President’s Message: Knowledge – Tools of the property management trade

It was an evening of fun, relaxation, and celebration on July 13^th when the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) Boston Chapter held a Networking and New Member Installation at Granite Links Golf Club in Quincy.

Two people were installed as CPM (certified property manager) and five as ARM (accredited residential manager) at the well-attended event. 

These credentials don’t come easily. To achieve the CPM designation, a candidate must pass eight required certification courses that cover everything from marketing and human resources to asset management and ethics. Then it’s on to a two-part final assessment comprised of a management plan skills evaluation and a 150-question four-hour exam covering all the courses. 

But as any CPM will tell you – it’s worth it seeing that the certification is one of the highest professional designations that a real estate manager can earn and is recognized worldwide as the premier property management accreditation. 

The certification process for ARM designation is demanding, as well. Candidates must complete two courses covering fundamentals in residential property management and ethics – including budgeting, leasing, maintenance, risk management, resident relations and retention – and then demonstrate their knowledge by passing a 100-question exam. Fact is that ARM designation is widely recognized in the residential property management industry with recipients noted for demonstrating excellence in their chosen profession – and for having the ability to communicate with property owners, residents, and investors alike.

So, congratulations to our new CPMs and ARMs. And for those property managers and assistant property managers looking to take the next professional designation leap, visit www.iremboston.org for more information.

Have a great August and see you in September!

William Woodward is the 2023 IREM Boston president and is a regional property manager with Greystar, Boston, Mass.