Should I get the Argus Cert?

Hey Team, 

CRE Broker here and will be getting my MSRE to attempt to pierce into REPE in a different market (DC Area). I already have the REFAI cert, but after looking at REPE job openings, many have "Argus Required" or "Argus preferred". Is it worth it for me to do the $1350 cert course? I can swing the cash and can dish out the time to complete in 90 days, but would like to hear other's opinions first. I am honestly leaning towards doing it as I want to stand out as much as possible. Background: I am a broker with 2 YOE in the LMM. Doing mainly industrial RE. 

 
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I would not. Argus is a simple software that you can learn mostly in a single day. Figure out how to get experience with the software so you can simply list “Argus” on your resume, which is an important check the box but nothing more.

You work at CBRE so find a group who uses it and befriend a junior pro who’s willing to teach you the basics or get you experience in return for something you can provide (maybe buy him/her lunch for a week, show an office-only or retail-only broker the ropes on industrial analysis since that broker’s work experience and job security isn’t likely to be very good in the near future so hopefully he/she will be open to expanding horizons; I don’t know, be creative).

Another idea: instead of wasting time on an Argus cert, work through online classes like Breaking Into Wall Street (RE module) and/or REFM’s Advanced Joint Venture Waterfall Modeling. Telling a REPE employer that you’re familiar with waterfall modeling (in Excel not Argus) is way more impressive/desirable than Argus experience and you’ll actually learn something useful and expand your knowledge base.

 

I misread your first line and thought it said “CBRE broker.” But whether you’re at CBRE or any other brokerage house doesn’t matter since you could apply the recommendation to get experience from your colleagues all the same. Or don’t, seeing as you found it utterly useless. You have a great attitude and seemingly very little money. I’m sure you will be very successful.

 

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