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CRE Fundamentals:
Master Commercial Real Estate in Hours, Not Years
Take Control of Your Commercial Real Estate Deals in Just 6 Hours
A Crash Course for Busy Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, and Decision-Makers to Confidently Buy, Sell, and Lease CRE
The Problem.
As a business owner, you’re juggling a million tasks. But when it comes to commercial real estate, you’re stuck:
- CRE Terms: Confused by jargon like “cap rate,” "modified gross," or “triple net lease”?
- Valuation: Worried you’re overpaying on rent or missing out on better deals?
- Costly Mistakes: Need to make quick, smart decisions on buying, selling, or leasing properties? Without CRE expertise, you risk making costly mistakes that hit your bottom line.
The Solution.
CRE Fundamentals is a 6 module, no-fluff course designed for busy entrepreneurs like you. Learn the essential terms, strategies, and best practices to navigate CRE deals with confidence—whether you’re leasing an office, buying a warehouse, or selling a retail space.
What You'll Learn:
- Decode CRE Jargon: Understand key terms like NOI, CAM, and LTV to speak the language of brokers and landlords.
- Negotiate Like a Pro: Secure better lease terms and save thousands with proven tactics.
- Buy & Sell Smart: Master the steps to purchase or sell properties without costly missteps.
- Save Money: Spot cost-saving opportunities like rent abatements (FREE Rent!) and tax benefits.
- Avoid Pitfalls: Sidestep common mistakes that trap busy business owners.
Course Features
Course videos and modules are short and efficient to fit into your busy schedule. Speed up your comprehension and takeaway knowledge with vocabulary guides, checklists, tip sheets, and action plans.
Course Details:
- Duration: 6 hours, self-paced (perfect for your busy schedule).
- Format: Bite-sized online video lessons (5-10 minutes each), downloadable cheat sheets, and quizzes.
- Access: All Course purchases grant access to the private CRE School Community.
Don’t let CRE deals drain your time or budget. Enroll in CRE Fundamentals today and take control of your next lease, purchase, or sale! Get the confidence you need, and avoid embarrassment and being taken advantage of by seasoned veterans of CRE.
What You'll Gain from This Course
Build the skills and confidence to make smart commercial real estate decisions that support your business growth and protect your interests. Avoid being taken advantage of, getting embarrassed, or being intimidated by CRE Pros.
Course Outline
A comprehensive curriculum designed to build your commercial real estate expertise from the ground up
6 Course Modules:
Module 1: CRE Basics for Business Owners
- Objective: Get a clear, no-nonsense overview of commercial real estate.
- Topic 1: What is CRE? (Office, retail, industrial, multifamily explained)
- Topic 2: Why CRE matters for your business: costs, growth, and strategy
- Topic 3: Real-world scenarios: leasing for expansion, buying for investment, selling for profit
- Activity: Quiz on matching property types to business needs.
- Resource: Infographic on CRE property types.
- Duration: 30 minutes
Module 2: Must-Know CRE Terms
- Objective: Build confidence with the language of CRE.
- Topic 1: Core terms: cap rate, NOI, triple net (NNN) lease, CAM, tenant improvement allowance
- Topic 2: Lease structures: gross, net, modified gross
- Topic 3: Financing basics: LTV, DSCR, SBA loans
- Topic 4: Ownership terms: fee simple, ground lease
- Resource: CRE Terms Cheat Sheet (1-page PDF).
- Activity: Apply terms to a sample lease agreement.
- Duration: 30 minutes
Module 3: Winning at Lease Negotiations
- Objective: Negotiate leases that save money and protect your business.
- Topic 1: Key lease components: rent escalation, renewal options, exit clauses
- Topic 2: 5 negotiation tactics: research market rents, ask for Tenant Improvements, negotiate shorter terms, limit CAM increases, secure free rent.
- Case study: Negotiating a retail lease for a growing business
- Resource: Lease Negotiation Checklist (PDF).
- Activity: Draft a Letter of Intent (LOI) for a lease scenario.
- Duration: 60 minutes
Module 4: Buying and Selling CRE
- Objective: Navigate property purchases and sales with confidence.
- Topic 1: Buying CRE: Define your needs (location, size, zoning), due diligence essentials (title, environmental, inspections), financing options (bank loans, private lenders, 1031 exchanges)
- Topic 2: Selling CRE: Prep for sale (appraisals, repairs, marketing), handle offers and contingencies.
- Topic 3: Common traps: overpaying, skipping due diligence, ignoring market trends
- Resource: CRE Purchase/Sale Checklist (PDF).
- Activity: Evaluate a sample property listing for red flags.
- Duration: 60 minutes
Module 5: Save Money, Avoid Mistakes
- Objective: Maximize savings and minimize risks in CRE deals.
- Topic 1: Cost-saving strategies: negotiate rent abatements and concessions, leverage tax benefits, compare multiple properties to drive competition.
- Topic 2: Pitfalls to avoid: signing without legal review, ignoring hidden costs, misreading market conditions,
- Topic 3: Common traps: overpaying, skipping due diligence, ignoring market trends
- Resource: CRE Cost-Saving Tips Sheet (PDF).
- Activity: Analyze a lease for hidden costs.
- Duration: 45 minutes
Module 6: Your CRE Action Plan
- Objective: Apply your knowledge to real-world deals.
- Case study: Leasing office space for a tech startup
- Case study: Buying a warehouse for a logistics company
- Build your CRE action plan: 3 steps for your next deal
- Resources for staying sharp: CRE blogs, podcasts, local associations
- Resource: CRE Action Plan Template.
- Activity: Create a personalized CRE deal plan.
- Duration: 30 minutes
What's Included
- 6 Comprehensive learning modules
- Master the basics in commercial real estate, and build a rock solid foundation
- Gain confidence to negotiate leases, purchases, and sales that align with business goals
- Learn to protect company interests while building strong deal relationships
- Real-world case studies from business owners
- Customizable Templates & Checklists
- Property evaluation calculator tools
- Expert Q&A sessions for your specific situations
- Lifetime access to all future updates
- Access resources and networks for continuous skill development
Limited Time Bonus
Free consultation with a CRE Expert to review your current property situation. ($500 Value)
Only 4 spots remaining at current pricing!
Why Invest In CRE Fundamentals?
When you're responsible for your company's real estate decisions, every negotiation counts. Here's why business leaders trust our program and you can too.
Avoid Costly Mistakes
Learn to identify and navigate hidden traps that could cost your business thousands in unexpected expenses.
Join a Community of Leaders
Get access to our CRE School Community, a private, members-only gathering space. You can connect and get advice from fellow business decision-makers who've applied these strategies to improve their company's real estate position.
Success Stories from Business Owners
Thousands of business owners and entrepreneurs have transformed their approach to commercial real estate through courses like ours, higher education, and real world experience. Shouldn't you too?
Sarah T.
Retail Business Owner, Austin, TX
"I was about to lock into a retail lease that looked good on paper but had costly traps. The CRE Fundamentals course opened my eyes with its clear video lessons and lease negotiation checklists. I renegotiated my terms and avoided thousands in extra costs over the lease term. The one-on-one consultation with David helped me pick the perfect location for my store’s growth. Joining the CRE School Community has been a bonus, connecting me with other business owners who share tips and insights."
Michael R.
Tech Startup Founder, Miami, FL
"Starting my tech company, I had no clue about commercial real estate. The CRE Fundamentals course broke everything down into bite-sized lessons I could fit into my crazy schedule. The deal analysis spreadsheets were a lifesaver, helping me evaluate office spaces and choose one that saved me significant rent compared to my first option. The community access let me bounce ideas off other entrepreneurs, and the consultation gave me a roadmap for future expansions. This course made CRE feel approachable!"
Emily K.
Small Business Consultant, Dallas, TX
"As a consultant, I help clients grow, but commercial property decisions were out of my wheelhouse. CRE Fundamentals changed that with its practical templates and real-world examples. I used the negotiation strategies to secure a better deal on an office purchase, avoiding a bad investment. The 24/7 access let me learn at my own pace, and the expert consultation gave me confidence to advise clients on CRE. The CRE School Community keeps me connected to peers who are just as driven."
James L.
Manufacturing Business Owner, Chicago, IL
"My manufacturing business needed a bigger warehouse, but I was intimidated by CRE jargon. The CRE Fundamentals modules, especially the videos on lease types, gave me the clarity to negotiate a lease that fit my budget perfectly. The spreadsheets helped me compare properties like a pro, and the consultation with a CRE expert fine-tuned my expansion plan. Being part of the CRE School Community has been huge—I’ve already gotten advice from others that saved me from a costly mistake."
Rachel M.
Professional Services Entrepreneur, New York, NY
"Opening a new office for my consulting firm was daunting until I took CRE Fundamentals. The course’s step-by-step frameworks and negotiation checklists empowered me to challenge a lease’s terms, cutting my costs significantly. The video lessons were engaging and easy to follow, even for a CRE newbie like me. The one-on-one consultation helped me align my office choice with my business goals, and the CRE School Community has been an unexpected perk, offering ongoing support and networking."
David P.
Restaurant Owner, Seattle, WA
"Expanding my restaurant chain felt risky without commercial real estate knowledge, but CRE Fundamentals gave me the tools to succeed. The video lessons on property evaluation and the included checklists helped me negotiate a lease that slashed my overhead costs compared to my initial offer. The consultation with Dave was invaluable, guiding me to a location with better foot traffic. The CRE School Community has been a great way to connect with other business owners and share strategies for growth."
* Testimonials are for example purposes only. Results are unique for each person and results will vary for you. You will receive customized advice for your unique situation in the CRE School Community and in Live Courses.
Invest in Your Commercial Real Estate Education
This foundational investment in CRE expertise will pay dividends throughout your business career
CRE Fundamentals Course
$997
one-time payment
A $1,594 Value, Here Is What You Get:
- Complete course with 6 comprehensive modules
- 24+ in-depth video lessons
- Access Worldwide 24 hours/day
- Downloadable templates and resources
- Deal analysis spreadsheets
- Lease negotiation checklists
- Lifetime access to all course materials
- Future course updates and additions
- One FREE CRE Consultation on a topic of your choice. It can be a lease, purchase, sale, or strategy (
$500) - Access to the CRE School Community (
$97)
Limited Time Bonus
Free consultation with a CRE Expert to review your current property situation. ($500 Value)
Only 7 seats left at current pricing!
100% Money Back Guarantee. If you are unsatisfied for any reason, we will make it right or refund your payment in full within 30 days of purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions from business leaders
While brokers are valuable for executing transactions, they're typically compensated based on deal completion. Our program equips you with independent knowledge to make strategic decisions, evaluate broker recommendations, and understand if the proposed terms truly benefit your business long-term.
Regardless of size, real estate is likely one of your largest expenses. Small and mid-sized businesses often benefit the most from our program, as they typically don't have in-house real estate expertise. Even a single lease negotiation can yield substantial savings that far exceed the program investment.
Absolutely. The best real estate decisions happen when you're prepared well in advance. Understanding lease renewal strategies, identifying hidden opportunities in your current agreement, and planning ahead can create significant advantages. Many businesses wait until their lease is nearly expired, putting them in a weak negotiating position.
The program is designed for busy executives. Core content is delivered in focused modules you can complete at your own pace. Many participants report implementing key strategies in just a few hours, with significant results during their next real estate decision.
The program covers both fundamentals and advanced strategies, so you can focus on areas most relevant to your situation. Even experienced property owners find value in our specific business-focused approach, negotiation tactics, and financial analysis methods that go beyond basic real estate knowledge.
The principles apply across office, retail, industrial, and mixed-use properties. We provide specific guidance for different property types, and the strategic framework adapts to various industries and business models.
The CRE School Community is a private, members-only, section of CRE School that we host behind the scenes. Think of it as a private Facebook group, but without all of the distractions and ads. Inside the CRE School Community you can ask questions and discuss commercial real estate strategies with other business owners and entrepreneurs. It's a peer resource community for members and a great way to connect to discuss all things CRE. This is also where members can ask questions about course material. Answers are provided by other members as well as CRE School Facilitators and Coaches.
CRE School Coaching is one on one or small group coaching sessions provided to members of CRE School. The Coaching sessions are on a case by case basis and are not always available. Most of our guidance is provided through courses, so members can learn new CRE skills on their own schedule. Support for our courses is provided inside of the CRE School Community. Often times, we offer a consultation/coaching session at the very beginning of CRE School membership to make sure we offer focused and targeted resources to new members. We always want CRE School to deliver the best value possible for you.
Ready to transform your business and skyrocket your success? CRE School equips driven entrepreneurs, business owners, and decision-makers with elite commercial real estate expertise to dominate leasing, buying, and investing. Our immersive courses and tight-knit community of ambitious professionals empower you to make game-changing decisions with unshakable confidence. Don’t just play the game—own it. Enroll now and unlock the tools to build wealth and seize opportunities in commercial real estate!
Enroll Today!
All courses include FREE resources, access to special content, email updates, a free trial access to our CRE School Community and so much more.
Enroll in a CRE School Course Today!
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CRE School services are provided by Lighthouse Commercial Real Estate LLC