The Biggest Deal: Jingru Cynthia Dong, CCIM, CFP, MBA

In one of the largest commercial real estate transactions in Western Canada, Jingru Cynthia Dong, CCIM, CFP, MBA, successfully closed the $115 million sale of Cottonwood Centre, an enclosed regional shopping mall in Chilliwack, British Columbia. For Cynthia, however, this was more than a milestone, it was a true test of patience, strategy, and integrity. 

“Endurance is everything. You cannot give up when it gets hard. Keep working. Keep learning. Keep doing the right things. Clients will come.” 
— Jingru Cynthia Dong, CCIM 

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About Jingru Cynthia Dong, CCIM, CFP, MBA 
Cynthia is the principal of a Vancouver based brokerage, CASM Global Real Estate Corporation, licensed in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, Canada. With over two decades of expertise spanning investment, insurance, financial planning, and commercial real estate, she brings a holistic, client-focused approach to every transaction. 

She holds the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) Designation, is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and an MBA graduate in marketing. “I still maintain my CFP designation, even though my primary focus has been commercial real estate,” she said. “It all ties together. For most investors, real estate is the largest investment in a diversified portfolio.” 

A Strategic Approach 
Cynthia was introduced to the Cottonwood Centre opportunity through CBRE’s National Investment Team, with whom she has previously collaborated. Thanks to her broad clientele and strong referral network, her buyers were amongst the first to hear about the property. 

“When I saw the shopping mall information, I knew it was a great opportunity: strong income, scale, strategic location, and redevelopment potential,” she recalled. 

Yet, securing the deal was far from simple. The vendor already had multiple offers in hand, and once Cynthia’s client submitted theirs, the race began. “We went directly to a formal Offer to Purchase, skipping the letter of intent. Once both parties signed, it was legally binding,” she explained. But the due diligence process quickly revealed just how complex the transaction would become. 

“We are professionals in a service industry. We have a fiduciary duty to our clients. The CCIM designation holds us to a higher standard, and that means client interests come first—always.” 
— Jingru Cynthia Dong, CCIM 

Financing Challenges 
The biggest obstacle was financing. Given the transaction’s scale and the current economic environment, lenders were cautious. Insurance companies required extended underwriting, while private lenders offered higher rates and fees. Working with a CBRE mortgage broker, they reached out to more than 20 lenders. Financing was then secured through a Canadian insurance company, backed by contingency plans with additional commercial and residential assets. 

“We extended due diligence timeline five times just to finalize the financing,” Cynthia said. Complicating matters further, the buyer pushed for price concessions. Cynthia submitted six separate condition-waiver letters, with only the first two receiving formal responses. “By the fifth attempt, the deal had technically lapsed,” she explained. “Everyone thought it was over.” 

Overcoming Challenges 
But Cynthia wasn’t ready to let the opportunity slip away. “The next morning, I had a long conversation with one of the most respected top brokers from CBRE. We agreed to re-engage, renegotiate, and eventually closed the price gap. The buyer then waived all conditions with the sixth waiver and reinstated the contract,” she said. 

That decision came easily. “The right thing to do was to save the deal. It wasn’t about us,” she emphasized. “If the buyer walked away, they would have lost their mortgage application fee, legal fees, and due diligence costs. The seller would have missed their market window and lost legal fees.” 

“As brokers, our role is to help both parties find common ground. But our duty is always to protect our clients and put their interests first.” 
— Jingru Cynthia Dong, CCIM 

Win-Win Outcome 
Eventually, both parties signed and completed the sale on time. To celebrate, Cynthia’s client hosted a hearty dinner for every professional involved, brokers from both sides, lawyers, and accountants. “It was a win-win outcome,” she said. 

The successful sale not only protected the interests of both buyer and seller but also sparked further collaboration. “The seller rewarded CBRE with additional listings, and my client entrusted CBRE colleagues and I with two more listings. The outcome was positive for everyone involved.” 

CCIM Education in Action 
For Cynthia, the sale’s significance went beyond financial success. It was anchored in the principles and strategies she credits to her CCIM education. “Everything I learned from The CCIM Institute came into play: financial analysis, market analysis, and long-term return projections. I was able to show my client why this was not just a good investment for today, but a growth opportunity for years to come,” she explained. 

That long-term vision also extends to the community. The buyer visited the property more than ten times prior to completion, meeting with locals and exploring ways to contribute. “They want to host events, bring in new services, and genuinely support the neighborhood,” Cynthia said. 

“This wasn’t just a transaction; it was a chance to strengthen a growing community.” Chilliwack is one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, and Cottonwood Centre is well-positioned to serve as a long-term retail anchor and a future mixed-use redevelopment hub. 

“It was challenging, yes. But we handled it with honesty, collaboration, and endurance,” she said. “That’s what this business is all about.” 
— Jingru Cynthia Dong, CCIM