Business
4 Real Estate Technologies That Can Help People During the Coronavirus-Induced Recession
The recession has officially hit the United States. Although some still deny the recession, the economy disagrees. Even though initial lockdowns have been lifted, millions of businesses have already closed their doors for good thanks to the last round of shutdowns. With California about to enter yet another lockdown, it’s only going to get worse.
Many people will need to find cheaper housing and possibly share a home with others. However, finding an affordable place to live is challenging. Oddly, rents are rising in certain areas despite the recession. For people who live in cities with rising rent, it’s hard to find affordable options. However, technology is making it a little easier.
In addition to essential property management applications that landlords use to communicate with tenants remotely, here are four technologies that can help people find affordable housing during this recession.
- 3D property tours
Even when people aren’t under stay-at-home orders, many are hesitant to drive long distances because gas costs money. Gas might be cheap compared to what it was last year, however, even cheap gas is expensive for someone who has lost part of their income.
Many people who have lost part of their income can still afford to pay rent. They just need to find a smaller house or move to a cheaper location. Offering 3D property tours on your website for potential tenants can be a huge help for those who can’t drive or don’t want to drive to see a property in person.
Another way a 3D property tour helps is by narrowing down potential tenants without having to meet with them first. People can see far more in a 3D tour than they can in 2D photos. Potential tenants might spot some deal breakers in a 3D tour, which means real estate agents don’t have to waste their time scheduling a showing, only to find out their prospect doesn’t like having a small step leading from the kitchen to the family room.
There are many 3D property tools on the market, but one of the easiest tools is the 3D tour app from Zillow. Al you need is an iPhone or a 360-degree camera to take some panoramic shots and the app puts all the photos together to create the 3D tour.
- Homeshare
For San Francisco residents who need to rent smaller spaces for less money, Homeshare is making that possible. Homeshare divides luxury apartments into smaller units that rent at a lower price than the entire apartment. The company divides luxury apartments into 100-square-foot sections that cost around $1,300 per month.
The 100-square-foot units have sleeping areas sectioned off with privacy curtains, but otherwise it’s like sharing an apartment with roommates. The living room, bathroom, kitchen, and closets are all shared spaces.
Most people would consider $1,300 a ridiculous amount of money to pay for 100 square feet of living space, but in San Francisco, that’s cheap. For those used to paying $4,000-$6,000 per month, being able to jump into a $1,300 unit without leaving the city they love is a blessing.
- Bungalow
For those open to renting a room from someone, Bungalow helps people find a shared living situation without having to try their luck on Craigslist. All the houses listed with Bungalow are vetted by the company and roommates are matched based on shared interests and similar living preferences.
The best part about Bungalow is that the landlord can handle the lease agreement and rental payments through the app. Unlike finding a room to rent on Craigslist, if you don’t like the home you move into, you can move into another Bungalow listing without penalty within the first two weeks.
- Divvy Homes
Divvy Homes helps renters who want to buy their home to save money long term.
The services provided by Divvy Homes fall under the category of rent-to-own, but there are several key differences. When a client finds the dream home they want to buy, Divvy Homes purchases that home and then rents it to the client. While the client is renting their dream home, Divvy Homes helps them build their wealth to cover the down payment, all while they live in the home they are going to purchase.
Everyone should be saving money on rent if possible
The recession is here and nobody knows how long it will last. If you’re paying too much rent, consider downsizing until the recession is over. You never know what’s around the corner. If you don’t reduce your rent expenses now, you might regret not saving money sooner.
Business
WorldCC’s Certification Programs: Elevating Standards in Contract Management
By: Andi Stark
World Commerce & Contracting (WorldCC) is widely recognized for its leadership in commercial and contract management. For over two and a half decades, WorldCC has transformed the discipline, developing comprehensive online certification programs based on rigorous research and industry best practices. These programs equip professionals with the skills to navigate complex contracts and commercial relationships.
With over 75,000 members from 180 countries, WorldCC is the foremost global body advocating for commercial and contract management excellence. It offers certification in Commercial & Contract Management, at four ability levels —Fundamentals, Practitioner, Advanced Practitioner, and Expert—providing a clear progression path for professionals looking to deepen their knowledge and advance in their careers.
A Structured Path to Mastery
WorldCC’s certification framework is designed to meet professionals at various stages of their careers. For those just entering the field, the Fundamentals of Commercial & Contract Management program is a strong introduction, offering essential knowledge about the contract lifecycle, from drafting and negotiation to post-award management. This certification covers core principles that underpin successful commercial relationships, enabling newcomers to gain a practical understanding of contract management.
The Practitioner level, one of the most popular offerings that has been refreshed for 2024, dives deeper into specialized areas such as negotiation strategies, risk management, and contract design. The curriculum, which runs through six essential courses, emphasizes the importance of balancing legal, operational, and strategic considerations to optimize contract performance and gain better outcomes. As contracts become increasingly complex, the Practitioner level equips professionals with the skills necessary to handle multi-faceted agreements and large-scale projects.
“We’ve designed our certification programs to be flexible and rigorous,” says WorldCC’s Global CEO Sally Guyer. “The goal is to build both technical proficiency and strategic expertise, preparing professionals to handle the evolving demands of contract management.”
Navigating Advanced Challenges
For professionals at a more senior level in commercial or contract management seeking to tackle more complex and high-stakes situations, WorldCC offers Advanced Practitioner and Expert certifications. These programs address advanced topics such as cross-border contracting, dispute resolution, and strategic supplier relationship management. The focus here shifts from operational contract management to leadership in contract strategy, providing insights on how contracts can serve broader organizational objectives.
At the Advanced Practitioner level, professionals are trained in leadership and business acumen, and they are shown how to manage performance, oversee contract implementation, and handle change management. These are all key skills as contracts increasingly involve multiple stakeholders across jurisdictions. The curriculum includes case studies, workshops, and interactive elements that challenge participants to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
The Expert certification is the highest level of WorldCC’s offerings. It is designed for seasoned professionals who lead contract management teams or play a strategic role within their organizations. Experts are asked to transform their learning into business value with a syllabus that supports the creation of a business case. The purpose is to drive innovation in contracting practices, ensuring their organizations remain competitive.
Tim Cummins, president of WorldCC, notes, “The Expert certification reflects a holistic understanding of the role contracts play in achieving business outcomes. Contracts today are not just legal documents but strategic tools that influence performance, governance, and corporate responsibility.”
Professional Impact and Industry Recognition
WorldCC’s certification programs have garnered widespread recognition, not just for the depth of their content but also for their alignment with industry needs. The certification process has been shaped by ongoing input from WorldCC’s research and benchmark reports, which highlight emerging trends and challenges in commercial management.
According to WorldCC’s latest Benchmark Report, 65% of organizations now use contract management software, and 47% employ advanced contract analytics—a trend driven in part by WorldCC’s advocacy for digital transformation. These innovations have reshaped contract management, making it more dynamic and data-driven, and WorldCC’s certifications ensure that professionals are equipped to use these technologies.
The organization’s Most Negotiated Terms (the latest of which has been launched October 224) and Benchmark Reports, published biennially, provide a critical resource for contract managers. These reports highlight common sticking points in negotiations, such as liability and payment terms, helping professionals identify areas where they can gain competitive advantage. Certification holders often report enhanced career prospects, with many moving into senior roles within legal, procurement, and finance teams due to their demonstrated mastery of these topics.
Addressing Global Challenges Through Education
WorldCC’s certification programs are particularly relevant as contract managers face challenges due to globalization, digitalization, and regulatory changes. The organization’s focus on relationship management, a recurring theme across all certification levels, helps professionals balance risk mitigation and collaborative partnership. As supply chains become more complex and businesses engage in cross-border contracts, the need for skilled contract managers to ensure compliance and performance is critical.
The global reach of WorldCC’s certifications is evident in the diversity of its membership, spanning much of Europe and Africa, in North America, and a growing contingent in India and the Middle East. In fact, they have members across 180 countries.
“Contracts are the backbone of modern economies,” says Cummins. “Our certification programs are about much more than compliance—they are about fostering trust and collaboration in commercial relationships across the globe.”
A Focus on Lifelong Learning
Another key feature of WorldCC’s certification programs is their commitment to continuing professional development. As contracts evolve in response to technological and regulatory shifts, WorldCC ensures that certified professionals remain at the lead of industry developments. The organization offers a range of resources, including webinars, market insights, case studies, and networking opportunities, to support ongoing learning. Professionals are encouraged to participate in these events to stay current on best practices and emerging trends.
WorldCC’s certifications are globally recognized, with many organizations mandating them for senior roles in contract and commercial management. By combining academic rigor with practical application, these programs have made the company a thought leader in the field. Guyer emphasizes the importance of this: “Contracting is no longer just about minimizing risk; it’s about creating value and building relationships. Our certifications equip professionals to manage contracts not as legal obligations but as opportunities for strategic growth.”
WorldCC’s certification programs set the standard for commercial and contract management excellence in an environment where contracts govern complex and often high-value relationships. You can access the full suite of learning programs via their website. They are currently running an online guided learning program at the CCM practitioner level, with learners beginning on 18 November 2024. You can register to join here – https://info.worldcc.com/ccmp_guided_learning
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