Peter Pays Paul

Using a Little Stick to Move a Big Rock.

This is the description of leverage most common in Physics classes. Then you have the diagram: a person using a stick with a little rock underneath it to move a big rock on the other end.

The physical principle of leverage is very simple. A smaller weight over a long distance, when applied to the long end of a lever, can move a larger weight a small distance. Hence, a small man can move a rock larger than himself through the use of a lever.

The Principle of Financial Leverage

Financial leverage is similar to the physical concept. But instead of using a smaller weight to move a larger weight, a smaller equity investment is used, in combination with debt, to purchase a much larger investment.

Leverage has the effect of multiplying the return on investment, whether positive or negative. With a smaller initial equity (cash) investment control is gained over a larger investment and the returns on that larger investment are reaped.

Let’s look at an example. The first model is the purchase of a $100,000 investment with $20,000 of equity and by borrowing $80,000. The second model is the purchase of a $100,000 with $10,000 of equity and by borrowing $90,000. You will see two scenarios, one with 10% gain, the second with a 20% gain on the investment.

As you can see from the table, a return of 10% generates a 50% return on equity with a 20% investment. A return of 10% generates a 100% return on equity with a 10% investment. Debt always comes at the cost of interest. When the interest cost is less than the total return, a greater return on equity should be realized through the use of leverage over not having used leverage.

Leverage has a similar multiplication effect when an investment has a negative return. This means that you can lose more than your initial investment if the negative return is significant. Hence, leverage should be used cautiously and prudently.

This can mean reap huge rewards for a real estate investor. Imagine an investor with $100,000 of capital for investment in addition to their Sominex Account. With this capital as a 20% down payment they can purchase roughly $500,000 of investment property. Assume the property appreciates at a (moderate) rate of 8% per year for three years. At the end of the three years the equity in the property has increased over $120,000, a return on equity of 120%. When was the last time your IRA performed so well?

Now with close to $220,000 (initial $100,000 + $120,000) in equity the investor can gain control of $1,000,000 in investment property. If the $1,000,000 in investment property appreciates at the same 8% rate, the equity will grow by $80,000 per year.

Hopefully, you can see that real estate leverage can significantly increase return on equity. It needs to be used wisely and in accordance with a well developed plan. Using debt foolishly is called speculation and is the fast-track to foreclosure and ruin.

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