NAR Library & Archives has already done the research for you. References (formerly Field Guides) offer links to articles, eBooks, websites, statistics, and more to provide a comprehensive overview of perspectives. EBSCO articles (E) are available only to NAR members and require the member's nar.realtor login.
For commercial market data, go to NAR’s Commercial Research Page
Succeeding as a New Commercial Broker
CRE Veterans Offer Advice to Aspiring Brokers (Commercia Property Executive, Sep. 10, 2024)
Focus on gaining a strong foundation in finance and market analysis, as these skills are critical in commercial real estate brokerage. Additionally, immerse yourself in the market. Visit properties, talk to investment sales and finance brokers and stay informed about market trends to build your industry knowledge and credibility.
How to Become a Commercial Real Estate Agent (U.S. News & World Report, Jan. 22, 2024)
“I tell any agent they need to invest at least two years in the early part of their career to focus on training and skill development,” says Alicia Shepherd, a commercial real estate agent and trainer with Keller Williams Commercial in Santa Monica, California.
As for skills, experienced CRE agents say being self-motivated, a good problem-solver and a smart negotiator are critical to success. Honing your analytical, communication and financial abilities is key, too.
Woman-to-Woman: Broker’s Career Advice for Succeeding in a Male-Dominated Field (LoopNet, Mar. 31, 2023)
Women make up only 36.7% of the commercial real estate workforce, according to data from the National Association of Realtors. And, just 29% of commercial brokerage positions are held by women, according to a Commercial Real Estate Women Network study. At the top, women hold only 9% of executive positions in commercial real estate. The reality is that when it comes to pursuing a commercial real estate career, women have a different set of challenges to navigate as a minority in the profession.
Getting Started in Commercial Real Estate (CCIM)
Commercial real estate is a rewarding field that offers many paths and opportunities for success. To become a commercial real estate agent, you will need to be licensed by your state. Today, there are more than 4 million professionals working in commercial real estate. The industry requires practical expertise from a clear source of value and experience, The CCIM Institute. To jumpstart your commercial real estate career, consider becoming a member of The CCIM Institute. We offer support, networking and learning opportunities for all commercial real estate career stages.
The Winning Formula: 5 Key Characteristics of a Successful CRE Broker (Medium, May 23, 2024)
The commercial real estate (CRE) industry is a fast-paced one with intricate transactions and picky customers. In this setting, brokers must possess a certain set of abilities and character traits. Here, we examine the five essential traits that distinguish prosperous CRE brokers: Market Mavens; The Negotiation Ninja; Communication Cornerstone; Client Champion; and the Relentless Rainmaker.
Advice on Making the Jump from Residential to Commercial (REALTOR® Magazine, Oct. 28, 2022)
A popular adage in the residential real estate industry is “the more you learn, the more you earn.” After speaking with three real estate practitioners from the CENTURY 21 system, it’s easy to see the same holds true for commercial sales as well. This should be good news for residential real estate professionals interested in making the leap to commercial sales. Three key factors—the right designations, tenacity and mentorship— come together to foster a successful transition into the commercial space.
Commercial Real Estate: News and Trends
2026 Commercial Real Estate Outlook (Deloitte, Sep. 29, 2025)
In last year’s commercial real estate outlook, we anticipated that 2025 could mark a recovery for the global CRE industry—buoyed by an expected return of deal activity, more favorable lending terms, greater industry collaboration, and advances in artificial intelligence. As we write a year later, it hasn’t exactly played out that way, largely due to an unpredictable global macro environment, which may affect how soon, and to what degree, the industry could fully recover in the next 12 to 18 months. Trade and regulatory uncertainties have complicated decision-making, prompting some leaders in the CRE industry to rethink their approach. We do not expect this to abate any time soon as trade negotiations and legal challenges continue. That said, opportunities for growth likely exist—for those who understand the industry’s geographic, asset, and macro-level nuances, and remain agile and forward-thinking.
A Measured Optimism: Economic and Commerical Real Estate Outlook for 2026 (NAIOP, Jan. 26, 2026)
Taken together, the 2026 outlook suggests progress, not perfection. Growth should continue, commercial real estate fundamentals are generally moving in the right direction, and opportunities are emerging across asset classes. The speakers agreed that 2026 is expected to be a year that rewards discipline, selectivity and close attention to risk.
2026 Commercial Real Estate Outlook (J.P. Morgan, Jan. 6, 2026)
The 2026 commercial real estate outlook is positive. Multifamily, industrial and retail remain resilient, and office usage and rents are up in several markets. Although economic uncertainty and other challenges remain, opportunities are on the rise.
The Top 10 Issues to Watch in Commrercial Real Estate in 2026 (National Association of REALTORS®, Nov. 16, 2025)
“The commercial real estate market is entering a year of opportunity and challenge, influenced by economic uncertainty, shifting population trends and continued technological innovation. The Counselors of Real Estate, a global organization of property advisers and an affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS®, each year offers an analysis of the trends and risks that will shape real estate decisions in the coming year.” This year they identified the following 10 issues to watch for: Fiscal & Monetary Policy; Portfolio Risk; The Changing Nature of Real Estate: Back to the Fundamentals; Captial Sources & Flows; Transformation of Real Estate through Technology; The Future of Real Estate & AI; The Crisis of Confidence & Uncertainty; Housing Attainability; Pricing Risk; and Flow of People.
Commercial Resources from NAR and its Institutes, Societies, and Councils
NAR Commercial on X @narcommercial
1.4 million members engaged in all aspects of commercial and residential real estate
CCIM Connections
CCIM Connections reports on the latest trends, current developments, member news, and successful business strategies in the industry.
CCIM Institute
The CCIM Institute confers the CCIM designation and is an affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)
Commercial Investment Real Estate Magazine
Magazine from the CCIM Institute
CREATE
A quarterly publication for commercial practitioners, members of the National Association of REALTORS® and commercial real estate industry leaders.
Edge Up Commercial
Commercial Digest is now Edge Up, customized for members specializing in Commercial. To receive the newsletter, update your M1 profile to include commercial interests next to "Field of Business."
Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM)
The source for education, resources, information and membership for real estate management professionals
Journal of Property Management
Bi-monthly magazine from IREM with comprehensive coverage of trends and issues affecting all property types
REALTORS® Land Institute
RLI confers the ALC Designation and is an affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)
Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS® (SIOR)
SIOR confers the SIOR Designation and is an affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS®
SIOR Report
SIOR's quarterly magazine which addresses the concerns of industrial and office real estate practitioners
Commercial Real Estate
NAR has a broad array of resources to help you provide the best service to your clients, and to be the best in your field. From education to advocacy efforts, from networking to property data – NAR works to help you be more profitable, while protecting the commercial real estate industry.
Commercial Resources for Associations
NAR research shows approximately thirty percent of REALTORS® will complete one or more commercial transactions each year. NAR’s Commercial staff team will help you identify services to share with your members, connect you to resources, and help you develop a plan to grow your local commercial membership.
Courses, Designations and Events
Explore the many educational opportunities available through these Institutes, Societies and Councils, all part of NAR. There is an array of classroom and online learning options for your convenience.
eBooks & Other Resources
eBooks.realtor.org
The ABCs of Real Estate Investing (eBook)
The Art of Commercial Real Estate Leasing (eBook)
The Broker's Practical Guide to Commercial Leasing (eBook)
Commercial Mortgages 101 (eBook)
Commercial Real Estate (eBook)
Commercial Real Estate Finance (eBook)
Commercial Real Estate Investing (eBook)
Commercial Real Estate Investing in Canada (eBook)
Commercial Real Estate Investment (eBook)
The Commercial Real Estate Revolution (eBook)
The Complete Guide to Buying and Selling Apartment Buildings (eBook)
The Due Diligence Handbook for Commercial Real Estate (eBook)
The Encyclopedia of Commercial Real Estate Advice (eBook)
A Guide for Commercial Real Estate Agents (eBook)
The How to Add Value Handbook for Commercial Real Estate (eBook)
Is Commercial Real Estate for You? (eBook)
Negotiating Commercial Leases & Renewals for Dummies (eBook)
Principles of Real Estate Syndication (eBook)
The Residential Agent's Handbook for Commercial Real Estate (eBook)
Secrets of a Commercial Mortgage Broker (eBook)
Books, Videos, Research Reports & More
As a member benefit, the following resources and more are available for loan through the NAR Library. Items will be mailed directly to you or made available for pickup at the REALTOR® Building in Chicago.
The Commercial Real Estate Tsunami: a Survival Guide for Lenders, Owners, Buyers and Brokers (Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2011) HD 1394 W85
After the Fall: Opportunities and Strategies for Real Estate Investing in the Coming Decade (Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2009) HD 1375 B45
Commercial Real Estate Investing: a Creative Guide to Successfully Making Money (Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2008) HG 4521 D34
Shift Commercial: How Top Commercial Brokers Tackle Tough Times (Austin: TX, Rellek Pub. Partners, 2011) HD1375 N78s
Success Strategies for Commercial and Multifamily Real Estate Careers (Management-Mentor, 2010) HF 5438 B74ss
The Fundamentals of Listing & Selling Commercial Real Estate (West Conshohocken, PA: Infinity Publishing.com, 2007) HF 5438 K26
Systems for Success: the Complete Guide to Selling, Leasing, Presenting, Negotiating & Serving in Commercial Real Estate (Gretna, LA: Pelican Pub, 2007) HF 5438 L66
Have an idea for a real estate topic? Send us your suggestions.
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