Building Argus Export Excel model for office acquisitions?

I’m trying to create a new excel model for my company for underwriting office acquisitions. We have a decent one right now but it’s 10+ years old and the guy who created it is no longer with the company. Need to be able to export all the Argus data into it and roll it up into your standard model with a rent roll, leasing assumptions, proforma, returns tab, etc…

I have no idea how to program all the macros that are already in there. Are there any resources online where I can learn how to do this? I tried searching but it’s a pretty niche topic, so thought I’d ask here.

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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some actionable steps and resources to help you build an Argus-export Excel model for office acquisitions:

  1. Understand the Existing Model:

    • If possible, reverse-engineer the current model. Start by analyzing the macros and formulas already in place. Use Excel's "Developer" tab to view and understand the VBA code behind the macros.
    • Test the model by exporting data from Argus and observing how it integrates into the Excel file. This will give you a sense of the workflow and data structure.
  2. DIY Argus Training:

    • A great exercise is to build an Argus model and then replicate it in Excel. This helps you understand the key inputs and outputs, such as rent rolls, leasing assumptions, and proformas.
    • You can find tips on DIY Argus training in WSO threads, where users recommend experimenting with Argus runs and tweaking assumptions to see how they affect outputs.
  3. Excel Skills for Real Estate:

    • To handle the macros and advanced Excel functionalities, consider brushing up on Excel modeling best practices. WSO offers resources like the Excel Modeling Course and Advanced Excel Formulas to help you master these skills.
    • Websites like Chandoo, MrExcel, and Peltier Tech are also recommended for learning Excel shortcuts, tools, and VBA programming.
  4. Financial Modeling Templates:

    • WSO provides 27 financial modeling templates that could serve as a starting point or reference for your new model. These templates include rent rolls, proformas, and returns tabs, which are essential for underwriting.
  5. Collaborate with Senior Analysts:

    • If you’re already in a real estate role, seek guidance from senior analysts or colleagues who have experience with Argus and Excel integration. Offer to assist with setting up models or entering rent rolls to gain hands-on experience.
  6. Additional Resources:

    • Explore WSO’s Real Estate Master Program, which includes 12 courses and 50+ hours of content tailored to real estate professionals. This program can provide deeper insights into Argus and Excel modeling for acquisitions.

By combining these resources and strategies, you can effectively build a robust Excel model for office acquisitions that integrates seamlessly with Argus data.

Sources: CRE Asset Management Learning Materials, New Analyst Struggling with Argus, Real Estate Development Modeling, Excel: Tools, Add-Ins, and Macros, Acquisitions Analyst Advice - New Analysts

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

You can have tabs that are drop zones for the cash flows, MLAs, etc. and you can have simple coding to run sumifs off of. For example one property might have more detailed lines than another but if you standardize to categories like rental income, reimbursements, other income, its a good way to just sumif all the major sublines that drop into those categories so all your properties collapse into one clean output. If any questions asked of what is in those particular lines for particular deals you just chase down the sumif for respective property to find detail behind what is in other income, for example. Technically speaking you'd only have to check that you accurately captured those main sub-categories with your sumif formula which takes a few minutes, which epedites your scenario running and updates going forward rather than spending hours reinventing the wheel every  time. happy to discuss further DM if any questions

 

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