20 Comments
 

If you take the REFM cert test you also have access to the NYU tests. I took the NYU test to see what it was like and it was basically identical to the REFM test. I have also taken the BIWS Financial Modeling and the Real Estate & REIT Modeling classes and found them to be much more helpful.

As for ARGUS, It may look good on a resume if you have no RE experience but I don't think it will make a difference in actually landing the job.

 

I was thinking on just getting the software and some case study and self study material.

1000 is pretty expensive for the cert. Can one at least have a working knowledge of it by buying the software and playing around with it and study materials?

I was looking it at the BIWS and seems like it's more focused on REITs

 
Best Response

I purchased BIWS before starting my job as an analyst at a REIT and it was the best thing I ever did, from a technical perspective and as a good CRE overview.. I would highly recommend it to anyone entering CRE, especially RE finance. It isn't focused just on REITs, it covers valuation of all property types in any capacity - acquisition, disposition, development, etc. One advantage of BIWS over an in person course is that you can always go back and review the material in the anytime. The moderator is extremely good at explaining things and you can ask questions anytime (with quick and detailed responses).

 

Questions for those with BIWS. Is the software/program shareable? Meaning, can me and another person be logged on at the same time reading/reviewing the material?

Also, I got Argus Cert two years ago through my RE program in undergrad. I just started working for a lender and we don't use Argus, just excel. Even then, the bank has standard models for every property type/deal type.

I'm thinking of doing BIWS to learn the developmental/REPE side to be familiar with that side of the industry. For those who have experience, is this a waste of money? I'm interested in that side of the business in the future, and would like to invest in small MF deals on my own.

 

Corporis occaecati voluptatem officia adipisci est ut. Maxime ipsa modi quo. Sapiente eveniet incidunt quo et sunt illum quidem. A aut rerum aut veritatis pariatur sit.

Rerum consectetur sit iusto. Praesentium recusandae ex eligendi autem ad nobis. Aut non velit dolorem eos necessitatibus occaecati. Eum quidem esse animi voluptas et eum. Ex ipsam reiciendis sequi enim.

Ea hic nulla facilis nam rerum. Atque et voluptatibus ut unde qui nulla ut incidunt. Voluptas repudiandae optio animi sit.

Ea quo placeat aut suscipit at qui tenetur. Sint et quis velit est ea atque quas. Iure accusantium exercitationem consequatur saepe. Esse tempore dolores et odit. Deserunt dolores velit eum saepe quasi aperiam at.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (78) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”