Society of Home Inspectors (ashi.com)
  • Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) (arello.org)
  • Building Owners and Managers Association (boma.org)
  • CCIM Institute (ccim.com) – Certified Commercial-Investment Member
  • Corenet Global (corenetglobal.org) – Master of Corporate Real Estate (MCR)
  • Counselors of Real Estate (cre.org) – Counselor of Real Estate (CRE)
  • Institute of Real Estate Management (irem.org) – Certified Property Manager (CPM)
  • International Association of Assessing Officers (iaao.org)
  • International Council of Shopping Centers (icsc.org)
  • Mortgage Bankers Association of America (mba.org) – Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB)
  • National Association of Realtors (NAR) (nar.realtor) – GRI, CIPS
  • Women’s Council of Realtors (wcr.org) – Performance Management Network (PMN)

These organizations offer valuable resources, networking, and professional credibility for anyone pursuing a real estate career.

Check-In Questions

• Which of the following is not a benefit of joining a real estate trade organization?
  Access to training programs
  Professional designations
  Free vacation trips
  Enhanced business image
  Show Answer

  Correct Answer: Free vacation trips
  While organizations offer many benefits, free vacations are not typically included!
• Which organization is known for the “Certified Commercial-Investment Member (CCIM)” designation?
  National Association of Realtors
  CCIM Institute
  Building Owners and Managers Association
  Women’s Council of Realtors
  Show Answer

  Correct Answer: CCIM Institute
  The CCIM Institute awards the Certified Commercial-Investment Member designation.