Elon Alumnus and Faculty Publish Research on Commercial Real Estate Valuation

In a groundbreaking study, Associate Professor Margarita Kaprielyan of Elon’s Business School and alumnus Angelo Boone ’20 have explored the transformative impact of using CoStar in real estate finance education. The study, published in the Journal of Real Estate Practice and Education, underscores the power of experiential learning in preparing students for careers in commercial real estate.

The research introduces a structured, semester-long project designed to provide students with real-world experience in property investment analysis. This hands-on approach allows students to work with authentic commercial real estate data, moving beyond hypothetical scenarios to gain practical, immersive experience.

Key Findings:

  • Hands-on Learning: Students engage directly with real commercial real estate data, enhancing their practical understanding.
  • Industry-Relevant Tools: Proficiency in CoStar and Excel gives students a competitive edge in the job market.
  • Valuable Feedback: Structured feedback at multiple stages significantly improves student understanding of real estate finance, with 95% of students reporting enhanced comprehension.

CoStar is a game-changer for real estate professionals,” Boone remarked. “The platform centralizes market insights, property data, and industry trends, making it an essential tool for investment analysis. Learning it in the classroom was incredibly beneficial because it gave me a strong foundation before entering the workforce.”

Looking forward, Kaprielyan and Boone envision expanding the project to incorporate advanced topics such as investment strategies and renovation cost analysis. “This research demonstrates how structured, feedback-driven projects prepare students for real-world challenges,” Kaprielyan explained. “By providing them with direct exposure to industry tools and strategies, we ensure they graduate ready to make smart investment decisions.”

Boone, currently at Blue Heron Asset Management, specializes in commercial real estate investment and remains an active mentor to Elon students. He provides guidance on industry trends, career opportunities, and essential skills for success.

Kaprielyan, who joined Elon University in Fall 2017, previously taught at Florida Atlantic University while pursuing her PhD in Finance. She currently teaches Real Estate Finance and Financial Modeling at Elon.

For more on this study, visit the original article on Elon University’s website.

More Articles

Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!

Proptech Promised a Revolution — So Why Does Real Estate Still Feel the Same?

Despite billions poured into proptech and a decade of flashy digital upgrades, the real estate experience remains largely unchanged. Apps made processes smoother, but not more transparent — because the industry’s core structures, data control and power dynamics stayed the same. True disruption will come from platforms that shift information and control to consumers, not just digitize outdated systems.

CRE Markets Wake Up in 2026: What Real Estate Professionals Need to Know

Early 2026 is delivering a clear message: commercial real estate is entering a recalibration phase. Construction is softening, pending home sales just saw a sharp drop, consumer sentiment is inching upward but remains fragile, and capital markets are tightening as major CRE sectors face rising distress. From data centers powering ahead to CMBS foreclosures climbing and office-to-residential conversions gaining momentum, professionals across real estate, mortgage, insurance, and finance need to stay sharp as the industry shifts.

Top 10 Highest-Paying Real Estate Careers of 2026

Discover the real estate roles earning the biggest paychecks in 2026. From investment consultants to commercial leasing managers, this breakdown highlights the salaries, responsibilities, and career paths offering the strongest financial potential in today’s evolving market—perfect for newcomers and seasoned professionals mapping their next big move.

Montana Launches Bold Licensing Reform Task Force to Boost Workforce Participation

Montana is taking major steps to remove outdated licensing barriers and strengthen its workforce. Governor Greg Gianforte has created a new Licensing Reform Task Force aimed at modernizing regulations, speeding up approvals, and helping more professionals enter high‑demand fields like construction and healthcare. With licensing numbers doubling over the past decade and rural communities facing critical shortages, the state is pushing for faster, more efficient pathways to work. The task force begins meeting in February and will deliver its full reform report by September 2026 — a move that could influence licensing modernization efforts nationwide.

AI Becomes Standard Gear for Real Estate Agents in 2026

Artificial intelligence has officially moved from novelty to necessity in the real estate world. According to new industry data, 97% of brokerage leaders say their agents now rely on AI tools for everything from listing descriptions to full-scale marketing campaigns. As adoption skyrockets, so do concerns over training, accuracy, and compliance — especially among smaller firms. The message is clear: for today’s real estate professionals, AI literacy isn’t optional anymore.

How the Biggest Players Shaped the 2025 Commercial Real Estate Comeback

Commercial real estate roared back to life in 2025, with more than $255B pouring into multifamily, industrial, office and retail assets. Major investors moved fast on falling interest rates, improving bond yields and rising confidence across sectors. Multifamily dominated with over $115B in deals, industrial surged under private equity leadership, office saw renewed activity from owner-users and retail proved surprisingly resilient. For today’s real estate and finance professionals, the message is clear: opportunity favors those who stay informed and ready to act.