Real Estate Track
What Is a Track?
A “track” is a specialty area of study crossing over one or more concentration areas. Courses taken to satisfy track requirements can also be used to satisfy concentration requirements. Tracks are available only for Commerce students. Students may not complete more than one track. The Real Estate Track is composed of 12 hours of coordinated coursework.
Overview
The Real Estate Track is designed to develop students' understanding of real estate value and the fundamentals underlying successful investment decisions, while also offering them real-world experience through a real estate practicum course.
Eligibility
The Real Estate Track is open to all fourth-year Commerce students whose academic requirements allow them the flexibility to take the required 12 credit hours. All interested students must successfully complete COMM 4790 "Fundamentals of Real Estate Analysis" (3 credit hours) during the fall semester of their fourth year.
Selection Criteria
Students will apply for admission into the track after the mid-term examination in COMM 4790. Application materials include a resume and a one-page statement of purpose and interest. Criteria for admission include past academic performance, current performance in COMM 4790, and a statement of purpose and interest. Director’s approval is required. Admission will be limited to 15-30 students.
Real Estate Institute Speaker Series
Organized by the McIntire School, the Darden School, and the Darden Real Estate Club, this series exposes students to two speakers each semester, alternating between Darden and McIntire locations. Attendance is required by all students admitted to the Real Estate Track.
The Curriculum
Required Courses
Students are required to complete the following courses:
COMM 4790 (F) "Fundamentals of Real Estate Analysis"
An introductory course that provides background concepts, tools, and techniques. Drawing from a multitude of disciplines, including architecture, urban and regional planning, building construction, urban economics, law, and finance, this course details the study and practice of real estate.
COMM 4791 (S) "Real Estate Investment Analysis"
Develops an analytical framework by which individuals and institutions can make real estate investment and financing decisions. Emphasizes theory, concept building, financial modeling, and practical real estate applications. Uses the case method to illustrate implementation of an analytical framework. Prerequisite: fourth-year Commerce standing or instructor permission.
COMM 4792 (S) "Commercial Real Estate Seminar: Advanced Issues and Fieldwork"
Addresses advanced decision-related issues within a value-based theory of real estate investment and finance and facilitates development of advanced insight into the analytical techniques and theoretical perspectives most relevant to such decisions. The course exposes students to industry-related software programs, including Argus and Crystal Ball, for analyzing real estate-related investment and finance decisions. Prerequisite: fourth-year Commerce standing and Real Estate Track.
Electives
In addition to the nine (9) required credit hours, students must complete one of the following courses:
COMM 3200 (F/S) "Project Management"
COMM 3330 (S) "Marketing Research Techniques"
COMM 4330 (F/S) "Negotiating for Value"
COMM 4720 (F/S) "Advanced Corporate Finance: Valuation & Restructuring"
COMM 4721 (F) "Advanced Corporate Finance: Investment Banking"
COMM 4730 (S) "Advanced Investments: Derivatives & Fixed Income"
COMM 4731 (S) "Advanced Investments: Investment Management & Trading"
For more information, please contact Professor George Overstreet at gao5h@virginia.edu.