Have you decided you want to get into commercial real estate as a career, but don’t know where to get started? Every real estate professional started in the same place: knowing nothing. I get asked on a daily basis how to get started. With more than 30 years in a commercial real estate (CRE) working on the landlord side, tenant side and leadership side, I've seen many newcomers take their first steps into CRE. Stop thinking and start taking action by following these insider secrets:
- Sign up for local real estate classes:Take a variety of classes from your local real estate schools and community colleges. The best part of taking in-person classes is meeting other people in the industry.
- Read, read, read: Find every bit of information you can on a commercial real estate. Find the top people in real estate and read about their work every day. As they say, the more you learn, the more you earn. After reading, start taking action.
- Attend local meet-ups and events in your city and state:Check out local meet-up sites and community boards to find and join events on real estate investing, cash flow, investment clubs and more. The largest real estate investors meet-up is the New York Real Estate Investors Association (REIA). Other organizations offer events, training and classes. Get out and meet other people in your field.
- Intern at a local brokerage firm:The best way to get hands-on experience is by learning from a top broker or agent. Everyone is looking for help, and it doesn’t matter what age you are for an internship. It does not have to be through a college. Call and request a coffee meeting to get the ball rolling.
Post written by: Pamela Goodwin - Founder of Goodwin Commercial based in Dallas, a boutique commercial real estate and consulting firm.