The COVID-19 pandemic has unleashed unprecedented change all over the world. Specifically within the real estate industry, it’s being felt on many different levels, including cancellations of events to curb the spread of the disease.
However, in the meantime, there are plenty of online courses for real estate professionals to upskill and use their time productively for self-improvement and education. Here are six to consider:
#1 Learn Commercial Real Estate – Online Classes
If you’re interested in entering the world of real estate, this series of online courses provides you with everything you need to set up your business. In particular, there are 12 individual courses available and three bundles covering the basics of real estate and how to analyze the market. The individual lessons cover:
- Introduction to commercial real estate (CRE) brokerage
- Listing & selling CRE
- Leasing CRE
- Marketing CRE
- Financing CRE
- Valuing CRE
- Accounting & taxation of CRE
- Financial analysis of CRE
- Contracts & forms
- Managing CRE
- Investment analysis of CRE
- Investing in real estate using self-directed retirement accounts
Furthermore, if you complete all 12 classes, you’ll earn the Certified Commercial Advisor (CCA) designation, which gives you access to the CCA network of industry advisors. Plus, you’ll also receive access to exclusive CRE firms and investment tools.
#2 Commercial RE Analysis and Investment Online Certificate
This six-week, online certificate in RE analysis and investment course from MIT covers a range of topics, including the tools, techniques and terms used in the real estate industry, which were actually pioneered by leading professor and faculty director, David Geltner.
In particular, the course focuses on the investment side of the industry and how to reduce risks. The course prospectus states: “Commercial real estate investments are appealing assets for investors seeking to diversify their portfolios — offering many advantages, including high-income potential and steady cash flows. However, due to the financial losses associated with mismanagement, these investments can be high-risk.”
As such, the focus of the course is to “bring the potential of lucrative commercial real estate to investors, while introducing key concepts and tools needed to reduce risk and make intelligent real estate investment decisions.”
Note that this certificate is run separately from the MIT Center for Real Estate’s (MIT/CRE) On-Campus Certificate Program in Real Estate Development and Finance.
#3 Commercial Real Estate Investing for Beginners
Run by online education marketplace Udemy, this course covers the basics of investing in real estate. What’s more, it’s run by author Peter Harris, who wrote “Commercial Real Estate Investing for Dummies.” According to the course prospectus, you’ll learn:
- How to own your first CRE property
- The different asset classes, including which classes individual investors target and why
- How to evaluate a deal like a pro
- Major pitfalls to avoid when investing in CRE
- Tips for specific property types
- Secrets to building wealth
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#4 Certificate in Commercial Real Estate
This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the CRE industry, helping you understand the range of factors affecting the value and management of your commercial property.
Run by the RICS online academy, it’s designed by industry leaders and uses case studies to help build a practical understanding of the topics covered. Additionally, students have access to an industry expert during the course, allowing them to ask questions.
This course is designed for people who are already working in CRE who want to progress their careers and gain an in-depth understanding of the sector, but may not be ready to commit to an APC just yet. It features nine modules, which include: inspection, measurement, valuation, letting and leasing, purchase and sales, development appraisals, landlord and tenant, property finance and funding, and investment management.
#5 CCMI Institute
CCIM stands for Certified Commercial Investment Member, and if you’re serious about your career in the CRE industry, look no further. A qualification from the CCIM is a well-recognized accolade to help you further develop your career. Plus, upon completion of the organization’s advanced coursework in financial and market analysis, you’re awarded a CCIM lapel pin to demonstrate your expertise.
A range of courses is available to help you enhance your career. While any CRE professional can enroll, the Designation Curriculum is the cornerstone of the CCIM program, and most students will need to complete this course to earn the CCIM designation. However, this is not a course for the faint-hearted.
If you’d prefer a gentler route, the Ward Center for Real Estate Studies is open to members and non-members. It offers webinars, workshops and online courses on specialized topics.
#6 Commercial Real Estate Online Worldwide
The Commercial Real Estate Online Worldwide portal provides a variety of online courses to help CRE professionals sharpen their skills and access a wide range of resources. Here, you’ll find dedicated online courses and articles targeted to different areas of the CRE industry. Meanwhile, to keep pace with the latest news and trends in the industry, check out these, check out these free training resources and the site’s podcast.
