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!

The Hidden Mold Crisis Fueled by Extreme Weather

Extreme storms are triggering a surge in hidden mold growth across nearly half of U.S. homes, creating a growing health and financial emergency for families and real estate professionals. From rapid post‑storm mold development to soaring remediation costs, this silent threat is reshaping property safety, insurance challenges, and the future of housing in high‑risk regions.

Rocket Mortgage Faces Class Action for Alleged Opt‑Out Violations After 12 Unwanted Calls

A Florida consumer has filed a class action accusing Rocket Mortgage of repeatedly calling her even after confirming her opt‑out request, marking the company’s 56th TCPA‑related lawsuit. The complaint claims Rocket continued outreach for nearly three weeks—despite a STOP confirmation—and could impact more than 10,000 consumers nationwide.

Mortgage Rates Hit Month‑High as Loan Demand Falls 5%

Mortgage rates rose for the third straight week, reaching their highest level in a month and triggering a 5.2% drop in overall mortgage applications. Refinance activity slid 7%, purchase demand dipped 2%, and analysts say uncertainty in the bond market is keeping rates on a choppy path. Despite the pullback, today’s loan activity still sits well above last year’s lows, signaling that buyers remain active—but increasingly cautious.

Florida Approves 6.9% Workers’ Compensation Rate Cut for 2026

Florida has approved a 6.9% reduction in workers’ compensation insurance rates for 2026, marking the ninth straight year of decreases. The cut, signed by Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky, takes effect January 1 and lowers costs for all new and renewal policies. State officials say the trend reflects improved workplace safety and will help businesses reduce expenses and support growth across industries including real estate, construction, and property management.

Is Now the Right Time to Buy a Home? Market Shifts Are Finally Giving Buyers the Upper Hand

Mortgage rates are dipping, inventory is soaring, and—for the first time in years—buyers have real leverage. While home prices remain at record highs and the economy feels unpredictable, rising inventory and cooling rates are creating rare opportunities for financially ready buyers. If you’ve been waiting for the market to open a door, this may be your moment to step through.

Is Miami Becoming New York’s Millionaire Relocation Spot?

Miami developers are pitching 'safe spaces' for millionaires amid fears of a political shift in New York City. Concerns over higher taxes and crime are prompting some New Yorkers to consider relocating south.

By |November 6, 2025|Categories: Article, Migration Trends, Real Estate|Tags: |0 Comments