Increasing Real Estate Management Profits: Harnessing Data Analytics from Coursera

In this final course you will complete a Capstone Project using data analysis to recommend a method for improving profits for your company, Watershed Property Management, Inc. Watershed is responsible for managing thousands of residential rental properties throughout the United States. Your job is to persuade Watershed’s management team to pursue a new strategy for managing its properties that will increase their profits. To do this, you will: (1) Elicit information about important variables relevant to your analysis; (2) Draw upon your new MySQL database skills to extract relevant data from a real estate database; (3) Implement data analysis in Excel to identify the best opportunities for Watershed to increase revenue and maximize profits, while managing any new risks; (4) Create a Tableau dashboard to show Watershed executives the results of a sensitivity analysis; and (5) Articulate a significant and innovative business process change for Watershed based on your data analysis, that you will recommend to company executives.

Airbnb, our Capstone’s official Sponsor, provided input on the project design. The top 10 Capstone completers each year will have the opportunity to present their work directly to senior data scientists at Airbnb live for feedback and discussion.

"Note: Only learners who have passed the four previous courses in the specialization are eligible to take the Capstone."

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

The goal for this week is to learn about the Capstone Project you are tasked with, acquire background about the business problem, and begin to outline the steps of your analysis.

Data Extraction and Visualization

The goal of this week is for you to extract the relevant data from the MySQL database you are given access to, and to look at it briefly in Tableau to get sense of what data you have.

Modeling

The goal of this week is for you to create a financial model using Excel to analyze the data you extracted from the database, and to start to predict short-term rents for some of Watershed's existing properties.

Cash Flow and Profits

The goal for this week is for you to use your projections about the Watershed properties to estimate cash flows and profits Watershed would experience if it converted properties to short-term rentals.

Data Dashboard

The goal of this week and next week is to build an analytical dashboard in Tableau using the data models and assumptions you have discovered in prior weeks.

Dashboard for Decision-makers

This week complete your dashboard and add design elements so the dashboard is ready for stakeholders (Watershed executives, for example) to use it to test your model's assumptions.

Final Project

This week, design and give a presentation for Watershed executives with your business recommendations, and complete a white paper template. Evaluate 3 peer's dashboards, white papers and presentations.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops financial modeling, Excel, MySQL, and Tableau skills, which are core tools for data analysis and business decision-making

Taught by industry-recognized instructors Daniel Egger and Jana Schaich Borg, who have extensive experience in data analysis and property management

Emphasizes practical application through the Capstone Project, allowing learners to apply their skills to a real-world business problem

Partners with Airbnb, providing learners with the opportunity to showcase their work to senior data scientists

Requires prior completion of the four previous courses in the specialization, indicating a strong foundation in data analysis principles

Reviews summary

Highly praised course

Learners say this course is excellent with well designed content. The course is also well received, easy to follow, and well worth taking.

Well designed content

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Increasing Real Estate Management Profits: Harnessing Data Analytics with these activities:

Read 'Data Analytics for Dummies' by Lillian Pierson

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Reviewing the foundational concepts in data analytics will help you as you complete the early modeling and analysis sections of this course.

View Data Science Essentials For Dummies (For... on Amazon

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Acquire a copy of 'Data Analytics for Dummies' by Lillian Pierson
Read at least 20 pages a day

Follow tutorials on data analytics topics

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Following tutorials will help you learn new data analytics skills and techniques.

Browse courses on Data Analytics

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Find a tutorial on a data analytics topic that you are interested in
Follow the tutorial step-by-step

Solve data analytics practice problems

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Solving practice problems will help you improve your data analytics skills and prepare you for the final project.

Browse courses on Data Analytics

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Find a website or book with data analytics practice problems
Solve the problems regularly

Five other activities

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Attend data analytics meetups and conferences

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Networking events will allow you to connect with other data analytics professionals and learn about new trends and opportunities.

Browse courses on Data Analytics

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Find data analytics meetups and conferences in your area
Attend the events and network with other attendees

Create a data visualization portfolio

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Creating a portfolio of data visualizations will allow you to practice your Tableau skills and prepare you for future job opportunities.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Choose a topic that you are interested in and that has a lot of data available
Collect data from a variety of sources
Clean and prepare the data
Create a variety of data visualizations using Tableau
Present your portfolio to others and get feedback

Attend data analytics workshops

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Workshops will provide you with hands-on experience with data analytics tools and techniques.

Browse courses on Data Analytics

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Find data analytics workshops in your area
Attend the workshops and participate actively

Write a white paper on a data analytics topic

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Writing a white paper will allow you to demonstrate your understanding of a data analytics topic and improve your written communication skills.

Browse courses on Data Analytics

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Choose a topic that you are interested in and that you have some knowledge of
Research the topic thoroughly
Write a draft of the white paper
Get feedback on your draft from others
Revise and finalize the white paper

Develop a predictive model for a business problem

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Developing a predictive model will allow you to apply your data analytics skills to a real-world problem and build a valuable portfolio piece.

Browse courses on Data Analytics

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Identify a business problem that you can solve with a predictive model
Collect data that is relevant to the problem
Clean and prepare the data
Choose a machine learning algorithm to use
Train and test the model
Deploy the model and monitor its performance

Career center

Learners who complete Increasing Real Estate Management Profits: Harnessing Data Analytics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Real Estate Analyst

Real Estate Analysts review the real estate market and provide recommendations, usually to companies that buy and sell properties for investment purposes. They analyze data, including market trends, property values, and economic forecasts, and use this information to make recommendations to their clients. The Increasing Real Estate Management Profits: Harnessing Data Analytics course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with the skills to analyze data and make recommendations to improve profits for real estate companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Analyst

Property Manager

Property Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of residential and commercial properties. They are responsible for managing budgets, collecting rent, and maintaining properties. They also work with tenants to resolve issues and ensure that the property is well-maintained. The Increasing Real Estate Management Profits: Harnessing Data Analytics course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with the skills to analyze data and make recommendations to improve profits for real estate companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Property Manager

Real Estate Investment Analyst

Real Estate Investment Analysts research and analyze real estate investments. They provide recommendations to clients on whether to buy, sell, or hold properties. They also develop investment strategies and manage portfolios of real estate investments. The Increasing Real Estate Management Profits: Harnessing Data Analytics course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with the skills to analyze data and make recommendations to improve profits for real estate companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Investment Analyst

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. They use this information to make recommendations to businesses on how to improve their operations. Data Analysts can work in a variety of industries, including real estate. The Increasing Real Estate Management Profits: Harnessing Data Analytics course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with the skills to analyze data and make recommendations to improve profits for real estate companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts provide recommendations to businesses on how to manage their finances. They analyze financial data, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Financial Analysts can work in a variety of industries, including real estate. The Increasing Real Estate Management Profits: Harnessing Data Analytics course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with the skills to analyze data and make recommendations to improve profits for real estate companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts identify and assess risks for businesses. They develop strategies to mitigate risks and ensure that businesses are prepared for potential problems. Risk Analysts can work in a variety of industries, including real estate. The Increasing Real Estate Management Profits: Harnessing Data Analytics course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with the skills to analyze data and make recommendations to improve profits for real estate companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Analyst

Investment Banker

Investment Bankers provide financial advice to businesses and governments. They help companies raise capital and acquire other businesses. Investment Bankers can work in a variety of industries, including real estate. The Increasing Real Estate Management Profits: Harnessing Data Analytics course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with the skills to analyze data and make recommendations to improve profits for real estate companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker

Private Equity Analyst

Private Equity Analysts research and analyze private equity investments. They provide recommendations to clients on whether to buy, sell, or hold investments. Private Equity Analysts can work in a variety of industries, including real estate. The Increasing Real Estate Management Profits: Harnessing Data Analytics course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with the skills to analyze data and make recommendations to improve profits for real estate companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Private Equity Analyst

Real Estate Appraiser

Real Estate Appraisers determine the value of real property. They use a variety of methods to assess the value of properties, including analyzing market data, comparable sales, and the property's condition. Real Estate Appraisers can work for a variety of clients, including banks, individuals, and businesses. The Increasing Real Estate Management Profits: Harnessing Data Analytics course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with the skills to analyze data and make recommendations to improve profits for real estate companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Appraiser

Real Estate Broker

Real Estate Brokers help clients buy, sell, and lease properties. They also provide advice on real estate investments. Real Estate Brokers can work for a variety of clients, including individuals, families, and businesses. The Increasing Real Estate Management Profits: Harnessing Data Analytics course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with the skills to analyze data and make recommendations to improve profits for real estate companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Broker

Real Estate Developer

Real Estate Developers acquire land and develop it into residential, commercial, or industrial properties. They oversee the entire development process, from planning and design to construction and marketing. Real Estate Developers can work for a variety of clients, including individuals, families, and businesses. The Increasing Real Estate Management Profits: Harnessing Data Analytics course may be useful for preparing for this role by providing you with the skills to analyze data and make recommendations to improve profits for real estate companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Developer

Real Estate Agent

Real Estate Agents help clients buy, sell, and lease properties. They also provide advice on real estate investments. Real Estate Agents can work for a variety of clients, including individuals, families, and businesses. The Increasing Real Estate Management Profits: Harnessing Data Analytics course may be useful for preparing for this role by providing you with the skills to analyze data and make recommendations to improve profits for real estate companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Agent

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Analyst

REIT Analysts research and analyze REITs. They provide recommendations to clients on whether to buy, sell, or hold REITs. REIT Analysts can work for a variety of clients, including individuals, families, and businesses. The Increasing Real Estate Management Profits: Harnessing Data Analytics course may be useful for preparing for this role by providing you with the skills to analyze data and make recommendations to improve profits for real estate companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Analyst

Urban Planner

Urban Planners develop and implement plans for the use of land in urban areas. They consider a variety of factors, including population growth, economic development, and environmental protection. Urban Planners can work for a variety of clients, including cities, counties, and states. The Increasing Real Estate Management Profits: Harnessing Data Analytics course may be useful for preparing for this role by providing you with the skills to analyze data and make recommendations to improve profits for real estate companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Construction Manager

Construction Managers oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. They are responsible for planning and coordinating the construction process, and ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget. Construction Managers can work for a variety of clients, including individuals, businesses, and governments. The Increasing Real Estate Management Profits: Harnessing Data Analytics course may be useful for preparing for this role by providing you with the skills to analyze data and make recommendations to improve profits for real estate companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager