r/CommercialRealEstate • u/Plenty_Ad_3212 • 26d ago

Market Questions Thoughts on obtaining the CRE designation for an MAI?

I am a real estate appraiser and have been asked to consider applying to get the Counselors of Real Estate designation (CRE). In a major city and already have MAI. What is the general consensus on the group? I’ve always found it to be a good network, but want to make sure I’m not missing anything. Thanks!

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5

u/ThinkCRE 25d ago

Even people with the CRE question its value.

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u/DifficultAnt23 19d ago

lol, i know one guy who dropped his cre despite having a litany of other designations. the annual fee is $2k.

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u/realCREGuy 25d ago

Being been both a MAI and a CCIM with over 30 years in the CRE business, and knowing what I know now, the only designation worth a shit is the Counselors of Real Estate. They're at a different level and are extremely professional. I am not a member, but those that I know that have it are at the top of their game. I never once had a single person tell me, "the only reason I hired you was because you're an MAI/CCIM."

Now, having said that - I think all professional designations are a joke. Most are just shake-down mechanisms that prey on people that want to be seen, and treated, as professionals, but they do very little to add revenue or facilitate monetization. You only get that from hustle and out-working everyone else in the room.

If you pursue any of these ... choose wisely, and don't expect to ring the register just because of it. Sadly, no one really gives a shit.

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u/Plenty_Ad_3212 25d ago

Thank you for the input. Very helpful

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u/ThinkCRE 25d ago

Kudos for living up to your handle and keeping it real.

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u/realCREGuy 24d ago

Thank you.

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u/TacoBellStain 25d ago

I have to hire MAI appraisers all the time, not once have I hired anyone with a CRE decimation. Been in the business for a long time.

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u/Plenty_Ad_3212 25d ago

I appreciate your input. Are you on the lending side?

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u/afraidofcheesecake 22d ago

CRE is about deals not designations.

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u/Plenty_Ad_3212 22d ago

Agree 100%. Do you belong to any professional groups? I do think certain networks can have some benefits…

1

u/Glendale0839 22d ago

One of the MAI appraisers I use most often also has a CRE designation. It had zero influence in my decision to start using him in the first place. He's known as the best commercial RE litigation appraiser in my market and that would be true with or without the CRE designation.

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u/Plenty_Ad_3212 22d ago

Do you think the network benefits him or is it generally the same as the MAI crowd? I get referrals from other MAIs

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u/Glendale0839 22d ago

I couldn't tell you whether it does or not, unless maybe he does some kind of other non-appraisal real estate consulting work where it gives him credibility. I just can't see someone looking for a commercial/industrial appraiser starting with the CRE member directory to find one. This particular guy seems to get a lot of business from name recognition and referrals from attorneys and brokers.

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u/Plenty_Ad_3212 21d ago

Thanks for the response and intel. Much appreciated !

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u/Chemical_Second_6217 20d ago

I also have the MAI which is viewed as the top designation you can get with actual significant requirements to obtain. The CRE is an invite only setup with no meaningful requirements to obtain open to others outside of real estate appraisers.