Real Estate Investing Strategies (Online)

Evaluate and finance real estate acquisitions

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Course Dates

STARTS ON

April 30, 2024

Course Duration

DURATION

6 weeks, online
4–6 hours per week

Course Fee

PROGRAM FEE

US$2,600 and get a referral benefit

Course Information Flexible payment available
Course Fee

For Your Team

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Early Registration Benefit

Apply now to secure your place at US$2,392 by . Connect with a learning advisor for more information.

Maximize Returns and Mitigate Risk in Real Estate Markets

Commercial property sales in the United States totaled a record US$809 billion in 2021 according to data organization Real Capital Analytics, nearly doubling that of 2020 and exceeding the previous record of about US$600 billion in 2019. Given this trend, real estate investing is seeing abundant opportunities across emerging and established sectors. However, with volatility in markets and lending rates, maximizing returns on real estate investments requires a deep understanding of the nuances, variables, and risks that drive ever-fluctuating property markets. A challenge for most traditional investors is that the real estate market is less liquid and transparent than stocks, and it’s often difficult to get the necessary information all in one place to make fully informed investment decisions.

Taught by faculty from Columbia Business School’s esteemed Paul Milstein Center for Real Estate, this program provides a quality hands-on learning experience in just six weeks to prepare you with the real estate valuation skills and investment methodologies to support smarter investment decisions. You will gain industry-leading skills in creating financial models, analyzing cash flows, determining values, and measuring returns of real estate investments.

$11.4 trillion

Size of the professionally managed global real estate investment market in 2021, an increase of 8.5 percent from 2020.

SOURCE: MSCI

68%

Increase in commercial real estate transaction activity during the first three months of 2022 compared to the same period for 2021.

SOURCE: PWC

$119,731

As of August 26, 2022, the average annual pay for a real estate investor in the United States. Investors with the title of real estate professional can earn an estimated 53.7 percent more or around US$180,000 per year.

SOURCE: ZIP RECRUITER

Key Takeaways

After participating in this program, you will be able to:

  • Calculate real estate valuation based on capitalization rate and cash flow as well as conduct pro forma analyses
  • Examine how mortgage financing affects the risk and return on investment (ROI) of real estate investments
  • Create new opportunities to recapitalize and reposition troubled properties and organizations by applying value investing strategies to the real estate industry
  • Evaluate the risks and rewards associated with land, development, and affordable housing investments
  • Analyze residential property data to support more informed investment decisions

Who Should Attend?

  • Real estate investors looking to offer better ROI to their clients, increase awareness of global investment opportunities, and strengthen brand reputation
  • Mid- to senior-level fund managers and investors interested in including real estate as part of an overall investment portfolio and understanding frameworks for making profitable real estate investments
  • CXOs and business professionals seeking to develop expertise in large-scale real estate investments and expand infrastructure to support business growth
  • Real estate professionals looking to gain insights into future trends and developments in real estate financing

Program Modules

In each module, leading faculty from Columbia Business School’s Paul Milstein Center for Real Estate will focus on the latest strategies for applying value investing to the real estate industry, determining valuation based on capitalization rate and cash flow, and analyzing property data to support more informed investment decisions.

Module 1:

Real Estate Cash Flow Fundamentals

Get started with the foundational elements of a platform ecosystem model for real estate investment compared to other business models. Learn essential elements of cash flow analysis, calculating net operating income and leasing revenue, and cost responsibility based on lease type.

Module 2:

Real Estate Valuation and Capitalization Rates

Apply the cash flow fundamentals in Module 1 to design and build a digital platform for real estate valuation and capitalization. Get hands-on experience in assessing capitalization rates, and projecting reversion value, operating income, and cost of capital.

Module 3:

Real Estate Financing and Taxes

Analyze frameworks for financing real estate acquisitions, and how mortgage financing affects risk and return on investment of real estate investments. Get real-world insights into the nuances of real estate financing and tax implications through case study assignments and discussions.

Module 4:

Private Equity and Public Markets Investing

Learn how to find new opportunities to recapitalize and reposition troubled properties and companies through private equity funds (PEFs) and real estate investment trusts (REITs). Discover how to use these investment modes to add real estate to your overall investment portfolio and make them profitable.

Module 5:

Housing Markets and Buy vs. Rent

Learn to use a commercial real estate framework to analyze residential property data to determine investment potential. Also explore the economic and social variables affecting housing markets and other real estate data to forecast property appreciation.

Module 6:

Land, Development, and Affordable Housing

Explore the risks and rewards associated with land, development, and affordable housing. Evaluate the costs of building new property and the option value of waiting versus building. Also estimate the value of land based on several given scenarios.

Module 1:

Real Estate Cash Flow Fundamentals

Get started with the foundational elements of a platform ecosystem model for real estate investment compared to other business models. Learn essential elements of cash flow analysis, calculating net operating income and leasing revenue, and cost responsibility based on lease type.

Module 4:

Private Equity and Public Markets Investing

Learn how to find new opportunities to recapitalize and reposition troubled properties and companies through private equity funds (PEFs) and real estate investment trusts (REITs). Discover how to use these investment modes to add real estate to your overall investment portfolio and make them profitable.

Module 2:

Real Estate Valuation and Capitalization Rates

Apply the cash flow fundamentals in Module 1 to design and build a digital platform for real estate valuation and capitalization. Get hands-on experience in assessing capitalization rates, and projecting reversion value, operating income, and cost of capital.

Module 5:

Housing Markets and Buy vs. Rent

Learn to use a commercial real estate framework to analyze residential property data to determine investment potential. Also explore the economic and social variables affecting housing markets and other real estate data to forecast property appreciation.

Module 3:

Real Estate Financing and Taxes

Analyze frameworks for financing real estate acquisitions, and how mortgage financing affects risk and return on investment of real estate investments. Get real-world insights into the nuances of real estate financing and tax implications through case study assignments and discussions.

Module 6:

Land, Development, and Affordable Housing

Explore the risks and rewards associated with land, development, and affordable housing. Evaluate the costs of building new property and the option value of waiting versus building. Also estimate the value of land based on several given scenarios.

Note: Participants are required to have access to Microsoft Excel for the duration of the program to successfully complete all assignments.

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Program Experience

World-Renowned Faculty

Learn from accomplished faculty, and industry experts whose diverse backgrounds encompass a broad range of disciplines

Guest Speakers

Accomplished academics and experts offer unique perspectives and the opportunity to put learning into practice

Peer Interaction

Stimulating discussions with like-minded global peers expand your professional network and build a supportive community

Case Studies

Through exploratory sessions, examine practical examples and find innovative solutions to strategic challenges

Live Faculty Sessions

Get actionable insights in live online interactions with faculty who are recognized leaders in their fields

Decorative image relating to Engaging Assignments and Activities

Engaging Assignments and Activities

Hone business acumen and executive skills with try-it activities that help you redefine your potential

Capstone Project

Engage in a multifaceted experience where you apply program learnings to a real-world case

Case Studies

Throughout the six-week program, the faculty will bring the real estate investment concepts in each module to life as part of an ongoing commercial real estate case study. Learn successful investment strategies from real-world examples. Additional case studies include Facebook/Meta, Google, Amazon, Apple, and WeWork.

Amazon

Amazon

Facebook/Meta

Facebook/Meta

Google

Google

Apple

Apple

WeWork

WeWork

Recorded Guest Interviews

Meet David Sherman, co-founder and president of Metropolitan Real Estate and former REIT analyst and investment banker, who will share his experience and insights on the real estate investment strategies and modes you will learn in this program.

Hands-On Activities

Enhance your investment tool kit with proven analysis templates and methodologies that will withstand market changes and remain relevant over time.

Program Faculty

Faculty Member Tomasz Piskorski

Tomasz Piskorski

Edward S. Gordon Professor of Real Estate in Finance, Columbia Business School

Tomasz Piskorski is the Edward S. Gordon Professor of Real Estate in the Finance Division at Columbia Business School. He is also a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research and serves on the Academic Research Council of the Housing Finance Policy Center at the Urban Institute... More info

Faculty Member Dr. Christopher J. Mayer

Dr. Christopher J. Mayer

Paul Milstein Professor of Real Estate in Finance, Columbia Business School

Dr. Christopher Mayer is the Paul Milstein Professor of Real Estate at Columbia Business School. He serves as a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research, a director of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association, and a member of the academic advisory boards for Standard and Poor’s and the Housing Policy Center at the Urban Institute... More info

Image of the faculty Stijn Van Nieuwerburgh

Stijn Van Nieuwerburgh

Earle W. Kazis and Benjamin Schore Professor of Real Estateand Professor of Finance, Columbia Business School

Stijn Van Nieuwerburgh’s research lies at the intersection of housing, asset pricing, and macroeconomics. He has also worked on regional housing prices, households’ mortgage choice, commercial real estate price formation, the impact of foreign buyers on the housing market, and mortgage market design... More info

Certificate

Example image of certificate that will be awarded after successful completion of this program

Certificate

Upon completion of the Real Estate Investing Strategies (Online) program, you will receive a certificate of participation from Columbia Business School Executive Education. This certificate also awards two credits towards the Certificate in Business Excellence, which grants select alumni and tuition benefits. Learn More

Your digitally verified certificate will be issued in your legal name and emailed to you, at no additional cost, upon completion of the program, including all modules of the program (online, in person, or live online, inter-module). All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of Columbia Business School Executive Education.

FAQs

  • How do I know if this program is right for me?

    After reviewing the information on the program landing page, we recommend you submit the short form above to gain access to the program brochure, which includes more in-depth information. If you still have questions on whether this program is a good fit for you, please email learner.success@emeritus.org, and a dedicated program advisor will follow-up with you very shortly.


    Are there any prerequisites for this program?

    Some programs do have prerequisites, particularly the more technical ones. This information will be noted on the program landing page, as well as in the program brochure. If you are uncertain about program prerequisites and your capabilities, please email us at the ID mentioned above.


    Note that, unless otherwise stated on the program web page, all programs are taught in English and proficiency in English is required.


    What is the typical class profile?

    More than 50 percent of our participants are from outside the United States. Class profiles vary from one cohort to the next, but, generally, our online certificates draw a highly diverse audience in terms of professional experience, industry, and geography — leading to a very rich peer learning and networking experience.


    What other dates will this program be offered in the future?

    Check back to this program web page or email us to inquire if future program dates or the timeline for future offerings have been confirmed yet.

  • How much time is required each week?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page.


    How will my time be spent?

    We have designed this program to fit into your current working life as efficiently as possible. Time will be spent among a variety of activities including:



    • Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty
    • Attending webinars and office hours, as per the specific program schedule
    • Reading or engaging with examples of core topics
    • Completing knowledge checks/quizzes and required activities
    • Engaging in moderated discussion groups with your peers
    • Completing your final project, if required

    The program is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and to demonstrate an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Please email us if you need further clarification on program activities.


    What is it like to learn online with the learning collaborator, Emeritus?

    More than 300,000 learners across 200 countries have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus and its educational learning partners. In fact, 90 percent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programs said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded.

    All the contents of the course would be made available to students at the commencement of the course. However, to ensure the program delivers the desired learning outcomes the students may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the program in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall course fee of the course.

    A dedicated program support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to answer questions about the learning platform, technical issues, or anything else that may affect your learning experience.


    How do I interact with other program participants?

    Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the program. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.

  • What are the requirements to earn the certificate?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enroll. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programs are designed to fit into your working life.

    This program is scored as a pass or no-pass; participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programs include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the program brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific program requirements.


    What type of certificate will I receive?

    Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a smart digital certificate. The smart digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools, or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter, resume, and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile.
    The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the program, once grading is complete.


    Can I get the hard copy of the certificate?

    No, only verified digital certificates will be issued upon successful completion. This allows you to share your credentials on social platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.


    Do I receive alumni status after completing this program?

    No, there is no alumni status granted for this program. In some cases, there are credits that count toward a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the program brochure.


    How long will I have access to the learning materials?

    You will have access to the online learning platform and all the videos and program materials for 12 months following the program start date. Access to the learning platform is restricted to registered participants per the terms of agreement.

  • What equipment or technical requirements are there for this program?

    Participants will need the latest version of their preferred browser to access the learning platform. In addition, Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer are required to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files, and transcripts.


    Do I need to be online to access the program content?

    Yes, the learning platform is accessed via the internet, and video content is not available for download. However, you can download files of video transcripts, assignment templates, readings, etc. For maximum flexibility, you can access program content from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.

    Video lectures must be streamed via the internet, and any livestream webinars and office hours will require an internet connection. However, these sessions are always recorded, so you may view them later.

  • Can I still register if the registration deadline has passed?

    Yes, you can register up until seven days past the published start date of the program without missing any of the core program material or learnings.


    What is the program fee, and what forms of payment do you accept?

    The program fee is noted at the top of this program web page and usually referenced in the program brochure as well.

    • Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this program web page next to FEE).
    • Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please email learner.success@emeritus.org.

    What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?

    Yes, you can do the bank remittance in the program currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your program advisor, or email us for details.


    I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?

    Yes! Please email us with the details of the program you are interested in, and we will assist you.


    How can I obtain an invoice for payment?

    Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific program you’re interested in enrolling in.


    Is there an option to make flexible payments for this program?

    Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the program fee in installments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selected before submitting the payment.


    How can I obtain a W9 form?

    Please connect with us via email for assistance.


    Who will be collecting the payment for the program?

    Emeritus collects all program payments, provides learner enrollment and program support, and manages learning platform services.

  • What is the program refund and deferral policy?

    For the program refund and deferral policy, please click the link here.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Write to us at learner.success@emeritus.org or Schedule a call with one of our Academic Advisors or call us at +1 315 387 4431 (US) / +44 203 838 0836 (UK) / +65 3138 4449 (SG)

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