Technology Solutions
Site Selection
By Joel Kahn, CCIM, Ben Wilson, and Hayden Pittman |
In
commercial real estate, each project is different from the last. Properties,
personalities, financing terms, market conditions, and other factors continue
to change and can make the life of a commercial real estate professional
uncertain to say the least.
One
of the best ways to combat the uncertainty is by measuring tangible
characteristics of the real estate and its surroundings. STDB is built to help
CCIM members make better decisions by using location technology. For example,
an STDB user can better understand a neighborhood’s demographics to determine
the likely success or failure of a new restaurant concept, planned development,
or storage facility. Users can even gather a list of all of the tenants in an
office building. STDB provides information such as demographics, retail market
potential, tapestry segmentation, consumer spending, business list data,
thematic mapping, flood source maps, Pictometry oblique imagery, USGS Topographic
Maps, traffic counts, satellite imagery, map presentations, and comparison
reports.
STDB
tools are used by professionals in all disciplines of commercial real estate,
including developers, brokers, investors, appraisers, landlords, tenant reps,
leasing agents, retailers, lenders, site analysts, business consultants, and
economic development planners. They use STDB to display unique real estate
characteristics about an area or property, compare potential or existing
locations, prospect, analyze, and understand market trends. Users may also
create map annotations to illustrate an area, assess crime risk, analyze retail
market potential, or even map competitor locations. Simple processes that yield
quality data greatly enhance the way professionals provide valuable information
to their clients and prospects during their decision-making process.
But
even CCIM members who use STDB regularly may not be aware of these tools’ full
capabilities. That’s why CCIM Technologies provides a variety of education and
technical support.
Webinars
The
CCIMTech team conducts a series of webinars designed to help STDB users better
understand the capabilities of the site as well as provide overviews of partner
products on an ongoing basis. Recent webinars covered topics such as creating
business lists and using thematic mapping in STDB. Webinar attendees learned
about the multiple applications of each tool, how to create visual
representations maps, and how to understand the data methodology.
The
free webinars generally last 30 to 60 minutes. CCIM members can view upcoming
and archived webinars at www.stdblearningcenter.com. As
there will be significant changes to STDB coming soon, future webinars will
cover the new enhancements, features, and data. Past webinar topics that apply
to the new platform will also be offered.
Other Resources
Along
with webinars, CCIMTech educates its users with training videos, tutorials,
samples, FAQs, and technology tips. The training videos contain click-by-click
instructions for navigating and utilizing STDB effectively. A few of the most
popular training videos include the “STDB Site Overview,” “Creating Business
Lists,” “The Difference Between Site Analysis and Quick Demographics,” “STDB
for Beginners,” and “STDB for the Industrial Professional.” Other videos cover
specific components of the STDB platform.
The
tutorials walk users through different workflows of the site with step-by-step
PDF documents. Users can also view screenshots, maps, completed workflows, and
more on the samples page. These tools can be very helpful for nonusers who want
a glimpse of what STDB has to offer and for current users looking for advanced
solutions to various site-related issues.
Social Media
CCIM
members can also visit the STDB Facebook page and Twitter account for
site-related information, industry news, technology tips, samples, and various
commercial real estate blogs and discussions. This allows members to not only
engage with CCIMTech/STDB on social media, but also to connect with fellow real
estate professionals to increase their network, grow their business, and close
deals faster.
Tech Support
Finally,
CCIMTech communicates with users through the CCIMTech Support Center, where
users can submit a ticket to speak with a support specialist for site issues or
further help. Some of the most frequently asked questions pertain to various
STDB tools and functions, understanding the data methodology, and how STDB can
help CCIM members leverage the technology in their everyday practice. Users can
also view the Support Center Knowledgebase, an archive of site-related
instructions and technology tips. The Support Center can be accessed at
www.ccimtechsupport.com.
All
CCIM candidates and designees have unlimited access to the powerful tools
provided within STDB. The comprehensive integration of demographic information,
GIS, analytical, and financial tools can be used in all facets of the
commercial real estate industry. CCIMTech has established itself as an industry
leader in providing cutting-edge tools for commercial real estate
professionals. CCIM members can expect a number of innovative enhancements to
STDB soon.
Joel Kahn, CCIM,
is vice president, Ben Wilson
is marketing executive, and Hayden Pittman
is social media and PR coordinator for CCIM Technologies. Visit www.stdb.com or
www.stdblearningcenter.com for more information.