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!

Alliance Formed by Four Major MLSs in the Southeast

Four of the largest Multiple Listing Services (MLSs) in the Southeast have recently formed an alliance, establishing a data sharing network aimed at increasing referral business among real estate agents. The Charleston Regional MLS in South Carolina, Canopy MLS in North Carolina, Georgia MLS, and Realtracs, the largest MLS in Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee, have come together to create the Southeast MLS Alliance. This strategic partnership will enable members of these four MLSs to access over 85,000 listings across Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina, providing real estate agents with valuable data and expanding their referral opportunities throughout the Southeast.

By |October 7, 2023|Categories: AI in Real Estate|Tags: |0 Comments

Family Support: A Solution to Surging Mortgage Rates

The current state of the mortgage market has presented prospective homebuyers with a significant challenge – surging mortgage rates. These rates have reached a 20-year high, hovering around 7.7%, making it increasingly difficult for borrowers to secure affordable loans. As a result, borrowers are actively seeking support from their family members to overcome this hurdle. To combat the impact of surging mortgage rates, borrowers are turning to their parents for financial assistance. This can take the form of gifted funds or by having parents become non-occupant co-borrowers. By involving family members in the mortgage process, borrowers can increase their chances of securing loans and achieving their homeownership goals.

By |October 7, 2023|Categories: Mortgage Rates|Tags: |0 Comments

Allegations Against Keller Williams Withdrawn by Franchisee

In a surprising turn of events, Inga Dow, a prominent Keller Williams franchisee and CEO of multiple Texas-based Keller Williams offices, has withdrawn her sexual misconduct lawsuit against the real estate giant. While Dow's claims against Keller Williams and its co-founder, Gary Keller, have been dropped, the lawsuit against former CEO John Davis remains ongoing. The outcome of this legal battle is still uncertain, and further details may emerge as the case progresses. Stay informed with Cameron Academy's online courses tailored to your needs and goals in the real estate industry.

By |October 6, 2023|Categories: Real Estate Industry|Tags: |0 Comments

Remote Online Notarization (RON) Legislation: A New Era in California

The recent approval of Remote Online Notarization (RON) legislation in California is a significant development that Cameron Academy is thrilled to discuss. This progressive bill, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, enables individuals to notarize their documents remotely using advanced audiovisual technology. The introduction of RON legislation in California brings about numerous advantages that revolutionize the notarization process. By embracing digital advancements, California is empowering individuals and businesses with enhanced convenience and accessibility, significant time and cost savings, improved security, and streamlined workflow.

The Hidden Realities of the Default and REO Industry Uncovered

"Even though mortgage origination volumes are down, we’re experiencing a highly competitive purchase market. That means a number of businesses, seeking to grow their revenue, will likely look to expand their reach to the default and REO space. However, venturing into this industry without proper knowledge and preparation can lead to serious consequences. By understanding the lessons learned from the past foreclosure wave and staying current with the changing environment, businesses can navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by the default and REO market."

By |October 6, 2023|Categories: Default and REO Industry|Tags: |0 Comments

Legal Battle in Real Estate: NAR, Brokerages Allege Sitzer/Burnett Plaintiffs’ Attempt to Evade Cross Examination

In the ongoing legal battle involving the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Keller Williams, and HomeServices of America, a recent development has emerged. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit, known as the Sitzer/Burnett plaintiffs, have filed a notice to withdraw three named plaintiffs. This move is seen by the defendants as an attempt to avoid cross-examination. The lawsuit, initially filed in April 2019, challenges NAR's Participation Rule, which requires listing agents to offer compensation to buyers' agents in order to list a property on a Realtor-affiliated multiple listing service (MLS). The plaintiffs argue that this commission sharing inflates costs for consumers, in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act. With the trial scheduled to start on October 16, the potential damages in this suit are estimated to be up to $4 billion.