Harvard University Graduate School of Design Executive Education Programs Focus on Commercial Real Estate Development Issues

Cambridge, MA (PRWEB) May 27, 2009 -- This summer, understanding real estate markets, due diligence for commercial real estate assets, and distressed real estate are just a few of the topics to be covered in a new series of executive education programs from Harvard University Graduate School of Design.

Designed specifically for real estate developers, owners, financiers, and other building industry professionals, these programs will enable participants to gain new skills and knowledge to successfully navigate the current real estate crisis.

The programs offered include:

* Understanding the Markets of Real Estate: Supply, Demand, and Performance, July 20-21, Instructor: Raymond G. Torto, Ph.D., CRE, CB Richard Ellis, Boston, MA

* Comprehensive Due Diligence for Commercial Real Estate Assets, July 21, Instructor: Kurt R. Padavano, Advance Realty Group, Bedminster, NJ

* Distressed Real Estate: Examining Debt and Equity Structures to Mitigate Losses and Identify Opportunities, July 22-23, Instructors: Joshua Kagan, WestRidge Realty Advisors, Westport, CT; Richard A. Kessler, Benenson Capital Partners, LLC, New York, NY

Understanding the Markets of Real Estate: Supply, Demand, and Performance

Professionals in real estate, whether in design, investment, lending, development, or asset management, are often buffeted by the trends and cycles in the real estate markets. This program provides an in-depth introduction to the myriad market factors affecting real estate, including the economy, interest rates, leasing demand, and debt and equity markets. Financial analysis is also introduced including present value math, asset valuation, and performance measurement. Participants will come to understand what drives regional and local economic growth, both long term and cyclically, why real estate has historically been boom-or-bust, how to measure and evaluate real estate performance, and what factors drive land use planning and land use density. In addition, participants will develop an understanding of real estate risks, returns, and the role of real estate as diversification within a financial portfolio

Comprehensive Due Diligence for Commercial Real Estate Assets

A thorough due diligence process provides a potential owner an understanding of the risks associated with a property and allows the assembly of information needed to plan, budget for, and operate the property. It allows for the confirmation of the asset's value and is vital to any commercial real estate asset, as it ensures that both buyer's and seller's goals can be met. This program outlines timeframes for due diligence, as well as strategies for building a due diligence team. Financial, physical, and development due diligence issues and strategies will also be covered enabling participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of the key elements of the process.

Distressed Real Estate: Examining Debt and Equity Structures to Mitigate Losses and Identify Opportunities

In the wake of the near collapse of the financial system, real estate markets are experiencing massive deleveraging, deterioration of fundamentals, and significant diminution of asset values. These factors, combined with a systemic lack of debt capital, have created a level of distress that impacts owners, lenders and investors alike. This multifaceted two-day program will offer real-world tools for use in today's market. Among the questions that will be answered for borrowers, investors, developers, and lenders are: How were CMBS and other debt vehicles tranched and how can they be deconstructed; how can borrowers work with their lenders to restructure problem loans or assets; what legal aspects need to be considered in any restructuring process; what is the potential impact of governmental policies and actions; where are the opportunities in the market and how should they be assessed; and where will the smart real estate capital be invested.

Complete program and registration information for all of Harvard's Real Estate Executive Education programs can be found at:

http://execed.gsd.harvard.edu/professional/exec_ed/real_estate.html

About the Office of Executive Education at Harvard University Graduate School of Design

The Office of Executive Education at Harvard University Graduate School of Design (GSD) is the foremost provider of Executive Education programs for architects, planners, and real estate and building industry professionals. Executive Education offers an extensive menu of programs that covers topics in design and real estate as well as customized programs that can be tailored to an organization's or firm's specific learning needs. Drawing upon the unparalleled resources of Harvard University, Executive Education programs are led by renowned faculty from the GSD, the Business School, the Law School, and the Kennedy School of Government, as well as eminent practitioners and scholars from across the country and around the world. For more information, visit http://execed.gsd.harvard.edu

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