Exploring the Impact of Brian Smith and Regent CRE as Certified Commercial Investment Members

Who Can Benefit from Partnering with a CCIM?
The landscape of commercial real estate in North and South Carolina is experiencing a transformation, driven largely by licensed real estate broker Brian M Smith, a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), and Regent Commercial Real Estate, an organization at the forefront of commercial real estate services.
Brian’s extensive real estate industry experience, coupled with Regent’s innovative solutions, has reshaped the investment properties market, providing robust site selection and promising investment opportunities. You’re invited on a journey to explore the hallmarks of Brian’s distinguished real esta​te career, understand the role of a CCIM, and witness how their influence is catalyzing change within the commercial investment sphere of the Charlotte market.
Curious to learn more about this real estate revolution in metro Charlotte? Keep reading to unearth the role and influence of the commercial real estate firm of Brian Smith and Regent CRE in North Carolina’s thriving market.
What is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM)?
If you have ever considered investing in commercial real estate or wondered who the experts are behind the scenes, you may have come across the acronym CCIM. CCIM stands for Certified Commercial Investment Member, and it represents a prestigious designation that is recognized globally in the industry. As a professional in the field, you know that earning the CCIM designation requires dedication, expertise, and a commitment to excellence.
To earn the Certified Commercial Investment Member designation, one must complete a rigorous and comprehensive education program, which covers various aspects of commercial investment and real estate analysis. This program is designed to equip professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in their commercial real estate careers. From understanding market trends and financial analysis to mastering negotiation and ethical considerations, CCIM designees are well-versed in the intricacies of commercial real estate transactions.
Becoming a CCIM-designated realtor requires an extraordinary work ethic, hands-on experience, and a strong foundation in the commercial real estate market. Because of this, when you partner with a CCIM, you know you’re linked with a trusted advisor who will be an exceedingly valuable asset in your real estate ventures.
Being a CCIM not only signifies a high level of education and proficiency but also grants access to a vast network of professionals in the industry. CCIMs have the opportunity to connect and collaborate with like-minded individuals throughout their commercial real estate career, expanding their sphere of influence and potential business opportunities. Additionally, this membership provides ongoing professional development opportunities and resources that ensure CCIMs stay at the forefront of industry trends and best practices.


Why Partnering with a CCIM is Key to Commercial Real Estate Success
Whether you are a commercial real estate broker or real estate professional seeking to enhance your knowledge, a seasoned investor, or a potential investor looking for a competent advisor, partnering with a CCIM can be a game changer. With their expertise and track record of success, CCIM designees possess the skills necessary to navigate the complex world of commercial real estate and help you achieve your investment goals.
The CCIM pin is given only to those who have “completed advanced coursework in financial and market analysis and demonstrated extensive experience in the commercial real estate industry.”
For nearly 60 years, the CCIM Institute has been the golden standard for real estate professionals worldwide. CCIM is a distinguished designation and coveted credential awarded only to those industry leaders who have successfully completed both the rigorous coursework and external requirements determined by the institute. CCIMs possess high-level knowledge and extensive experience, giving their clients the best opportunity possible to enjoy successful transactions in commercial real estate investments.
So, the next time you come across the term CCIM, remember that it represents an acclaimed title held by industry leaders dedicated to excellence in the commercial real estate industry.
What Are the Benefits of a Certified Commercial Investment Member Versus Traditional Real Estate Agents?
When it comes to navigating the complex world of real estate, it is crucial to have a knowledgeable and experienced professional by your side. While both a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) and a traditional realtor can assist you in your real estate endeavors, there are distinct benefits that set a CCIM apart.
One of the main advantages of working with a CCIM is their specialization in commercial properties. As commercial real estate professionals, CCIMs undergo rigorous training and education with a primary focus on commercial properties, which equips them with a deep understanding of market trends, investment analysis, and financial analysis. This extensive background and specialized knowledge enables CCIMs to provide expert advice and guidance tailored to your commercial real estate needs, whether you are looking to buy, sell, or lease properties.
Furthermore, CCIMs possess a prestigious designation that signifies their professional expertise and commitment to the highest standards as industry experts. These designations are awarded only to professionals who have successfully completed extensive coursework, demonstrated significant transactional experience, and passed a comprehensive exam. By choosing to work with a CCIM like Brian Smith and Regent Commercial Real Estate, you can have confidence in their ability to handle complex negotiations, provide analytical expertise, and suggest strategic solutions for your commercial real estate goals.
In addition, CCIMs have access to a broad network of fellow professionals and industry resources throughout the organization’s worldwide community. This network provides invaluable opportunities for collaboration, market information, and potential partnerships. By tapping into this network, CCIMs can leverage their connections to find off-market opportunities, access valuable market data, and connect you with other professionals who may be instrumental in your real estate transactions.
In conclusion, the benefits of working with a CCIM designee over a traditional realtor are notably significant for those looking to navigate the world of commercial real estate. Their expertise, specialized knowledge, and vast professional network can make a substantial difference in achieving your commercial real estate goals.


Who Can Benefit from Partnering with a CCIM?
Almost anyone involved in commercial real estate transactions can benefit from partnering with a CCIM. From sellers to institutional investors, CCIMs offer specialized insight when it comes to market dynamics, financial analysis, negotiation, and more.
CCIMs are a valuable resource for:
- Investors. From professional investors to individuals seeking their first property, CCIMs are excellent counselors of real estate, providing advice in property acquisition, portfolio management, risk assessment, and overall commercial real estate analysis.
- Property owners. ​Property owners who are looking to sell can tap into a CCIM’s wealth of knowledge regarding market trends in order to succeed in securing the best outcome from the sale.
- Tenants. CCIMs can provide tenant representation services, helping tenants find ideal locations, evaluate lease terms, and negotiate favorable contracts.
- Real estate developers. ​Those involved in land development often rely on CCIMs for expert knowledge in site selection, due diligence, and more.
- Corporate real estate executives. Executives who manage real estate portfolios partner with CCIMs in order to execute strategic planning, acquisition and disposition strategies, and asset value maximization.
No matter what service you’re seeking, it’s worth pursuing a partnership with a CCIM in order to maximize your buying, selling, or leasing experience.
What Are the Requirements to Become a CCIM?
Earning the CCIM designation signifies a distinguished position within the commercial real estate industry. To achieve this designation, candidates must fulfill several requirements.
Firstly, there’s an educational component that includes a four-course curriculum, an online ethics course, negotiation training, and elective courses from the Ward Center for Real Estate Studies. The exact educational requirements vary based on membership type.
Additionally, candidates, with the exception of fast track members, must submit a portfolio showcasing their experience in commercial real estate. This portfolio can be in the form of transactions, projects, or work products. Specifically, for transactional portfolios, candidates must meet one of the following volume requirements:
- Three (3) or more qualifying activities totaling $30 million or more.
- Exactly ten (10) qualifying activities totaling $10 million or more.
- Twenty (20) qualifying activities with no specific dollar volume requirement.
Furthermore, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam that tests their understanding of core CCIM concepts. This exam is complemented by a course concepts review.
Lastly, candidates need to complete a membership application, pay annual dues, and adhere to the time and financial commitments associated with the designation process.


Types of CCIM Memberships
There are a number of different CCIM memberships, including a membership for designees as well as different membership levels for those pursuing the designation. Here’s a breakdown:
- Designee memberships. The designee membership is awarded to those who have already completed the rigorous requirements involved in becoming a CCIM. This membership option is further broken up into the Life Membership and the Retired Membership. Members also have the option to take a leave of absence.
- Candidate memberships. ​The candidate memberships include options for U.S., Canadian, international, and military real estate professionals. These memberships allow access to CCIM resources as well as the organization’s global network as professionals pursue the designation.
- Fast track memberships. ​These memberships are tailored to professionals who have other real estate designations or degrees, allowing members to earn the CCIM designation at an accelerated pace. It’s broken down into three types: Fast Track, Undergraduate, and Graduate.
- Academic memberships. This option is for college students and instructors who want to join the CCIM Institute. It encompasses the Student Membership (for full-time undergraduate and graduate students), University Partner Student Membership (providing enhanced benefits to students at approved colleges and universities), and the Faculty Membership (designed to give faculty members access to technology and information for use in the classroom).
Brian Smith and Regent CRE: Background and Journey to CCIM
Brian Smith, a distinguished CCIM Realtor in North Carolina, has made significant strides in the real estate industry. His journey began at Duke University Fuqua School of Business and attended Auburn University for his BA, where he honed his craft in the business of real estate. Now, Brian Smith holds a prominent position in the real estate services sector, especially in commercial brokerage, property search, and property management.
Becoming the primary broker at Regent Commercial Real Estate, Brian transformed his real estate career. With his profound industry experience, Smith has successfully taken up the role of a real estate manager, thereby strengthening the foundations of Regent CRE. His expertise has attracted attention, notably for his ability to offer tactical real estate solutions using his CCIM commercial real estate knowledge in North Carolina. Regent CRE, under Brian Smith’s leadership, has become a frontrunner in the market. Their real estate services have garnered rave reviews in North Carolina and South Carolina for offering bespoke property search solutions.
Progressive steps taken by Brian Smith and Regent CRE in the real estate business have not only elevated them in the industry but also established them as significant players in the CCIM Commercial Real Estate South Carolina sector. Brian Smith is a beacon for future real estate professionals, highlighting the importance of a CCIM Realtor in mastering the real estate industry.
In addition to his CCIM designation, Brian Smith has also achieved the prestigious title of being an SIOR (Society of Industrial and Office Realtors) member. This high-level credential is another highly-esteemed position, held by only the best of the best both in the United States and around the world. With both of these prominent designations, it’s no surprise that Brian Smith and the Regent CRE team have completed nearly 1000 successful transactions and have the overwhelming endorsements and recommendations of their client base.


Understanding the Role of a Certified Commercial Investment Member
The role of a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) in the real estate industry is no small feat. CCIMs like Brian Smith and his team at Regent Commercial Real Estate ensure the delivery of top-notch real estate solutions, tailored to the unique requirements of each client.
Whether it involves investment sales, site selection, or market analysis, a CCIM Realtor in North Carolina is equipped with the knowledge and tools to manage it all. CCIM professionals use their advanced understanding of market trends to guide their clients wisely. They offer a comprehensive review of potential investment properties, assessing their strengths and weaknesses. This meticulous attention to detail sets apart a CCIM commercial real estate North Carolina professional from others in the field.
Moreover, CCIM-designee Brian Smith is well-versed in a variety of commercial property types, including investment properties, shopping centers, offices, dining locations, industrial and flex sites, and more. CCIM realtors leverage their market knowledge and board of director-level decision-making abilities to secure and negotiate effective property deals and sales transactions, ensuring their clients’ maximum return on investments. At the heart of the CCIM approach is community involvement, which Smith embodies through his role at Regent CRE. Understanding the communities they serve, CCIM realtors like Smith enhance the value of the services they offer, ultimately benefiting both the estate market and their clients.
Work With a CCIM-Designated Realtor
Clearly, a CCIM-designated realtor is the best of the best. Whether you’re searching for industrial properties, retail space, flex space, or office real estate, or you need asset management or consulting services, Brian Smith’s years of experience and real estate insights combine with the expert knowledge that comes with being a CCIM member, giving you the foremost level of knowledge and expertise.
When you work with Regent CRE, you can expect the highest level of acumen in the world of real estate brokerage. Leveraging the most effective and opportune commercial real estate investment methodologies, we’re here to help you achieve your commercial real estate goals.
If you’re interested in working with our world-class team for your investment brokerage needs, contact Brian Smith and the Regent CRE team today for a consultation.

FAQs About Working With a CCIM-Designated Broker
What does CCIM mean in real estate?
CCIM stands for Certified Commercial Investment Member. CCIM-designated realtors are some of the most highly-qualified professionals in the real estate world.
CCIM designees are valuable assets to anyone involved in commercial real estate transactions, providing specialized insight into market trends, financial analysis, complex negotiation, and more.
What are the requirements for becoming a CCIM?
To achieve a CCIM designation, brokers much complete the following:
- Complete a curriculum including courses in ethics, negotiation, and other electives, which vary based on the type of membership.
- Submit a portfolio that proves a specific volume of qualifying real estate activities.
- Pass a comprehensive exam.
- Complete a membership application and submit to specific time and financial commitments.
Find out more about the CCIM designation curriculum.
Is it worth hiring a CCIM realtor?
If you’re looking to buy, sell, or lease a commercial property, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better guide than a CCIM realtor.
CCIMs have been required to prove a high level of knowledge by completing in-depth coursework and exams as well as showing an extensive amount of transactional experience. So when you hire a CCIM, you know that he or she has already been vetted for you.
Not only do CCIMs bring the highest level of knowledge and experience in the industry, but they also offer clients the added value of being highly connected to other professionals and industry resources.
These assets allow CCIMs to offer clients extensive market information, off-market opportunities, and specialized knowledge that you won’t get with an average broker.
How many CCIM realtors are there?
Currently, there are over 9,000 Certified Commercial Investment Members across 30+ countries around the world.
According to the National Association of Realtors, there are over 360.000 brokerage firms in the United States alone, which means that only a small percentage of brokers are CCIM designees.
Contact Brian Smith, CCIM today for a consultation.


