The Real Estate Center

Commercial Real Estate Certificate Program

Designed for professionals seeking a comprehensive understanding of six critical disciplines within the industry. Each one-day course is a value-added learning experience with leaders in their disciplines.

           Commercial Real Estate 101:

        Legal Issues in Commercial Real Estate Acquisitions

        Created by leading real estate attorneys and consultants, this course reviews the "nuts and bolts" of a real estate transaction, from acquisition to disposition. Some of the critical issues covered include due diligence review, organization of the ownership entity, contracts with providers of professional services, debt and equity financing, and property disposition.

        Course Instructor

        Adam T. Berkoff is the head of the Condominium Practice Group of DLA Piper, one of the largest and well-regarded real estate law practices in the country. Mr. Berkoff specializes in real estate development, condominium development and conversion, mixed-use high rise development, acquisition and disposition of real estate, commercial financing (both lender and borrower representation), office park/retail center development and allocation of common area rights and obligations and office and retail leasing.

        "I didn't know much before the class, but now feel ahead of my peers. The instructor's knowledge was great and presented in a way I could easily understand."

           Commercial Real Estate 102:

        Commercial Real Estate Valuation

        Real estate appraisals are the benchmark for commercial transactions. You will not only learn about the valuation methods used in every appraisal, but also understand how to apply them by working through calculations and examples in class. Included in your calculations will be market data, as well as ethical, legal, and regulatory considerations and their impact on value.

        Course Instructor

        Ron De Vries is Vice President of Appraisal Research Counselors, a nationally recognized and premier commercial appraisal firm. His focus is valuing mid-market industrial, retail, and office properties, whether for acquisition or disposition. Mr. De Vries also has substantial experience in multi-family housing, including low-income housing tax credit deals throughout the state of Illinois and project-based Section 8 housing. He has extensive experience in mark-to-market debt restructures and bond financing.

         

            Commercial Real Estate 103:

        Buildings and Construction

        Interested in how a building gets built? Then, this course is for you. You'll be introduced to the construction process, including the roles of the architect, engineer, contractor, and lender. You will examine the parts, systems, and costs of a typical structure, including foundations and structural and mechanical features.

        Course Instructor

        Paul Bodine is a licensed architect, entrepreneur, and veteran of the award-winning W.W. Grainger website division. This combination of experience and training gives him the unique ability to see the big picture, dig into details, create effective solutions, and communicate clearly. He has a deep knowledge of architectural history and theory, fused with lessons learned working on job sites and acting as the owner/developer for a variety of projects.

         

            Commercial Real Estate 104:

        Land Use: Controls & Zoning

        Every land use and property development has an impact on its community, affecting aesthetics, traffic, parking, noise, and the burden placed on schools, utilities, police, and fire service. This course addresses practical methods for working with municipal officials and community groups to gain approval of an economically viable development.

           Commercial Real Estate 105: 

        Commercial & Industrial Leasing

        This course demystifies issues affecting both landlords and tenants, as it walks you through the financial, managerial, and legal implications of office, industrial, and retail leases.

        Course Instructor

        Jana Langston is a Principal for Sight on Site, LLC. During her career, she has helped corporate, institutional and private clients enhance property value and utilize real estate assets more effectively to achieve overall business objectives. She draws on over 20 years of commercial real estate experience with a particular emphasis on real estate asset and investment management.

         

           Commercial Real Estate 106:

        Negotiating Real Estate Transactions

        Negotiating strategy and techniques can make or break any deal, both new and renewed. This hands-on course applies proven negotiating strategies, skills, psychological insights, and tactics to high-stakes corporate real estate situations – so that you can achieve a winning scenario. Role-playing exercises are part of this highly interactive course.