Essentials of Institutional Real Estate - 2 Days
This course provides an overview of the institutional real estate market and investment process. It covers multiple activities from the setting of strategy to performance analytics, valuation, research and more, and how they are all integrated for successful execution. As such, it has value for those relatively new to the industry as well as veterans focused largely in one discipline.
Highlights include:- How has the institutional real estate market evolved over time?
- What strategies do investment managers use when creating funds?
- Who are the different players in institutional investing?
- How does one evaluate the strategy, structure and sponsorship of a proposed fund?
- What are some useful benchmarks, risk measures and analytics one can use for evaluating the performance of an existing property or fund?
- How are property values estimated?
- What is the role of the research function?
- Why do we need reporting standards for institutional real estate?
- How can NCREIF data be used to assist in answering the above questions?
These are only a few of the topics covered in this course. Discussion questions and group work are used to reinforce the concepts.
Asset and Debt Valuation - 1 Day
This course focuses on the valuation of operating and development properties as well as the valuation of property debt. These valuations impact fund returns as well as other performance measures reported to investors.
The course will discuss the various appraisal techniques with emphasis on interpreting the results of an appraisal. It will also include a lease-by-lease discounted cash flow analysis (DCF) of a property. Excel spreadsheets will be used that mimic the types of analysis used in proprietary appraisal programs used by institutional investors.
The course will discuss the various appraisal techniques with emphasis on interpreting the results of an appraisal. It will also include a lease-by-lease discounted cash flow analysis (DCF) of a property. Excel spreadsheets will be used that mimic the types of analysis used in proprietary appraisal programs used by institutional investors.
Institutional Portfolio Construction and Strategy - 1 Day
This course discusses “top down” approaches to, and strategies for, portfolio construction from institutional real estate industry participants’ perspectives on investment policy, strategy development, and risk measurement. Utilizing NCREIF data with a focus on both return and risk measures, modern portfolio theory (MPT) along with other portfolio construction strategies and considerations form the basis for course discussions and exercises.
Risk analysis within the portfolio construction, monitoring, and rebalancing process includes instruction on the use and interpretation of various risk measures, including the Sharpe, Treynor, and Sortino ratios along with the duality of beta in the form of upside and downside betas. Within the context of the investment policy statement and/or investment fund parameters, the course concludes with discussions on rebalancing and/or modification of investment strategy along with considerations as to “style” and risk and return parameters within a specific fund or investment program.
Risk analysis within the portfolio construction, monitoring, and rebalancing process includes instruction on the use and interpretation of various risk measures, including the Sharpe, Treynor, and Sortino ratios along with the duality of beta in the form of upside and downside betas. Within the context of the investment policy statement and/or investment fund parameters, the course concludes with discussions on rebalancing and/or modification of investment strategy along with considerations as to “style” and risk and return parameters within a specific fund or investment program.
Investment Analysis and Due Diligence - 1 Day
The focus of this course will be analysis and due diligence for potential acquisition or disposition (hold‐sell analysis) of properties, including expectations of investment committees and investment committee memo structures. Students will learn key factors used to develop proforma assumptions, and learn how to calculate the key measures of return and investment value used by institutional investors, including the impact of leverage. Factors that impact investment risk including the lease structure, type of financing and market conditions will be discussed, including additional risks associated with development projects. An Excel spreadsheet proforma will be used to calculate risk measures, perform a sensitivity analysis, partition the IRR and perform a Monte Carlo simulation.
Performance Reporting and Manager Evaluation - 1 Day
This course focuses on the interpretation of performance and risk measures for property and fund investments. In other courses, students get into the weeds of formulas and calculations. Here we focus on understanding the application of performance and risk metrics. Through the use of NCREIF data products, investor resources and sample Request for Proposals (RFPs) questions, the course focuses on investment manager, investment fund and/or property asset evaluation by examining performance reporting and risk measurement concepts relative to the Reporting Standards, other authoritative standards and industry usage overall.
Real Estate Case Studies: Analyzing Sector and Market Dynamics (fka Space Markets Analysis) - 1 Day
This course is designed to illustrate how to underwrite supply and demand factors across various real estate property sectors and markets. The supply/demand relationship, in turn, impacts rents and occupancy for existing properties as well as the expected absorption and feasibility of proposed projects. The factors that impact these metrics and the types of data used to analyze them vary by property sector, location, and risk profile.
The course will discuss the sources of data and analytical models that may be utilized for a market analysis. This is important for appraisals of existing properties, feasibility studies of proposed projects, and determining strategies for renovation and repositioning of properties. Students will explore: interaction of the space (tenant) market with the capital markets as well as the globalization of real estate capital and its impact on pricing; technology and the changing spatial structure of cities (what this means for location decisions); and the evolution and increasing scale of real estate development.
Section 1 - Calculation Oriented Course Work
Attribution and Risk Analysis – 1 DayThis course is calculation oriented and hands-on with Excel spreadsheets. It delves deep into various methodologies of performance attribution and risk analysis. Students will learn to do traditional Brinson attribution analysis on a single and multi-period basis to understand why a fund performs differently from a benchmark. The course then examines all the various risk measures such as the Sharpe Ratio, Jensen’s Alpha, beta and other risk measures that can cause differences in performance. This will lead to the calculation of risk-adjusted returns and risk-adjusted attribution analysis.
Performance Measurement and Benchmarking – 1 DayThis hands-on course focuses on the commercial real estate return indexes that are the underpinning of benchmarking performance for institutional investors. Students will query the NCREIF database and apply the methodology and formulas to compare properties and funds with appropriate benchmarks. Students will be given the skills to understand, compare, and contrast performance measurement based on both time-weighted returns and internal rates of return. The public market equivalent approach to benchmarking closed-end fund internal rates of return will also be discussed.
Section 2 - Structuring Courses
Investment Vehicles: Key Terms and Fee Structures – 1 DayThis course will examine the importance of investment structuring and how it can independently have a large impact on investment returns and performance. This includes advantages and disadvantages based on considerations such as vehicle structure, fee structure, tax efficiency, governance, and compliance. The sharp legal minds of Mayer Brown’s Chris Odell and Brian May guest lecture to help guide the course and provide clarity to the thorniest of issues. One or more case studies will be used to illustrate the impact of different key terms when negotiating investment terms.
Real Estate Fund Formation – 1 DayThis course provides an introductory overview of the process and key documents used in the creation, capital raising process and legal documentation of real estate funds. The course first considers key factors that impact the structure of real estate funds, including the role of real estate in the portfolio, the relationship between strategy, risk & return, and responsibilities of investment managers. The course will then discuss the capital raising process and introduce key legal documents that are used to raise and structure institutional real estate funds, including term sheets, private placement memos, limited partnership agreements, due diligence and side letters. One or more case studies will be used to summarize concepts learned in the class.
Digging Into Reporting Standards - 1 Day
This course is designed to enhance your knowledge of the NCREIF PREA Reporting Standards (RS). Concepts are reinforced through engagement in small group breakout sessions.
This class can be particularly valuable for Investors, Portfolio Managers, Accountants, Performance Measurement, Client Services and Valuation personnel to connect the dots between investment products, investor reporting, benchmarks and standards.
Some topics include:- Why standards are critical for decision making- How RS fills the gap created by other standard-setting organizations- How RS can help you in your day-to-day responsibilities and where to find information- How you can be involved in establishing ever-evolving best practices in the real estate industry- What it means to be compliant Students will leave the class with increased confidence in what the Reporting Standards are and why they are needed!
This class can be particularly valuable for Investors, Portfolio Managers, Accountants, Performance Measurement, Client Services and Valuation personnel to connect the dots between investment products, investor reporting, benchmarks and standards.
Some topics include:- Why standards are critical for decision making- How RS fills the gap created by other standard-setting organizations- How RS can help you in your day-to-day responsibilities and where to find information- How you can be involved in establishing ever-evolving best practices in the real estate industry- What it means to be compliant Students will leave the class with increased confidence in what the Reporting Standards are and why they are needed!
Introduction to Reporting Standards - 1/2 Day
This course is designed as a high-level introduction to the NCREIF PREA Reporting Standards (RS).
This class can be particularly valuable for Investors, Portfolio Managers, Accountants, Performance Measurement, Client Services and Valuation personnel to connect the dots between investment products, investor reporting, benchmarks, and standards.
Some topics include:• Why standards are critical for decision making• How RS fills the gap created by other standard-setting organizations• How RS can help you in your day-to-day responsibilities and where to find information• What it means to be compliant
Students will leave the class with increased confidence in what the Reporting Standards are and why they are needed! For a more in-depth discussion of the Reporting Standards, we also offer Digging in to Reporting Standards. This course dives deeper into the evolving process of establishing best practices in the industry, and instruction is reinforced and complemented through small group breakout sessions.
This class can be particularly valuable for Investors, Portfolio Managers, Accountants, Performance Measurement, Client Services and Valuation personnel to connect the dots between investment products, investor reporting, benchmarks, and standards.
Some topics include:• Why standards are critical for decision making• How RS fills the gap created by other standard-setting organizations• How RS can help you in your day-to-day responsibilities and where to find information• What it means to be compliant
Students will leave the class with increased confidence in what the Reporting Standards are and why they are needed! For a more in-depth discussion of the Reporting Standards, we also offer Digging in to Reporting Standards. This course dives deeper into the evolving process of establishing best practices in the industry, and instruction is reinforced and complemented through small group breakout sessions.
Sustainability: Risk Management, Regulations and Outcomes - 1 Day
This course offers an in-depth exploration of what investors seek in effective sustainability programs and how these initiatives can enhance investment outcomes. Participants will delve into the latest research on the value proposition of sustainability, examining regulations, data collection, and opportunities like green financing. The curriculum covers how to identify and create productive sustainability programs by prioritizing material factors that impact business, performing gap analyses of ESG frameworks, and building leadership structures that support sustainability goals. The course also addresses how to integrate sustainability into investment strategies, enhance due diligence and risk management, and efficiently manage data to meet regulatory requirements. Finally, students will learn to set key performance indicators, establish sustainability targets, and communicate successes in alignment with industry standards.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to: • Identify investor expectations for effective sustainability programs • Evaluate the most effective sustainability actions based on the latest research • Navigate sustainability regulations and opportunities, including data collection needs • Improve investment strategies, due diligence, and risk management processes by integrating sustainability • Set and monitor sustainability goals using key performance indicators and industry standards. • Effectively communicate sustainability efforts and successes to stakeholders in line with industry expectations.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to: • Identify investor expectations for effective sustainability programs • Evaluate the most effective sustainability actions based on the latest research • Navigate sustainability regulations and opportunities, including data collection needs • Improve investment strategies, due diligence, and risk management processes by integrating sustainability • Set and monitor sustainability goals using key performance indicators and industry standards. • Effectively communicate sustainability efforts and successes to stakeholders in line with industry expectations.
Course Fees
One Day Course FeesInvestor Members $375Non-Investor Members $625Non-NCREIF Members $750
Two-Day Course FeesInvestor Members $750Non-Investor Members $1,250Non-NCREIF Members $1,500
Virtual Course FeesInvestor Members $330Non-Investor Members $520Non-NCREIF Members $580
Two-Day Course FeesInvestor Members $750Non-Investor Members $1,250Non-NCREIF Members $1,500
Virtual Course FeesInvestor Members $330Non-Investor Members $520Non-NCREIF Members $580
Note: All courses are One-Day with the exception of the Essentials of Institutional Real Estate, which is a Two-Day course.