COVID 19, real estate and uncertainty: examining this new “normal” through the quotes of Jim Graaskamp

Purpose - This paper examines the current uncertainty within real estate markets through the quotes of Dr. James A. Graaskamp, a real estate educator and researcher. Graaskamp focused his teachings on real estate investment through the lens of risk management and risk mitigation. Using the current COVID 19 pandemic crisis as the backdrop, the author examines how we might learn from Graaskamp to look differently at real estate investments during these uncertain times when an external shock shakes a market, causing transactions to stall and sometimes freeze. In addition, she explores how we might learn from today's situation and make long-term changes to our built environment to have a better understanding of the risks associated with the current but also future pandemics and other uncertainties including natural disasters or climate change. The quotes were gathered by Jim Curtis, a student, friend and colleague of Dr. Graaskamp from the late 1970s until his death in 1988. Through these quotes, the author explores the many facets of the complex nature of the real estate asset class particularly during these very uncertain times created by the global pandemic. Design/methodology/approach - This is a thought piece on the current uncertainty surrounding real estate markets around the globe caused by the COVID 19 pandemic. The author of this essay was also a student, friend and mentee of Jim Graaskamp's, so it is an oral history of her experiences with this well-known and iconic real estate educator and scholar. Findings - As a discussion piece, this is not a traditional research project with empirical findings. It is an exploration of the current uncertain times caused by the COVID 19 pandemic and its impact on real estate markets. The author examines how the increased risk is currently, and will also continue to, significantly influence the fields of property investment and finance. Practical implications - The James A. Graaskamp Collection on Teaching Materials compiled by the Wisconsin Real Estate Alumni Association is not a widely recognized resource for real estate scholars and practitioners yet the two CDs contain a wealth of information and knowledge from an intelligent real estate expert. Used as the base for the discussion, this paper sheds light on the teachings and writings of Dr. Graaskamp. It illustrates the usefulness of the materials for other researchers and educators. In particular, it highlights Graaskamp focus on risk management and mitigation which he strongly believed were essential skills to understanding the complicated nature of a real estate investment and for making good investment decisions, particularly when markets are full of uncertainty as is the case during these current times of the global COVID 19 pandemic. Originality/value - As one of only a handful of living and still practicing doctoral students of Professor Graaskamp, the author has a unique perspective and lens to attempt to interpret the quotes of this real estate expert. He was a leader in real estate education, particularly as it pertains to real estate valuation, feasibility and investment, and this essay draws out some of his more important lessons from his pithy and often humorous quotes.