In this episode, we explore how interest rates are applied when compounding occurs more frequently than once per year, a key concept in real estate finance. We introduce the difference between nominal rates and effective annual rates (EAR), explaining how the true annual return depends on how often interest is compounded. We also break down how real estate commonly uses monthly compounding, especially for rent payments and mortgages, and how these rates are quoted in nominal per annum terms. We compare this with bond markets, where interest is typically compounded semiannually, and explain why converting to an effective annual rate is essential for accurate comparisons. Finally, we introduce the concept of continuous compounding, where interest is applied continuously over time, representing the most extreme case of compounding. This episode was developed and produced by Nicole Jordan and Adam Zulewski. Content was generated using Wondercraft AI.

© 2026 CRE Explained Podcast Team.
Based on Commercial Real Estate Analysis for Investment, Finance, and Development (4th Edition) by David M. Geltner, Norman G. Miller, Alex van de Minne, Piet Eichholtz, Thies Lindenthal, and Lily Shen.
Developed through Clemson University Creative Inquiry (CI) 4980, under the supervision of Dr. Lily Shen.
Reference Material: Commercial Real Estate Resources | CREBook.net 

This episode includes AI-generated content.

In this episode, we explore different ways to define interest rates across multiple periods, focusing on the difference between compound interest and simple interest. We revisit how the same investment growth can be expressed using different rate conventions, depending on whether compounding is included. We explain that while these definitions may vary, they do not change the actual dollar outcome, only how the return is described. Understanding this distinction is critical, as using the wrong convention or mixing them can lead to incorrect calculations. This episode reinforces the importance of consistency when working with time value of money formulas and helps build a clearer understanding of how returns are measured in real estate finance. This episode was developed and produced by Nicole Jordan and Elizabeth Schrim. Content was generated using Wondercraft AI.












© 2026 CRE Explained Podcast Team.
Based on Commercial Real Estate Analysis for Investment, Finance, and Development (4th Edition) by David M. Geltner, Norman G. Miller, Alex van de Minne, Piet Eichholtz, Thies Lindenthal, and Lily Shen.
Developed through Clemson University Creative Inquiry (CI) 4980, under the supervision of Dr. Lily Shen.
Reference Material: Commercial Real Estate Resources | CREBook.net 

This episode includes AI-generated content.

In this episode, we build on single-period analysis by introducing multi-period compounding and how returns grow over time. We explain how earning a return across multiple periods leads to compound growth, where investors earn returns not only on their initial investment but also on previously earned returns. Through simple examples, we show how a consistent annual return compounds over multiple years, resulting in a higher future value than simple interest alone. This highlights the powerful concept of “interest on interest” and why compounding is essential in finance. This episode continues to strengthen your understanding of time value of money by extending single-sum formulas into multi-period settings, a key step toward real-world investment analysis. This episode was developed and produced by Nicole Jordan and Elizabeth Schrim. Content was generated using Wondercraft AI.

© 2026 CRE Explained Podcast Team.
Based on Commercial Real Estate Analysis for Investment, Finance, and Development (4th Edition) by David M. Geltner, Norman G. Miller, Alex van de Minne, Piet Eichholtz, Thies Lindenthal, and Lily Shen.
Developed through Clemson University Creative Inquiry (CI) 4980, under the supervision of Dr. Lily Shen.
Reference Material: Commercial Real Estate Resources | CREBook.net 

This episode includes AI-generated content.

In this episode, we introduce single sums and the concept of single-period discounting and growing, the most basic building blocks of time value of money. We explore how to compare a cash flow today with a cash flow in the future and determine when those values are equivalent. Using simple examples, we explain how expected return and risk influence decision-making, showing how investors determine their “indifference point” between present and future cash. We also walk through how to move between present value and future value using basic formulas, highlighting how discounting helps investors evaluate what a future payment is worth today. This episode lays the groundwork for understanding more complex valuation techniques by focusing on the intuition and math behind single-period cash flow analysis. This episode was developed and produced by Nicole Jordan and Elizabeth Schrim. Content was generated using Wondercraft AI.

© 2026 CRE Explained Podcast Team.
Based on Commercial Real Estate Analysis for Investment, Finance, and Development (4th Edition) by David M. Geltner, Norman G. Miller, Alex van de Minne, Piet Eichholtz, Thies Lindenthal, and Lily Shen.
Developed through Clemson University Creative Inquiry (CI) 4980, under the supervision of Dr. Lily Shen.
Reference Material: Commercial Real Estate Resources | CREBook.net 

This episode includes AI-generated content.

In this episode, we introduce Chapter 2 and the fundamental concept of the time value of money, a core principle in real estate finance. We explain why a dollar today is worth more than a dollar in the future and how investors use present value formulas to compare cash flows across time. We walk through the purpose of this chapter, focusing on the mechanics behind discounting future cash flows, understanding risk and return, and building the foundation for more advanced tools like discounted cash flow analysis. This includes learning how to calculate present values, determine implied returns, and evaluate when future cash flows are received. This episode sets the stage for analyzing real estate investments more rigorously, emphasizing that mastering these mathematical concepts is essential before applying them to real-world property valuation in later chapters. This episode was developed and produced by Nicole Jordan and Shaun Collins. Content was generated using Wondercraft AI.

© 2026 CRE Explained Podcast Team.
Based on Commercial Real Estate Analysis for Investment, Finance, and Development (4th Edition) by David M. Geltner, Norman G. Miller, Alex van de Minne, Piet Eichholtz, Thies Lindenthal, and Lily Shen.
Developed through Clemson University Creative Inquiry (CI) 4980, under the supervision of Dr. Lily Shen.
Reference Material: Commercial Real Estate Resources | CREBook.net 

This episode includes AI-generated content.

In this episode, we analyze the historical performance of the four major asset classes, highlighting how stocks, bonds, real estate, and cash have grown over time. We compare long-term returns, risk, and income generation, showing how stocks have delivered the highest returns but with greater volatility, while real estate offers a balance of income and growth. We also explore how market cycles have shaped real estate performance, including major downturns like the early 1990s crash and the 2008 financial crisis, as well as periods of strong recovery and growth. These cycles demonstrate the importance of timing and how economic conditions, policy changes, and investor behavior impact returns. Overall, this episode emphasizes that while all asset classes can generate positive long-term returns, performance is never guaranteed, and understanding historical trends is key to making informed investment decisions. This episode was developed and produced by Nicole Jordan and Elizabeth Schrim. Content was generated using Wondercraft AI.












© 2026 CRE Explained Podcast Team.
Based on Commercial Real Estate Analysis for Investment, Finance, and Development (4th Edition) by David M. Geltner, Norman G. Miller, Alex van de Minne, Piet Eichholtz, Thies Lindenthal, and Lily Shen.
Developed through Clemson University Creative Inquiry (CI) 4980, under the supervision of Dr. Lily Shen.
Reference Material: Commercial Real Estate Resources | CREBook.net 

This episode includes AI-generated content.

In this episode, we introduce the four major asset classes in the investment universe, cash, stocks, bonds, and real estate, and explain why they are essential for portfolio planning. Each asset class offers unique characteristics, supported by extensive historical performance data, and is large and liquid enough to allow investors to move capital efficiently across markets. We also explore where real estate fits within this framework, highlighting how it balances risk and return between stocks and bonds. Unlike bonds, real estate offers potential for capital appreciation and inflation protection, but it comes with lower liquidity and higher management responsibility. Finally, we discuss the importance of diversification, emphasizing how these asset classes do not move perfectly together, allowing investors to build more balanced and resilient portfolios. This episode was developed and produced by Nicole Jordan and Elizabeth Schrim. Content was generated using Wondercraft AI.

© 2026 CRE Explained Podcast Team.
Based on Commercial Real Estate Analysis for Investment, Finance, and Development (4th Edition) by David M. Geltner, Norman G. Miller, Alex van de Minne, Piet Eichholtz, Thies Lindenthal, and Lily Shen.
Developed through Clemson University Creative Inquiry (CI) 4980, under the supervision of Dr. Lily Shen.
Reference Material: Commercial Real Estate Resources | CREBook.net 

This episode includes AI-generated content.

In this episode, we take a step back and look at the big picture of real estate as an investment asset class, exploring how commercial real estate has performed historically and where it fits within the broader investment universe. We focus on core, unlevered investments to understand the foundation of real estate portfolios and how investors evaluate performance over time. We also break down the four main real estate investment strategies, core, core plus, value added, and opportunistic, highlighting how each differs in terms of risk, return, leverage, and investment horizon. This framework helps investors better understand how different types of properties align with their goals and risk tolerance. This episode was developed and produced by Nicole Jordan and Elizabeth Schrim. Content was generated using Wondercraft AI.

© 2026 CRE Explained Podcast Team.
Based on Commercial Real Estate Analysis for Investment, Finance, and Development (4th Edition) by David M. Geltner, Norman G. Miller, Alex van de Minne, Piet Eichholtz, Thies Lindenthal, and Lily Shen.
Developed through Clemson University Creative Inquiry (CI) 4980, under the supervision of Dr. Lily Shen.
Reference Material: Commercial Real Estate Resources | CREBook.net 

This episode includes AI-generated content.

In this episode, we explore indirect ways to invest in commercial real estate, focusing on listed REITs and real estate debt. We break down how REITs provide stock market access to real estate, offering liquidity and diversification without the burden of property management, while also introducing short-term volatility. We also examine real estate debt investments, including mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), and how these structures allow investors to participate in real estate through lending rather than ownership. This episode was developed and produced by Nicole Jordan and Alli Garmon. Content was generated using Wondercraft AI.

© 2026 CRE Explained Podcast Team.
Based on Commercial Real Estate Analysis for Investment, Finance, and Development (4th Edition) by David M. Geltner, Norman G. Miller, Alex van de Minne, Piet Eichholtz, Thies Lindenthal, and Lily Shen.
Developed through Clemson University Creative Inquiry (CI) 4980, under the supervision of Dr. Lily Shen.
Reference Material: Commercial Real Estate Resources | CREBook.net 

This episode includes AI-generated content.

In this episode, we introduce the core ways investors can gain exposure to commercial real estate, focusing on direct ownership and how it differs from traditional “mainstream” investments. We explore what makes real estate unique as an asset class, including its physical nature, management responsibilities, and role within the broader investment system. This episode was developed and produced by Nicole Jordan and Alli Garmon. Content was generated using Wondercraft AI.

© 2026 CRE Explained Podcast Team.
Based on Commercial Real Estate Analysis for Investment, Finance, and Development (4th Edition) by David M. Geltner, Norman G. Miller, Alex van de Minne, Piet Eichholtz, Thies Lindenthal, and Lily Shen.
Developed through Clemson University Creative Inquiry (CI) 4980, under the supervision of Dr. Lily Shen.
Reference Material: Commercial Real Estate Resources | CREBook.net 

This episode includes AI-generated content.