In 2024, the commercial real estate industry will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Site To Do Business (STDB), a comprehensive suite of online tools designed for CRE professionals. As a pioneer in CRE technology, STDB recognizes the significance of data and has continuously innovated to elevate its impact on the industry.
Owned by CCIM Technologies, Inc., STDB is exclusively available as a member benefit to The CCIM Institute Members. D’Etta Casto-DeLeon, an expert in both STDB and correspondent lending at CBRE Capital Markets Loan Services and future Global President of The CCIM Institute in 2024, shares her insights on how this platform has evolved over time and how it can benefit both professionals and their clients.
Q: Can you tell us about The CCIM Institute?
A: Known for its rigorous education programs that are globally recognized and respected within the industry, The CCIM Designation opens doors to new opportunities for professionals while enhancing their credibility with clients. In my experience as a member with many years under my belt now serving as Director at CBRE Capital Markets Loan Services , I have seen firsthand how this education along with relationships formed through networking opportunities provided by our organization have greatly benefited me throughout my career.
While we are known primarily for our educational offerings here at The CCI M institute , we also heavily focus on networking events that provide valuable connections among members . Additionally , we offer other technological benefits such as those found within Site To Do Business (STDB) from our sister company – all aimed towards helping individuals achieve greater success which leads to increased income .
Q: How do members benefit from using Site To Do Business? Were you familiar with it before?
A: Our members gain access to various tools offered through STBD which allow them make more informed decisions based off data-driven analysis . These same tools can also be accessed via standalone subscription through stdb.com if desired . Whether it’s demographic information , trend data or customized marketing materials, Site To Do Business has a solution that can help. There are countless examples of how the data within STDB has helped professionals close deals, find sites and mitigate risk for their clients.
In my role as correspondent for institutional lenders , I use STDB to map and visualize various factors such as neighborhood demographics, market trends and nearby amenities . Additionally , I search for information on environmental hazards, flood zones and crime rates which could impact the long-term viability of a property. These tools assist us in analyzing real estate market trends to identify emerging markets while understanding supply-and-demand dynamics . This valuable insight informs our lending strategies allowing us to make more accurate risk assessments while identifying opportunities for growth .
Q: How does STDB fit into The CCIM Institute’s core tenets (Networking, Education & Technology) ?
A: In today’s commercial real estate industry where data is king , services that deliver actionable results are highly sought after by professionals . When selecting tools offered through Site To Do Business we ensure they have proven track records with quality data along with solid business models – all vetted by CRE experts including Esri & Core Logic.
The number of businesses focused on CRE technology has skyrocketed in recent years resulting in significant financial investments towards building better resources ; however there aren’t many services out there capable of reaching such a broad audience like those found within Site To Do Business. Our suite is curated specifically by CRE professionals -for them .
Q: Can you share any success stories from members using STBD?
A: We have heard countless success stories over time but here are some quotes from users:
“Of all the tools I use; hands down -STBD offers best value period! The Business Analyst tool alone makes it worth its weight ! Adding ArcGIS Online plus other features makes this an absolute powerhouse ! If one were subscribe separately- likely would cost three times more without same functionality .”
“Site-to-do-Business is a valuable tool that I use to analyze the market area for potential commercial real estate investments that our firm is considering. It also helps us formulate future strategies for assets we currently own.”
“STDB has helped me make better CRE decisions during tough times . Having a differentiating factor like data in decision-making processes eases investor nerves while providing them with added value. This allows us to better understand what financial partners are seeking when markets become volatile -providing clients with exceptional service.”
Q: As technology continues to evolve, how do you see it impacting members and STDB’s evolution?
A: Technology will continue having profound impacts on the industry in several key areas such as understanding human movement data and integrating artificial intelligence into analysis of optimal locations for new developments , assessing market demand & understanding spatial relationships between properties & amenities .
Our goal at Site To Do Business remains focused on providing dynamic tools responsive to needs of CRE professionals.
Q: New technology can be challenging ; how does STBD support its subscribers ?
A : There are various ways users can familiarize themselves with Site To Do Business:
1) Weekly training sessions provided by staff
2) Learning center offers step-by-step video tutorials guiding users through capabilities/workflows found within site
3) Multiple webinars delivered monthly covering special topics/use cases
4 ) In-person training offered via one or two-day courses sponsored by local chapters of The CCIM Institute
