4 Caveats to A Leverage Strategy

If applied on the right property investments and in the right market conditions, leverage is an excellent strategy. Check out this article from “DON CAMPBELL” a foremost Canadian authority on real estate investing. The numbers do not lie - if you pay particular attention to the investment illustration outlined.

But to guard against the ‘downside’, as you look to employ a LEVERAGE strategy, consider the following four “caveats”:

Source: Instphil

1. Cash Flow is KING – ensure the tenant/revenue base is stable and secure. This includes the covenant of the tenants, lease terms, current occupancy levels, and debt service coverage on current income/expenses.
2. Low Down Payment means HIGHER MONTHLY PAYMENTS – completing a deal with a low down payment, often becomes problematic if the monthly mortgage payment is beyond a comfortable level. If the market conditions deteriorate and vacancies rise, this problem often will only get worse and the monthly payment harder to meet.
3. Projecting for APPRECIATION – markets do not always go up, despite recent trends, and you must be realistic in assessing this variable, both with respect to your own market and the specific properties being targeted. In a stalled or declining market, properties which have stable cash flows thrive and are insulated from a negative market.
4. Maximum Leverage vs. POOR INVESTMENT – no money or low down payment deals on a poor investment property, typically leads to negative results. Do not let attractive leverage opportunities, compromise your ability to stay the course on targeting good property investments.

Leverage is a great strategy, but it requires sound discipline in its application.

Tells us about your use of leverage in your market. Again, we love to tell you about our own backyard here in Windsor-Essex, so feel to reach out to us!

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Mark Lalovich
mark@lalovichrealestate.com
Office: (519) 966-0444
Cell: (519) 259-5434

The World Of Leverage

No matter what market you are investing in across Canada, the principal of leverage (WHEN APPLIED TO THE RIGHT INVESTMENT PROPERTIES), has worked extremely well in recent years. Although there are many benefits, the primary ones remain –

• Can significantly enhance the ROI of the property
• Allows you to acquire additional properties & build a portfolio faster

Our definition for LEVERAGE remains the same – ‘the use of borrowed money to increase the return on an investment property’. It is considered a legitimate investment strategy, and one that is best suited for properties with both good cash flows and those having a good probability of future appreciation.

Source: Resi

A simple illustration highlights the concept in a growth market:

1. NO FINANCING – STRAIGHT CASH PURCHASE

Purchase Price $200,000 (all cash investment)
Market Growth Projection – 3% per year
After Year 2 - $212,000
ROI – 6% (on cash invested)

2. 70% FINANCING – 1ST MORTGAGE OF $140,000

Purchase Price $200,000
Cash Investment $60,000
After Year 2 - $212,000
ROI – 20% (on cash invested)

Again, this is an illustration which is based on strictly price appreciation. There is no analysis of the property’s monthly/annual cash flow, which would typically come first. If in fact the property was actually sold after year 2, the total ROI would be even more in favour of Scenario 2, and the % difference greater.

On the matter of building a portfolio of properties faster, you can see by allocating $60,000 by property, you should be able to acquire ‘3 properties’ by leveraging your cash investment. The key is to work this strategy on the RIGHT INVESTMENT PROPERTIES.

Does leverage still work in a flat market (no growth)? Or a declining market (negative growth)? Tell us your stories, we’d love to hear them - both positive and negative. Call us anytime regarding our home turf here in Windsor –Essex!

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Mark Lalovich
mark@lalovichrealestate.com
Office: (519) 966-0444
Cell: (519) 259-5434

Windsor's Moving Up Against The Big Boys - New Series

Source: National Post

Great way to kick off our new series, COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES  – WINDSOR FOCUS.  

Real Estate was hit hard during the 2007-2010 period, but since 2010 we have seen major moves across all sectors of our real estate market. 

via National Post

Just to highlight a few key areas –

* Multi family vacancy rates are down below 4% (from 12% back in 2010)
* Industrial lease rates on a per ft. basis (have increased 70-80 % since 2010)
* Industrial building sales on a per ft. basis  (have increased similarly)
* Residential sales activity (both new and resale) are turning over at unprecedented rates
* Commercial Property interest and sales are in a significant growth phase given strong demand
* Out-of-town investment into the Windsor market is at record levels

What is the take away? 

Windsor’s market offers a great upside for investors / developers / landlords and owner-occupants looking to acquire good (aka sound) real estate value.  Cap. rates are more attractive than other major Canadian markets, competitive financing terms are available, a good mix of products exist, and many new developments are either under way or on the horizon. The population is once again growing and the economic issues of 5-6 years ago are now in the rear view mirror.

The Windsor Market is still in the ‘early innings’ and it is really just starting to make its move. Whether you are local or from outside of the area, give us a call and let us put our commercial expertise to work for you in Windsor – Essex.

We love feedback so don't be shy about letting us know your thoughts and where we agree/disagree! Intellectual discussion is always welcome. 

We are rolling out a new BLOG series, COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES – WINDSOR FOCUS, and we look forward to all your comments as we move through the last quarter of 2015. 

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Mark Lalovich
mark@lalovichrealestate.com
Office: (519) 966-0444
Cell: (519) 259-5434