In uncertain times, the value of real estate training is more visible than ever  

In these challenging economic times, there is something to be said for reflecting on our roles as real estate professionals.

At LeadingRE, we have always understood the immeasurable value of training in real estate, but with no recognised international standard, the quality, availability and access to training can vary greatly from region to region.  

The skillsets of real estate professionals come into sharper focus in an uncertain market. Now is the time to be innovative and ask yourself, who is the client of the future and how will you find them?

Training has evolved and we need to understand much more than just how to advise clients. The standards we need to reach are consistent across geographical borders and within different disciplines of the profession. This is paramount to upholding our industry’s reputation. 

Top professional membership organisations will offer high level, modern training programmes to their networks. From marketing and communications to finance, ESG regulations and staff retention, the competitive advantage that quality training offers is invaluable in helping property firms develop and become more successful. It can open new opportunities and provide trusted forums for best practice and knowledge sharing, which simply aren’t matched by alternative sources.  

Rising inflation and interest rates, the impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the prospect of a global recession all have an impact on the real estate industry. We have seen eastern Europeans investing capital in new markets, Asian and US buyers taking advantage of the weak British pound and inventory dry up around the globe as financial markets discourage local activity. It is these unpredictable periods that most highlight the value of being part of an international network, where quality training and information sharing becomes an invaluable resource.  

Our membership has thoroughly embraced the opportunity to provide training and networking online. Members now have more opportunity and access to their peers and our ever-evolving training resources. Our continued push to provide up-to-date insights through our LeadingRE INSTITUTE platform has resulted in a notable increase in online training usage, which has been incredibly valuable to members.  

In the face of adversity, the collaboration and togetherness of the global real estate sector is an encouraging reminder of the power of community. By respecting and recognising the importance of training standards, real estate leaders can in turn help the economy to rebuild through a resilient real estate sector.

Seeing our members go from strength to strength and succeed fills me with confidence that innovation in real estate can lead us towards economic recovery. Our members are internationally recognised for their agility and expertise, which will be crucial to a healthy global market in the year ahead. It’s time to be original, break new ground and re-think the strategy. Only then will real estate professionals thrive. As we take stock, consolidate and embark on the next growth phase, membership organisations from all sectors must continue to work with their core skills and values at their heart and their members at the forefront.

Chris Dietz is president of global operations at Leading Real Estate Companies of the World