90^th Anniversary

IREM^® celebrates 90 years of making a difference

Ninety years ago, the National Association of Real Estate Boards (NAREB)—known today as the National Association of REALTORS^®—recognized the need for greater specialization in the real estate industry. The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) was founded to promote ethical practices in real estate management, to foster education, and to encourage members to share their experiences.

From that day forward, IREM has grown to serve as the world’s strongest voice for all things real estate management. Today, almost 20,000 leaders in commercial and residential management call us home for learning, certifications, and networking.

Follow along with us as we celebrate all year long with #IREM90Years

The evolution of IREM

Key moments in IREM history

1930 - 1960
1933       Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) was founded

1934      First issue of The Journal of Real Estate Management (now named Journal of Property Management) published

1935      IREM’s first education course presented in Chicago

              First IREM Chapter chartered – New Jersey Chapter

1938      Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation is established

1945      Accredited Management Organization (AMO) accreditation is launched

1947      First edition of Principles of Real Estate Management published

1960      First IREM Canada Chapter is established
1960 - 1990
1966      JPM begins bi-monthly publication

1975      Accredited Residential Manager (ARM) certification is established

1977       IREM Foundation formed

1983      IREM celebrates 50^th Anniversary

               First Asset Management Symposium held

1986      Tung Fung of Hong Kong and Liu Thai Ker of Singapore are welcomed as first CPM members outside North America

1990      IREM releases Before Disaster Strikes: Developing an Emergency Procedures Manual
1990 - Present
1994      Beverly Roachell inaugurated as Institute’s first female president

1995      First IREM international chapter established outside of North America

1997      IREM releases Spotlight on Security for Real Estate Managers

1999      Michael Simmons inaugurated as Institute’s first black president

               IREM publishes Real Estate Manager’s Technical Glossary

2001     First IREM Leadership and Legislative Summit held

2002     Associate membership category is created

               IREM’s courses go online

               New Preparing for Terrorism book released

2003     First IREM/CCIM Commercial Real Estate Conference held

                Glossary of Real Estate Management Terms is first released

                Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley proclaims June 12 “IREM Day”

                First IREM Brazil Chapter formed

                First IREM Japan Chapter opened

                IREM celebrates 70^th Anniversary

2004     IREM Korea chapter established

2006     Accredited Commercial Manager (ACoM) certification is created

2015      Real Estate Management Excellence (REME) Awards are formed

               Certified Sustainable Property (CSP) certification is developed

2018      IREM South Africa Chapter is founded

2020     Income/Expense IQ Benchmarks delivered digitally

               IREM courses and exams are offered virtually

               First IREM President outside of the U.S. – Cheryl Gray, Canada

2023     IREM celebrates 90 years

              First all-female officer team

90th Anniversary

IREM® celebrates 90 years of making a difference

The evolution of IREM

Key moments in IREM history

Read more about the history of IREM

90^th Anniversary

IREM^® celebrates 90 years of making a difference