Use a commercial real estate trade association to network and develop your professional skills Real estate organizations run the gamut from local groups to international associations. All have one goal: to further the commercial real estate industry. They offer members valuable resources and relationships.

I recommend:  CCIM Institute is the most respected commercial real estate trade association. Membership gets you access to online business services, educational and networking resources in the industry. You must take a course before registering with the CCIM Institute. You can also pay your membership dues online. Join the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers (CRB) if you're a broker, manager or owner. CRB is an affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS®. Take online courses to further your career.

Pay annual dues to join commercial real estate associations Dues to commercial real estate professional associations vary depending on the group and the membership level you choose. There may also be additional fees for events, conferences, literature and other services.

I recommend:  The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) is a real estate professional organization made up of asset and property managers. Members must meet strict criteria in the areas of ethics, education and experience. IREM educates real estate managers, serves as an advocate and certifies managers' professionalism. Join IREM as a certified property manager (CPM), CPM candidate, associate, accredited residential manager or accredited commercial manager. The SOCIETY OF INDUSTRIAL AND OFFICE REALTORS (SIOR) gives members the SIOR certification which is a professional symbol of achievement, production, knowledge and ethics. Membership dues range from a few hundred dollars to about $1000.

Benefit from joining commercial real estate orgs personally and professionally Commercial real estate associations provide you with education with an edge. You have access to resources that many of your peers don't have. Member benefits typically include access to a membership directory, publications, events, forums and discounts.

I recommend:  Join Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council (REBAC) and gain access to homebuyer toolkits and the official REBAC logo. The real estate professional association is the world's largest association that focuses on the real estate buyer. Other benefits keep you on top of legislative and legal issues and marketing trends. There are also publications, events and networking opportunities. The Counselors of Real Estate (CRE) is a group aimed at leading real property advisors. Member benefits include education, contacts, designations, strategic alliance and access to a membership directory. Complete the membership application to join.