Finance Basics: Structure, Fund, Grow

Commercial Real Estate Finance Certification

.

Gain critical skills in commercial real estate finance, from structuring deals to understanding funding sources. Perfect for beginners and advancing professionals, this certification provides core insights to build confidence and expertise in financing strategies.

CREFC™ Program Overview

The Certified Commercial Real Estate Finance course offers a comprehensive exploration of the financial aspects of commercial real estate transactions, essential for navigating the complex world of commercial real estate finance.

Our curriculum covers a wide array of fundamental concepts, advanced methodologies, and practical skills crucial for making informed financial decisions in the commercial real estate market.

Equity Financing in Commercial Real Estate.png

Download Brochure

Debt and Equity Structures in Real Estate Financing.png

Who is This Program For?

This certification is ideal for aspiring financiers, analysts, and professionals seeking a robust foundation in commercial real estate finance and strategic funding.

Course Curriculum

Module 1: Intro to Commercial Real Estate Finance.

This module introduces learners to the foundational concepts of commercial real estate finance. It covers key terminology, an overview of commercial properties, and the role of traditional lenders and loan terms. Learners will explore commercial real estate market dynamics across various property types, including office, retail, and industrial. The module also addresses investment trends, capital flows, and provides insights into real estate capital markets, including REITs operating in the UK and commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS). The module concludes with an exam to test learners' understanding of commercial real estate finance.

12 Videos

34 Steps

3 Hours To Complete

Module 2: Commercial Mortgage & Financing

This module provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of commercial mortgages and financing. It covers the types of loans available in commercial real estate, including permanent, bridge, construction, and mezzanine loans. Learners will explore loan structures, the mortgage application process, and the assessment of borrower creditworthiness. The module also addresses traditional and alternative financing options, credit approval processes, and tools like Z-Score and Altman’s models for assessing bankruptcy risk. The module concludes with an exam to evaluate learners' understanding of commercial mortgage structures and financing strategies.

8 Videos

29 Steps

1,5 Hours To Complete

Module 3: Financial Analysis & Investment Metrics

This module provides learners with in-depth knowledge of financial analysis and investment metrics in real estate. It covers key concepts such as net operating income (NOI), cash-on-cash return, price per square foot, levered return, payback period, and capital expenditures (CapEx). Learners will explore financial performance metrics like internal rate of return (IRR) and debt service coverage ratio (DSCR). The module also delves into real estate financial modeling, including sensitivity analysis and building cash flow (CF) models for commercial office buildings. Hands-on exercises reinforce these concepts, and the module concludes with an exam to assess learners' mastery of financial analysis and investment metrics.

9 Videos

33 Steps

1, 75 Hours To Complete

Module 4: Valuation for Commercial Properties

This module provides learners with an understanding of various valuation methods for commercial properties. It covers the principles of the cost approach and its integration into commercial real estate, as well as the income approach and capitalization methods. Learners will explore advanced techniques like the yield capitalization method (DCF) and Monte Carlo simulations in real estate valuation. Additionally, value-add strategies for commercial real estate are discussed, with practical case studies and examples. The module concludes with an exam to assess learners' understanding of commercial property valuation methods.

7 Videos

24 Steps

1, 25 Hours To Complete

Module 5: Debt Financing Structures

This module introduces learners to the various debt financing structures used in commercial real estate. It covers key concepts such as non-recourse vs. recourse loans, construction loans, mezzanine financing, and bridge loans. Learners will explore real-world case studies, including developing mixed-use properties and office property acquisitions. The module also delves into joint venture structures and compares fixed-rate versus adjustable-rate commercial mortgages. Through exercises and case studies, learners will gain practical insights into debt financing strategies. The module concludes with an exam to test learners' understanding of debt financing structures in commercial real estate.

8 Videos

27 Steps

1.32 Hours To Complete

Module 6: Equity Financing and Joint Ventures

This module provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of equity financing and joint ventures in commercial real estate. It covers key topics such as equity financing, the differences between preferred and common equity, and the use of crowdfunding and syndication in real estate development. Learners will also explore how to structure joint venture agreements and understand equity waterfall distribution in joint ventures. Case studies and exercises offer practical insights into these financing strategies. The module concludes with an exam to assess learners' grasp of equity financing and joint venture structuring.

10 Videos

31 Steps

1.65 Hours To Complete

Module 7: Risk Assessment and Management

This module introduces learners to the key concepts of risk assessment and management in real estate. It covers understanding market fluctuations, managing unexpected maintenance costs, and developing risk mitigation strategies. Learners will explore property-specific risks, construction and development risks, and the role of insurance as a risk mitigation tool. Through exercises and case studies, learners will gain practical insights into managing risks effectively in real estate transactions and projects. The module concludes with an exam to assess learners' understanding of risk assessment and management techniques.

6 Videos

29 Steps

1.25 Hours To Complete

Module 8: Capstone Project and Certification Preparation

This module serves as the capstone project for learners, allowing them to apply the knowledge gained throughout the course. It features detailed case studies, including the analysis of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), financing the acquisition of a Class A office building, and developing mixed-use properties with a focus on construction loans. These case studies provide real-world scenarios to help learners prepare for certification and demonstrate their understanding of complex real estate investment and development strategies.

38 Minutes To Complete

Get Certified in Real Estate!

Stand out to recruiters with your resume. Complete all lessons to earn a digital Commercial Real Estate Finance Certification® to showcase your expertise.

Plus, add it to LinkedIn to highlight your skills to future employers!

About Our Certificaton

Career opportunities.

01.

Commercial Real Estate Analyst

02.

Commercial Officer

03.

Commercial Mortgage Broker

04.

Investment Analyst

05.

Underwriter

Meet Your Instructors.

View More Faculty

Wei Nakamura

A seasoned real estate investor and asset manager, Wei has over 15 years of experience across Asia and Europe, specializing in asset management.

Robert Stanley

With over a decade of teaching experience, Robert specializes in real estate investment and focuses on commercial properties.

Leila Hagen

Leila focuses on sustainable real estate development, helping clients incorporate green practices to enhance property value and efficiency.

Who is this Real Estate Principles and Practices Certification course designed for?

Our course is designed for individuals at various career stages, including beginners seeking to enter the real estate industry and professionals looking to enhance their skills for career advancement.
Is this course entirely online?

Yes, the Real Estate Principles and Practices Certification course is delivered entirely online, providing flexibility for participants to learn at their own pace and convenience.
What topics are covered in the course?

The course covers a range of topics including property valuation, legal and ethical considerations, sales and marketing strategies, negotiation skills, client relationship management, and documentation and contract management.
Is the Real Estate Principles and Practices Certification recognized in the industry?

Yes, upon successful completion, participants receive a recognized certification. This credential signifies proficiency in key real estate principles and practices, enhancing credibility within the industry.
Can I enroll my team in this course?

Absolutely! We offer group enrollment options with customized learning plans to meet the specific needs of your team. Contact our enrollment team for details on group discounts and tailored experiences.
Will I receive support during the course?

Yes, our team provides technical support, and participants can engage with instructors through discussion forums and periodic live Q&A sessions for additional assistance.
What happens after completing the Real Estate Principles and Practices Certification?

After successful completion, participants receive their certification. They can use this credential to pursue various careers within the real estate industry or as a foundation for further specialization and professional development.

Browse Real Estate Courses By Interest

Real Estate Principles and Practices Certification®

Property Valuation Mastery Certification®

Real Estate Investment Analysis Certification®