Leverage In Real Estate Investing

Definition of "Leverage in real estate investing"

Use of other people's money (OPM) in an attempt to maximize the return but at high risk. The use of leverage in real estate investing is a way to maximize yield on a small down payment. When building real estate wealth, leverage helps one grow fast without extreme risk. High-leveraged investing in real estate is particularly beneficial in a highly inflationary environment. The best scenario is when property values increase on their borrowed fund. Property values can also decrease such as that which occurred in California in the early 1990s. A risk is negative cash flow in which income from highly leveraged property may be inadequate to pay operating expenses, interest, and principal.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

Tax deduction for interest paid or accrued within the taxable year with respect to mortgage indebtedness. Interest is deductible on mortgages secured by principal and second homes. A ...

Commissions received by a syndicator when real property is sold. The fees typically occur after the investors receive their initial investment plus the specified return. ...

Situation in which very few prospective buyers of real estate are rejected by lenders. This may be due to ample money supply, lower interest rates, and/or relaxed credit standards. See also ...

The number of units currently occupied in a facility, neighborhood, or city, stated as a percentage of total capacity. For example, a hotel has 80 rooms available for guests. Its average ...

Type of material or substance typically made for railings around the outdoor front patio and for both sides of the stairs in the front and rear of house. Other examples are chairs and ...

(1) Surrendering voluntarily or involuntarily ownership of property or an interest therein. (2) Court order to give up possession or the right to property such as in the case of an ...

Structure of prefabricated units. ...

Unimproved property. It has no utilities, sewers, streets, or structures and usually must be cleared. ...

Defect in the tax law that either may provide a loophole to minimize the tax payment or result in higher taxes than there should be. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions