Through lectures, case studies, site visits and expert panel discussions, this course explores the evolution of institutional real estate capital markets with a particular focus on market activity over the past decade. Capital markets embody a complex ecosystem of public and private equity and debt that finances real estate activities across the spectrum.  

The business model and investment objectives of capital purveyors depend on a variety of factors. Our classes will highlight key real estate investment concepts such as identifying risks and opportunities, real estate valuations, procuring investment capital, risk management and alignment of interests.  Industry experts also will discuss the current macro environment, key market concerns, capital availability, cost of capital and opportunistic and thematic investment strategies. By the end of the course, students will have gained a functional framework and understanding of how real estate private equity and capital markets function, the state of the industry and markets going forward.

Consistent, active engagement and speaking extemporaneously are important components of success in this class and the real estate industry. We expect that students will be prepared for class by having read speaker bios, reading materials, and completing assigned study questions in advance of class.  All classes will have a least one industry leader present and available to engage in open discussion with the class.  One of our class sessions will include visiting an actual project and understanding the investment thesis, execution and current status of this investment.  

There are four individual graded homework assignments required to be completed in advance of each of classes 2, 3, 4, and 6.  The course will not have a final exam. 
 

MRE students who enter this course in Limited Enrollment Course Lottery will be automatically enrolled.