Real Estate Finance for Economic Development

How do cities fund major redevelopment projects, affordable housing, and community spaces? Understanding the financial mechanics behind real estate is essential for shaping vibrant, sustainable urban environments. This course provides a clear, foundational guide to real estate finance, specifically tailored for those interested in economic development and urban planning. You will transition from understanding basic financial terms to analyzing complex development projects. Through clear, written explanations and practical scenarios, you will learn how developers, cities, and financial institutions collaborate to fund projects that benefit both investors and communities. What you'll learn: - Understand key real estate finance terms, valuation methods, and underwriting principles. - Analyze public-private partnerships and their role in local economic growth. - Evaluate modern funding tools, including tax credits, municipal bonds, and green financing. - Calculate project feasibility using cash flow modeling and investment metrics. - Assess risk factors in urban development and strategies to mitigate them. - Apply modern ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria to real estate investment decisions. The course begins with fundamental financial concepts and terminology before progressing to real-world development structures, public subsidy programs, and sustainable investment strategies. Designed for beginners, this course requires no prior experience in finance or real estate. Start building your foundational knowledge of urban real estate finance today.