We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Robert (Bob) Steele

This course will provide many useful tools for real estate investors and home buyers.

Real estate investing in a complex topic for many reasons. Real estate is a large investment, often requiring a significant part of an and individual’s asset portfolio. Real estate investing often requires financing which increases the complexity. The reason for purchasing real estate varies greatly form person to person, some looking for a long-term home, others looking primarily for an investment, most wanting some mixture of both. Regulations also play a significant role in real estate investing decisions.

Read more

This course will provide many useful tools for real estate investors and home buyers.

Real estate investing in a complex topic for many reasons. Real estate is a large investment, often requiring a significant part of an and individual’s asset portfolio. Real estate investing often requires financing which increases the complexity. The reason for purchasing real estate varies greatly form person to person, some looking for a long-term home, others looking primarily for an investment, most wanting some mixture of both. Regulations also play a significant role in real estate investing decisions.

We will include many example problems, both in the format of presentations and Excel worksheet problems. The Excel worksheet presentations will include a downloadable Excel workbook with at least two tabs, one with the answer, the second with a preformatted worksheet that can be completed in a step-by-step process along with the instructional videos.

This course will start out with the basics. We will discuss basic real estate terms because every specialized field will have terminology we need to understand to communicate well and make decisions.

Real estate transactions have many components and players involved. Once we understand the basic terminology, we will discuss how those components and players fit together for a real estate transaction to take place.

Because real estate is a long-term investment, we need to understand time value of money concepts. This course will provide a section explaining what time value of money concepts are and will demonstrate the tools needed to use time value of money concepts. We will learn how to use Excel formulas to calculate present value, future value, payments, and interest rates.

Learners will understand different financing options. We will apply our time value of money concepts as we create amortization schedules and worksheet to help us analyze different financing options.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • List and explain real estate related terms
  • Describe the parties and components involved in a real estate transaction
  • Explain what time value of money concept are and why they matter for real estate transactions
  • Calculate present value using excel formulas
  • Calculate future value using excel formulas
  • Calculate payment amount pmt using excel formulas
  • Calculate interest rates using excel formulas
  • Describe common financing options and loan structures
  • Build amortizations schedules using excel

Syllabus

Presentations - Basic Legal Terms
1010 Real Estate Investments Overview
1020 Deed
1030 Title Insurance
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores time value of money concepts, which are crucial for evaluating long-term real estate investments and understanding the impact of inflation and interest rates
Teaches how to build amortization schedules using Excel, a practical skill for analyzing loan options and understanding the breakdown of principal and interest payments
Covers real estate terminology, which is essential for effective communication and decision-making in the field, ensuring learners can confidently navigate real estate transactions
Requires learners to use Microsoft Excel, which may require a separate purchase or subscription for those who do not already have access to the software
Examines various financing options and loan structures, providing learners with a comprehensive understanding of the different ways to finance real estate investments
Includes example problems and downloadable Excel workbooks, offering hands-on practice and reinforcing the concepts taught in the presentations and instructional videos

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Foundational real estate finance with excel

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation in the financial aspects of real estate. Students particularly praise the Time Value of Money section and the accompanying practical Excel examples, finding them incredibly helpful for applying concepts like loan payments and amortization schedules. The course is often described as good for beginners or those new to the field. However, some with prior finance knowledge felt the pace was a bit slow or the content too basic, wishing for more in-depth investment analysis beyond the financial mechanics. While the legal terminology is covered, some found this part less engaging or slightly disconnected from the finance topics. Overall, it's seen as a useful introduction focused on practical calculation tools.
Covers legal basics, can feel disconnected.
"The early modules on legal terms were a good primer."
"the legal terminology sections felt a bit disconnected from the finance parts."
"The legal terms felt a bit dry but are probably necessary background."
"Also, the legal terminology sections felt a bit disconnected..."
Provides a foundation, not advanced analysis.
"Overall a good foundational course."
"It's a good starting point, but don't expect to become an expert investor from this course alone. It's a foundation, as promised."
"Expected more in-depth investment analysis. This course is very basic finance applied to real estate."
"I was hoping for more detail on investment analysis beyond basic TVM."
Ideal for newcomers, potentially slow for others.
"This course was excellent! As someone completely new to real estate investment, it provided a clear and structured approach."
"Decent course for absolute beginners."
"Highly recommended for beginners."
"For someone with some prior finance knowledge, parts felt a bit slow..."
"Was disappointed. Expected more in-depth... Better suited for someone who knows absolutely nothing about finance."
Key finance principles explained effectively.
"understanding the time value of money concepts and how to apply them to real-world scenarios..."
"The Time Value of Money section is the highlight, with practical Excel problems that really reinforce the concepts."
"The time value of money concepts are crucial and explained well, with good Excel exercises."
"The modules on present value, future value, and payments were explained clearly step-by-step."
Hands-on practice with formulas and models.
"The Excel examples were incredibly helpful in understanding the time value of money concepts and how to apply them..."
"Loved the focus on using Excel for calculations! This is exactly what I needed."
"Applying formulas in Excel made the concepts click."
"I appreciated the downloadable worksheets."

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 Real Estate Investment & Finance with these activities:
Review Basic Accounting Principles
Reviewing basic accounting principles will help you better understand financial statements and how they relate to real estate investments.
Browse courses on Accounting Principles
Show steps
  • Review key accounting terms and definitions.
  • Practice analyzing sample financial statements.
The Book on Rental Property Investing
Reading this book will provide practical insights into rental property investing.
Show steps
  • Read the book and highlight key takeaways.
  • Apply the concepts to your own investment goals.
Read 'Real Estate Finance & Investments' by Brueggeman and Fisher
Reading this book will provide a more in-depth understanding of real estate finance and investment concepts.
Show steps
  • Read assigned chapters before each corresponding module.
  • Take notes on key concepts and examples.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Time Value of Money Calculations
Practicing time value of money calculations will reinforce your understanding of these concepts and improve your ability to apply them to real estate investment decisions.
Show steps
  • Solve practice problems using Excel formulas.
  • Check your answers against solutions.
Build an Amortization Schedule
Creating an amortization schedule will solidify your understanding of loan structures and how interest and principal payments are calculated.
Show steps
  • Gather loan details (principal, interest rate, term).
  • Set up an Excel spreadsheet with appropriate columns.
  • Calculate monthly payments using the PMT function.
  • Populate the amortization schedule with payment details.
Analyze a Real Estate Investment Property
Analyzing a real estate investment property will allow you to apply the concepts learned in the course to a real-world scenario.
Show steps
  • Find a real estate property for sale.
  • Gather financial data (income, expenses, etc.).
  • Perform a financial analysis using time value of money concepts.
  • Write a report summarizing your findings and recommendations.
Create a Real Estate Investment Case Study
Creating a case study will allow you to demonstrate your understanding of real estate investment principles and your ability to apply them to a specific situation.
Show steps
  • Choose a real-world real estate investment scenario.
  • Gather relevant data and information.
  • Analyze the investment using the tools and techniques learned in the course.
  • Write a detailed case study report with your findings and recommendations.

Career center

Learners who complete Real Estate Investment & Finance will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Real Estate Analyst
A real estate analyst evaluates property investments, assessing their financial viability. This course provides a foundation for a real estate analyst by covering real estate terminology, transaction components and time value of money concepts. The course also provides practical tools, like building amortization schedules and using Excel for financial calculations. These are very helpful in making informed investment recommendations as a real estate analyst. Someone wishing to enter this field should take this course in particular because it uses a hands-on approach that many other courses do not offer.
Real Estate Consultant
Real estate consultants provide expert advice to clients on real estate matters, including investments. The course discussion of real estate terminology, transaction components, and different financing options helps a real estate consultant by providing greater knowledge of these aspects. Additionally the hands on experience in using excel for financial calculations is valuable. A real estate consultant should take this course to become equipped with the background knowledge and practical skills necessary to give informed advice.
Mortgage Underwriter
The work of a mortgage underwriter involves assessing the risk associated with lending money for real estate. This course is helpful for a mortgage underwriter as it provides a discussion of loan structures and mortgage interest rates. The hands-on components of building amortization schedules are also highly useful. With the practical emphasis on Excel formulas in this course, a mortgage underwriter will have a great understanding of the underlying mathematics of mortgages. For these reasons, a mortgage underwriter should take this course.
Commercial Real Estate Broker
Commercial real estate brokers facilitate the buying, selling, and leasing of commercial properties. This course helps a commercial real estate broker by introducing real estate terminology and transaction components and discussing different financing options. The time value of money concepts taught in this course, and its practical use in Excel, are also relevant for assessing the financial viability of commercial deals. A commercial real estate broker should take this course to enhance their understanding of complex financial aspects of property transactions.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts evaluate investment opportunities. They will find that this course is a good introduction to financial analysis specifically in the context of real estate. This course covers crucial concepts such as time value of money, present and future value calculations, and amortization schedules. The use of Excel is also highly beneficial for a financial analyst, as it is a common tool used in this role. A financial analyst should take this course because it offers practical experience in applying these concepts to real estate which is a major component of many investment portfolios.
Loan Officer
Loan officers assist individuals and businesses in securing loans, and are involved with real estate financing. This course provides content beneficial to these professionals by covering topics such as financing options, loan structures, and mortgage interest rates. The course's emphasis on building amortization schedules and using Excel for financial calculations will be helpful in explaining different loan options to clients. A loan officer should take this course to become more effective at their work, and to gain more confidence in their understanding of real estate loans.
Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents help clients buy, sell, and rent properties, and must understand the financial aspects of these transactions. This course introduces real estate terminology, transaction components and various financing options which are crucial things to know in the real estate industry. Additionally, the skills in using Excel for financial analysis covered in this course can help a real estate agent better understand and explain the economic aspects of property deals to their clients. This helps them in building trust and increasing their overall effectiveness. A real estate agent should take this course to become more effective at their work.
Financial Planner
Financial planners help individuals manage their finances, including real estate investments. This course helps a financial planner by discussing real estate terms, transaction components, and different financing options. The time value of money concepts covered, along with the practical use of Excel for financial calculations, enable a financial planner to better advise clients on real estate investments. This course may be useful for any financial planner interested in real estate.
Appraiser
An appraiser estimates the value of real estate properties. This course helps an appraiser by covering real estate terms and transaction components. The time value of money concepts presented are also relevant in assessing property value. This course may be useful as it helps an appraiser understand the financial aspects of property valuation. The Excel skills this course imparts are also beneficial to making this kind of financial analysis.
Property Manager
Property managers oversee the operations of real estate properties, and need to understand the finances of these investments. This course will benefit a property manager by covering real estate terms, and basic transaction components. Having financial calculations skills in Excel also improves a property manager's ability to understand the finances of a property. This course's hands-on approach to using Excel for financial calculations can also help a property manager. For this reason a property manager can benefit by taking this course.
Investment Manager
An investment manager oversees portfolios of assets, often including real estate. This course can assist an investment manager by providing a discussion of real estate investment and finance, including time value of money concepts. This course also demonstrates Excel for practical calculations, including present and future value, which are all important to a wide variety of investments. Because this course specifically focuses on real estate investments, an investment manager can leverage this knowledge in their overall portfolio management strategy. For this reason, an investment manager may find it valuable to take this course.
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio managers direct and oversee assets in a portfolio, and need to understand how all assets perform. This course may be useful as it explores the field of real estate investment and finance. The course covers different financing options and time value of money concepts and demonstrates useful Excel skills. A portfolio manager may find this useful as they manage a diverse portfolio since real estate is often a part of many portfolios.
Budget Analyst
Budget analysts prepare and analyze financial reports. This course may be useful as it explores time value of money concepts and uses Excel to perform financial calculations. The content may be somewhat relevant to budget analysts who deal with long term investment planning. A budget analyst interested in real estate may benefit from this course.
Accountant
Accountants prepare and examine financial records. This course may be useful for an accountant interested in real estate. The course covers time value of money concepts and uses Excel for financial calculations. For an accountant that deals with real estate transactions and investments, this course may provide them with extra background knowledge.
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts study market conditions to examine the potential sales of a product or service. The discussion of real estate transactions and financial analysis in this course may be helpful for a market research analyst who specializes in real estate. By seeing how time value of money is calculated and viewing amortization schedules, a market research analyst may be able to better understand the financial aspects of real estate transactions. This course may be useful for a market research analyst interested in the real estate field.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Real Estate Investment & Finance.
Comprehensive guide to real estate finance and investments. It covers topics such as mortgage markets, valuation, and investment analysis. It is commonly used as a textbook in real estate finance courses and provides a deeper understanding of the concepts covered in this course. It valuable reference tool for real estate professionals.
Provides a practical guide to investing in rental properties. It covers topics such as finding deals, financing, and managing properties. It good resource for beginners who are interested in learning more about real estate investing. This book adds breadth to the course by providing practical advice and real-world examples.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser