Share Description
This course, offered by the University of Michigan on Coursera, provides a introductory exploration into real estate development grounded in equitable, socially responsible practices. Guided by instructor Chase Cantrell, this five-module course breaks down the end-to-end development lifecycle—from early concept generation to financial closing—while keeping community needs at the center. Participants examine how neighborhood demographics, local history, and cultural context influence project success, learning how to pair community-driven goals with rigorous due diligence and financial modeling. Through practical insights and immersive learning materials, the curriculum equips learners to evaluate local market feasibility and spearhead real estate projects that deliver lasting social and economic value.
Topics Covered
- Development Principles & Team Dynamics: Understanding the roles, responsibilities, and collaborative frameworks required across a real estate development team.
- Idea Generation & Community Alignment: Conceptualizing project ideas that respect a neighborhood’s cultural history, local demographics, and social impact priorities.
- Feasibility & Due Diligence: Assessing site conditions, evaluating market data, and mitigating project risk to ensure real estate viability.
- Capital & Project Financing: Exploring diverse funding structures, capital stacks, and investment strategies tailored for community development.
- Financial Modeling & ROI Analysis: Utilizing financial modeling templates to forecast project cash flows, calculate investment returns, and balance profit with community benefit.
Who Will Benefit
- Aspiring Developers & Entrepreneurs: Individuals seeking a foundational framework to plan, evaluate, and launch neighborhood-scale real estate projects.
- Community Leaders & Local Organizers: Civic advocates and non-profit professionals aiming to drive equitable economic development and shape investment in their local neighborhoods.
- Urban Planners & Municipal Staff: Public sector professionals interested in aligning municipal development initiatives with community-driven economic strategies.
- Real Estate & Finance Professionals: Career switchers and industry entrants looking to blend financial modeling techniques with socially responsible development practices.
Why Take This Course
This course offers a rare perspective by showing how real estate development can generate both financial returns and meaningful community impact. Led by experts from the University of Michigan, the curriculum balances practical technical skills—like financial modeling and risk assessment—with actionable community engagement strategies. The flexible online format features immersive exercises, hands-on modeling tools, and shareable certification upon completion. Whether you want to revitalize your hometown block or transition into equitable urban development, this course provides the tools, templates, and confidence to bring community-first real estate projects to life.
