August 26, 2024: We are excited to announce that we have updated and relaunched our real estate certificates in Real Estate Essentials, Real Estate Property Management, and Real Estate Development.  These self-paced, online certificates are delivered with the support of our highly successful Personal Learning Coach model. While these programs are designed for individual learners, they can also be customized for group delivery in your organization. Contact a learning consultant for more information.

Which is the right program to pave your path to becoming a successful real estate industry professional? 

Real Estate Essentials

This Real Estate certification program is crafted to provide a solid foundation in real estate finance and investments, focusing on income-generating properties, especially single-family housing or apartments. It’s ideal for novice investors who are ready to dive into real estate. The course breaks down complex topics like ownership structures, investment metrics, budgeting, financing options, types of contracts, and market analysis into manageable parts. When you complete this course, you will:

• Identify the key factors influencing market health that can be used to make informed investment decisions
• Understand the basics of real estate financing, including debt and equity financing, mortgage basics, tax considerations, and legal considerations.
• Learn key stages of the development process and assess viability using analytical tools, accounting for regulatory and other environmental considerations
• Make educated decisions that enhance the value and profitability of development projects
• Learn the key responsibilities of a property manager and/or property owner
• Understand the essential components and macro drivers impacting multifamily, industrial, and office properties

Real Estate Property Management

This is a comprehensive program aimed at mastering essential skills and knowledge needed to manage residential, commercial, and industrial properties effectively. Covering key topics such as tenant relations, property maintenance, financial management, and legal regulations, this program is designed for aspiring property managers and real estate professionals seeking to enhance their expertise and advance their careers. 

• Understand the fundamentals of property management, including roles and responsibilities
• Develop effective tenant relations strategies to ensure high occupancy and long-term tenant satisfaction
• Master property maintenance and operations to enhance property value and overall performance
• Analyze financial statements and budgets to make informed management decisions
• Navigate legal regulations and compliance issues related to property management
• Implement marketing and leasing strategies to attract and retain tenants
• Learn risk management techniques to mitigate property management issues
• Utilize property management software and technology to streamline operations and improve efficiency

Real Estate Development

Outside of the real estate world, there’s a perception that developers are wealthy consortia of “big money” sitting on piles of cash and waiting in anticipation of their next big deal. The realities of developing property couldn’t be further from the truth. But developers know what goes into every inch of the project – from inception to the ribbon cutting. This certificate will provide you the opportunity to examine the interdisciplinary, high-stakes nature of real estate development and the mix of specialized analytical, financial, and organizational skills needed for successful project completion. This includes site selection, land use, entitlements, market and feasibility analysis, budgets, construction loan finance, construction, and income-producing property types (office, multifamily, and mixed-use).

• Understand the fundamentals of real estate development, including the key stages of real estate development, key players, and current trends
• Learn techniques for conducting market research to identify opportunities, assess project feasibility, and select appropriate sites
• Create cost and revenue estimates that can be used to determine project viability using industry standard metrics (e.g., ROI, NPV)
• Introduce the roles that zoning, environmental regulations, and legal considerations play in real estate development
• Apply effective project planning techniques that consider timelines, coordination of contractors/architects/building trades, and mitigation of risk throughout the real estate development process
• Explore various financing options, develop strategies for securing and managing project financing, and maintaining transparency with investors and other stakeholders.
• Incorporate green building practices and sustainable development principles

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me personally at corey.therrien@rutgers.edu. I will be happy to discuss what certificate best meets your career aspirations.