Commercial/Multifamily Real Estate Finance Academy
Through the CREF Academy (formerly Commercial Real Estate Basics), MBA Education offers eight standalone, commercial/multifamily-focused courses designed exclusively for real estate finance professionals. Individually or as a complete curriculum, the courses deliver in-depth review and practical application of essential concepts, enabling participants to strengthen their expertise and apply advanced knowledge in their professional roles.
Choose the courses that are of the most benefit to you and your organization:
- Introduction to Commercial/Multifamily Real Estate (On-Demand Format)
- Multifamily Underwriting and Investment Analysis
- Office Underwriting and Investment Analysis
- Retail Underwriting and Investment Analysis
- Applied Commercial/Multifamily Appraisal and Valuation Methods
- Commercial/Multifamily Borrower Credit and Financial Analysis
- Assessing Commercial/Multifamily Physical and Environmental Risk
- Commercial/Multifamily Loan Servicing

Upon successful completion of all eight courses, participants earn the Commercial Real Estate Professional Certificate and a Credly digital badge, recognizing their broad-based training in commercial/multifamily finance.

The knowledge and competencies developed through the curriculum may also serve as a valuable refresher for professionals preparing for the Chartered Realty Investor (CRI) designation and its associated exams.
Upcoming Commercial/Multifamily Real Estate Finance Academy Offerings
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Introduction to Commercial/Multifamily Real Estate: June 2026: On Demand
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Assessing Commercial/Multifamily Physical and Environmental Risk: July 2026
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Commercial/Multifamily Loan Servicing: August 2026
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Introduction to Commercial/Multifamily Real Estate: September 2026: On Demand
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Multifamily Underwriting and Investment Analysis: November 2026
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Introduction to Commercial/Multifamily Real Estate: December 2026: On Demand
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Introduction to Commercial/Multifamily Real Estate: February 2027: On Demand
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Commercial/Multifamily Borrower Credit and Financial Analysis: February 2027
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Office Underwriting and Investment Analysis: March 2027
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Multifamily Underwriting and Investment Analysis: April 2027
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Retail Underwriting and Investment Analysis: May 2027
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Applied Commercial/Multifamily Appraisal and Valuation Methods: May 2027
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Introduction to Commercial/Multifamily Real Estate: May 2027: On Demand
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Commercial/Multifamily Borrower Credit and Financial Analysis: June 2027
The Details
These courses are presented virtually, in a blend of self-study and instructor-guided online learning. The courses include a series of live webinars where students are able and encouraged to interact with the instructor and each other. Course materials are available through our Learning Management System.Course Level: Entry Level
Course Delivery Method: Instructor Guided Online Course, Live or On-Demand
Duration of Online Course: Each session is scheduled for 2 hours
Elements: Homework, quizzes, and final exam
Who Should Attend
CREF Academy is ideal for the following:
- Professionals new to the industry
- Seasoned professionals seeking a deeper dive into the world of underwriting, valuing and analyzing commercial/multifamily real estate
- Professional interest or to prepare for Chartered Realty Investor Society's CRI Level I exam.
Get More with Education Advantage
Developed by MBA Education, Education Advantage is an annual subscription-based training package that provides your organization with training and development programs your employees need to succeed and grow.
For one low annual price, you have unlimited access to our online self-study library, discounts on designations, two seats in specific online courses or the option to completely customize your curriculum. Contact Kathy Ryan today to learn more.
What MBA Members Are Saying About this Program
"I really valued this series for its clear structure and real-world perspective. It was engaging, thoughtfully taught, and strengthened my confidence in foundational commercial/multifamily real estate concepts."
Braydi Smith - Graduate from several courses in the Commercial/Multifamily Real Estate Finance Academy series - January 2025