Foundations of the decision
“Am I overpaying — or about to be the weakest person at the table?”
For anyone starting out who wants to stop being the least-informed person in the room.
Secure checkout by Paddle. Access after payment confirmation.
What you’ll be able to do
- Recognise when you’re negotiating from weakness — and how to shift it.
- Understand what “overpaying” really means, beyond the headline price.
- Separate what you can judge yourself from what you must verify.
- Run a simple readiness check before committing to any deal.
What’s included
Curriculum
- The weakest seat at the table
- What “overpaying” really means
- The four questions before any offer
- The Decision-Readiness Check decision point
Assessment & certificate
The course ends with a decision scenario: you apply the framework to a real case and reach a defensible go/no-go. The assessment is included, with a pass mark of 70%. On pass, you receive a certificate of completion.
Your instructor
Close to three decades in real-estate practice and valuation. The Academy distils that experience into a way of deciding under uncertainty — not a list of tips, but the reasoning a professional uses.
Continue the ladder
Enrol now
Self-paced access after purchase.
This course is educational only and does not constitute investment, financial, legal or tax advice, nor a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any specific asset or property. No particular result or return is promised or guaranteed. You remain responsible for your own decisions.
Why standards matter
Standards over opinions: why a defensible method beats a confident take.
Frequently asked questions
What is Foundations of the decision?
Foundations of the decision is the Level 1 self-paced online course from José Covas Academy. In four short modules it gives you a framework for judging whether you are overpaying for a real-estate investment, with a one-page Decision-Readiness Check and a final decision-scenario assessment. It is for anyone starting out who wants to stop being the least-informed person in the room. It is education, not personalised investment advice.
How much does it cost?
€49. Payment is handled at secure checkout by Paddle, which shows any applicable taxes, such as VAT, and the final total before you confirm. There is no subscription and no automatic renewal.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. After you pass the assessment (70%), you receive a certificate of completion. It attests participation and completion only. It is not accredited and is not an official or certified professional qualification.
Is it affiliated with RICS or IVSC?
No. Foundations of the decision is independent education by José Covas Academy, run by José Covas Education Academy, Lda. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting for RICS or IVSC.
How do I start?
Enrol on this page: select “Buy Level 1 — €49”, complete checkout, and you get access after payment confirmation.