LEAWOOD, Kan. – Pat Soptic, a commercial real estate broker with Realty Executives of Kansas City, has successfully completed the Financial Analysis for Commercial Investment Real Estate in Kansas City, the first course needed as part of her Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM).

The CCIM designation, which takes an estimated two years to complete, is awarded to commercial real estate professionals upon successful completion of a graduate-level education curriculum and presentation of a portfolio of qualifying industry experience.

“I liken it to getting an MBA in real estate,” says Soptic, who after 25 years in health care technology consulting decided to change jobs and begin a career in commercial real estate. “By adding this professional credential to my resume it allows me that extra edge and knowledge that can be significant in my career.”

The curriculum addresses: financial analysis, market analysis, user decision analysis and investment analysis – the cornerstones of commercial investment real estate. CCIMs are recognized experts in commercial real estate brokerage, leasing, asset management, valuation, and investment analysis.

CCIMs have access to a number of valuable online tools as well and other analytical resources. Of the estimated 150,000 commercial real estate practitioners in North America, 9,500 currently hold the CCIM designation.

Soptic works out of the Realty Executives of Kansas City office at 11401 Ash Road in Leawood. It is part of the Realty Executives Mid-America Region, which operates 43 offices with more than 1,000 executives. Soptic joined the Realty Executives office in January because she understood the company’s commitment to entrepreneurism and appreciated the resources the company provides its sales associates.

“Every so often, commercial real estate brokers have asked me, ‘why are you specializing in commercial real estate while working for a traditional residential real estate company?’” Soptic explained. “I have to admit, sometimes it might mean I have to work a little harder to get my name out there, but I think Realty Executives offers me the tools and the freedom to create my own commercial business, and I also believe that it is the personal drive and skill set within each Realtor that ultimately determines their own success in their business.”

A Kansas City native and current Leawood resident, Soptic has a son attending the University of Kansas and a daughter in high school. For more information, please visit www.kansascityelegance.com.

Realty Executives International, Inc. is one of the fastest-growing real estate franchises in the United States, with more than 14,000 sales associates and over 760 franchises. The Phoenix-based, privately held company has offices in the United States, Canada, South Africa, Mexico, Thailand, Singapore and more. Publications such as Entrepreneur, Success and Inc. magazines have recently ranked Realty Executives International as a leader in the real estate industry based on franchise growth, management stability and financial soundness. For additional company information visit www.realtyx.com or www.realtyexecutives.com.

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