Craig Fernsler
Realtor, Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM)
Craig Fernsler has dedicated more than 35 years to commercial real estate, investment planning, and long-term wealth preservation. As a Realtor and Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), he has spent much of his career helping clients make informed decisions about commercial and investment properties, with an emphasis on profitability, tax efficiency, asset growth, and financial security.
Craig's reputation has been built through years of direct involvement in the real estate industry as both an advisor and an investor. He understands the realities of negotiating transactions, managing properties, evaluating risk, and structuring deals because he has personally navigated those responsibilities.
Craig's experience includes commercial and investment properties of many types and sizes, ranging from single-family investment homes and apartment buildings to retail strip centers, development land, and vacation properties. Throughout his career, he has remained focused on helping clients increase cash flow while creating long-term wealth.
A Specialist in Complex Real Estate Strategies
One of the defining features of his career has been his understanding of advanced real estate and tax strategies. While many investors know how to purchase property, fewer understand how to structure transactions that preserve wealth and reduce unnecessary tax burdens. This is where he has provided valuable guidance to clients.
Over the years, Craig has assisted investors with 1031 Exchanges, Cost Segregation Strategies, Installment Sales, Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs), Deferred Sales Trusts, and NNN net-leased retail property transactions.
These strategies are not part of everyday investing for most people. Clients often seek his assistance because they need complex concepts explained in a straightforward, understandable way.
Building Wealth Through Personal Investment Experience
Craig's knowledge of investment real estate did not begin in a classroom or corporate setting. It started with the purchase of his first investment property in 1989.
Since then, he has personally bought and sold approximately $19.3 million in commercial and investment real estate. He has also owned and operated multiple limited liability companies connected to his investment activities.
This experience provides insight that many professionals cannot offer. He understands the challenges investors face because he has experienced them himself. He has dealt with ownership responsibilities, financing concerns, changing market values, ongoing management obligations, and financial demands.
Since 2000, Craig has acquired and developed several hundred acres of land across multiple counties and two states for brokerage activities and personal investments. His success as an investor has earned the trust of clients who view him not only as a broker but also as someone who understands how real estate can contribute to generational wealth.
Leadership Within the Commercial Real Estate Industry
Craig's accomplishments have brought recognition throughout the commercial real estate industry, particularly through his involvement with the CCIM organization.
The Certified Commercial Investment Member designation is among the most respected credentials in commercial real estate. It is awarded to only a small percentage of professionals nationwide and reflects expertise in investment, market, and transaction analysis.
His commitment to CCIM extends beyond earning the designation. In 2015, he served as Vice President of the Mid-Atlantic Region for CCIM International and was a member of its International Board of Directors. Before that, he served as President of the PA/NJ/DE CCIM Chapter in 2012.
Today, Craig continues to support the profession through service on the CCIM National Government Affairs Committee and the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors Board of Directors while also working as a Real Estate Instructor. He also holds Series 22 and 63 securities licenses, expanding his understanding of investment-related financial structures and strategies.
Grounded by Community, Family, and Service
Craig has achieved significant professional success while maintaining a strong commitment to his personal values. He remains active in charitable and community organizations, including One House At A Time (Beds for Kids), the Boy Scouts of America, the Boys & Girls Club of Philadelphia, and the Animal Coalition of Delaware County.
Craig is also a long-time member of the Masonic Lodge and serves as a trustee within his church. Friends and colleagues often recognize his appreciation for relationships, loyalty, and service.
Outside of his professional work, he enjoys spending time with his wife of many years, their two adult sons, and the family’s Golden Doodle. He is also an avid golfer and holds a scuba diving certification.
Throughout his career, Craig Fernsler has remained committed to helping people make informed real estate decisions that create lasting financial value. His background as an investor, technical knowledge, and practical approach have established him as a trusted advisor for those seeking guidance based on decades of real-world experience.
Portfolio: https://craigfernsler.com/
