Question 1

Accredited Investor

Accepted Answer

Any person who has an individual income in excess of $200,000 in the two most recent years or joint income with that person's spouse in excess of $300,000 in each of those years and has a reasonable expectation of reaching the same income level in the current year. Any person whose individual net worth, or joint net worth with that person's spouse, exceeds $1 million (excluding equity in that person's principal residence). Search Rule 501 for the full definition of "accredited investor"         ---OR---

Question 2

Acquisition Fee

Accepted Answer

A fee paid to the general partner for finding, analyzing, financing and closing on the investment. Fees can range from 0.5% to 5% of the purchase price.

Question 3

Apartment Syndication

Accepted Answer

A group of people pooling money and resources to buy an apartment complex. General partners (the syndicator(s)) and the limited partners (investors) work together to acquire and share the profits.

Question 4

Appreciation

Accepted Answer

The increase in value of an asset over time. The two types of appreciation are natural and forced. Natural appreciation occurs when the market cap rate decreases (building becomes more valuable due to location). Forced appreciation occurs when the net operating income is increased (increasing the revenue or decreasing the expenses). This is achieved through value-add apartment syndication.

Question 5

Asset Management Fee

Accepted Answer

An annual fee given to the asset manager for the oversight of the property. This fee ensures someone is paying attention to all the details, hires the operators, analyzes the market, evaluates offers, oversees the budget, the loan, property management, and makes sure we are on track with the goal of the property.   The fee is generally 2% of the collected income.

Question 6

Bad Debt

Accepted Answer

The amount of uncollected money that a former tenant owes after move-out.

Question 7

Breakeven Occupancy

Accepted Answer

The lowest occupancy needed to cover all expenses of the apartment complex.   Breakeven Occupancy = (Operating Expenses + Debt Service) / Gross Potential Income   For example, a 296 unit apartment complex with $1,595,915 in annual operating expenses, a debt service of $734,700, and $3,640,800 in gross potential income has a breakeven occupancy of 64%. This means the building must be 64% full to cover all expenses.

Question 8

Bridge Loan / Interim Financing / Gap Financing / Swing Loan

Accepted Answer

A short term (6 months - 5 years), high interest loan used until the syndicator can obtain permanent financing.

Question 9

Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

Accepted Answer

The funds used by the company to upgrade/maintain the apartment community while improving the useful life of the building. These expenditures spread the cost over the useful life of the asset.   Examples: Landscaping projects, replacing HVAC, new paint, repairing roof, replacing parking lot, replacing countertops/cabinets, replacing flooring, etc.

Question 10

Capitalization Rate (Cap Rate)

Accepted Answer

Cap Rate = Net Operating Income / Current Value   The cap rate is the percentage amount of money you would make from a property if you had no debt.   Example: A 296 unit apartment complex with a net operating income of $968,948 and a purchase price/current value of $13,700,000 has a cap rate of 7.1%

Question 11

Cash Flow

Accepted Answer

The money left over after paying all expenses. Cash flow is used for distributions between Limited Partners and General Partners.   Example for 296 unit apartment community:   Total Income: + $3,698,146 Total Operating Expenses: - $1,595,915 Debt Service (mortgage): - $734,700 Asset Management Fee: - $73,963   Cash Flow = $1,364,532

Question 12

Cash-On-Cash (CoC)

Accepted Answer

The cash on cash return is the ratio of annual before-tax cash flow to the total amount of cash invested.   CoC (%) = (Cash Flow / Initial Investment) * 100   Example: 296 unit apartment complex with a yearly cash flow of $1,364,532 with an initial investment of $3,100,000 results in a CoC return of 44%

Question 13

Closing Costs

Accepted Answer

Closing costs are extra billed expenses, not incurred by the syndicator, to complete a real estate transaction.    Examples of closing costs: due diligence fees (bank), attorney fees, recording fees (city/title), application fees (bank), origination fees (bank), underwriting fees (bank), and credit search fees (bank)

Question 14

Concessions

Accepted Answer

Perks given to tenants to move in.   Example: discount on first month of rent, waiving application fees, etc.

Question 15

Debt Service

Accepted Answer

The mortgage for a loan over a year.   Example: a loan for $24,256,513 with an interest rate of 3.87% amortized over 30 years has a yearly debt service of $1,367,925

Question 16

Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR)

Accepted Answer

A ratio that measures the ability to cover your debt from your net operating income (NOI). A DSCR of 1.25 means you have 25% more money after you pay your debt service. This is useful to determine your ability to pay your loans.   DSCR = NOI / Debt Service (Mortgage)   Example: 296 unit apartment building with an annual debt service of $734,700 and a NOI of $2,102,231 has a DSCR of 2.86.

Question 17

Distributions

Accepted Answer

The portions of profit sent out on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. Distributions are dependent on cash flow, refinance proceeds or sale of an investment.

Question 18

Economic Occupancy Rate

Accepted Answer

The rate of paying tenants based on the total possible revenue and the actual revenue collected.   Economic Occupancy Rate = Actual Revenue Collected / Gross Potential Income (GPI)   Economic occupancy rate considers concessions, bad debt, model units, and empty units.   For example, a 296 unit apartment complex has: GPI of + $4,023,195 Concessions and  bad debt of - $144,050 Vacancy of - $180,999 Economic occupancy rate = ($3,698,146 / $4,023,195) * 100 = 91.9%

Question 19

Effective Gross Income (EGI)

Accepted Answer

The true cash flow of an apartment complex.   EGI = (Gross Potential Income + Other Income) - Vacancy - Loss-to-Lease (LtL) - Concessions - Employee Units - Model Units - Bad Debt   Example: 296 unit apartment building has Gross Potential Income + Other Income = $4,023,195 Vacancy, LtL, Concessions, Employee Units, Model Units, Bad Debt = $325,049 EGI = $3,698,146

Question 20

Employee Unit

Accepted Answer

A unit rented to an employee like a groundskeeper at a discount or free.

Question 21

Equity Investment

Accepted Answer

The total money required for putting a deal together.   Example: financing fees, closing costs, down payment for loan, acquisition fee, operating account funding, etc.

Question 22

Equity Multiplier (EM)

Accepted Answer

The total return based on (cash flow + sale/refinance proceeds) / equity investment.   Example: limited partners invest $3,100,000 into an apartment community over 5 years with an average cashflow of $900,000/year and a refinance proceeds of $4,000,000, the EM = ($4,500,000 + $4,000,000) / $3,100,000 = 2.74 (1.0 is a 100% return of money; 2.74 would be 174% total profit)

Question 23

Exit Strategy

Accepted Answer

The plan to reach the investment goal of a building through refinance or sale.

Question 24

Financing Fee

Accepted Answer

Fees charged by lender for providing the debt service (mortgage)

Question 25

General Partner (GP)

Accepted Answer

The managing partner who is active in the day-to-day operations of the business. GP is also known as a sponsor or syndicator.

Question 26

Gross Potential Income (GPI)

Accepted Answer

The total amount of income you receive if all of the apartment units are 100% leased year-round, plus all other income.

Question 27

Gross Potential Rent (GPR)

Accepted Answer

The total amount of income you receive if all the apartment units are 100% leased year-round excluding other income.

Question 28

Gross Rent Multiplier (GRM)

Accepted Answer

The total number of years it would take for an apartment building to pay itself off if you used every dollar towards the purchase price (excluding interest of the loan).   GRM = Purchase Price  / Gross Potential Rent (GPR)   Example: 296 unit apartment building purchased at $13.7 million with a GPR of $303,400 per month has a GRM of 3.76. It would take 3.76 years to pay off what you purchased the building for if you used every dollar towards the loan (excluding interest).

Question 29

Guaranty Fee

Accepted Answer

A fee that a loan guarantor gets paid at closing. A loan guarantor signs their name for the loan and gets paid a fee of 0.25% to 1% of the principal balance.

Question 30

Interest Rate

Accepted Answer

The percentage amount charged by a lender for the use of their funds.

Question 31

Interest-Only Payment

Accepted Answer

A debt service (mortgage) payment has 4 payments included: principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI).   An interest-only payment has 3 payments included: interest, taxes, and insurance.

Question 32

Internal Rate of Return (IRR)

Accepted Answer

Your average annualized return year over year. A dollar today is more than a dollar tomorrow because you can invest a dollar today, but you can’t invest a future dollar. The IRR considers the time value of money. The IRR also assumes that every year you receive a profit on your money, you are able to reinvest into something else and not let it lose value in the bank.

Question 33

Limited Partner (LP)

Accepted Answer

Limited partners are passive investors. Limited partners supply the money but don't have to deal with the day to day operations of an apartment complex. As a limited partner you reap the benefits of owning real estate: cash flow, forced appreciation, and a tax sheltering asset.

Question 34

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

Accepted Answer

The rate at which banks charge each other for short-term loans. LIBOR is used to calculate interest rates throughout the world.

Question 35

Loss to Lease (LtL)

Accepted Answer

The revenue lost based on market rent and the actual rent.   LtL = Gross Potential Rent - Actual Rent Collected

Question 36

Market Rent

Accepted Answer

The average rent in comparison to similar apartment communities in the area.

Question 37

Model Unit

Accepted Answer

A unit used as a sales tool to show prospective tenants what to expect at our community.

Question 38

Net Operating Income (NOI)

Accepted Answer

The total income of an apartment complex minus operating expenses. This does not include capital expenditures or debt service (mortgage). NOI is used as a tool by banks to determine the value of the complex.   Example: 296 unit apartment complex Total Yearly Income: $3,698,146 Total Yearly Operating Expenses: $1,595,915 Net Operating Income = $3,698,146 - $1,595,915 = $2,102,231

Question 39

Operating Account Funding

Accepted Answer

Also known as reserves. Operating account funding is money raised above the price of the property to cover unexpected dips in occupancy, high than expected capital expenditures, or lump sum tax/insurance payments.

Question 40

Operating Expenses

Accepted Answer

The costs of running and maintaining the apartment complex.   Example for 296 unit apartment building:   Real Estate Taxes: $296,000 Insurance: $75,480 Contract Services: $155,000 Utilities: $320,000 Marketing: $55,000 Management Fee: $129,435 Repairs and Maintenance: $105,000 General/Admin: $80,000 Payroll: $380,000   Total Operating Expenses: $1,595,915

Question 41

Permanent Agency Loan

Accepted Answer

A long-term mortgage loan secured through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. These loan lengths are 5, 7, or 10 years amortized over 20 - 30 years.

Question 42

Physical Occupancy Rate

Accepted Answer

The rate of occupied units.   Physical Occupancy Rate = (Total Number of Occupied Units / Total Number of Units) * 100

Question 43

Preferred Return

Accepted Answer

A return given to the limited partners prior to general partners receiving payment.

Question 44

Prepayment Penalty

Accepted Answer

A monetary penalty in a mortgage clause if you pay off a loan too soon

Question 45

Private Placement Memorandul (PPM)

Accepted Answer

A document that outlines the terms of the investment along with the risk factors involved.

Question 46

Profit and Loss Statement

Accepted Answer

Also known as a T12. T12 stands for the trailing 12 months. The previous 12 months of profit and loss for an apartment complex.

Question 47

Pro-Forma

Accepted Answer

The projected income and expenses for an apartment building based on the competition and expertise of the property management company in the area over the next couple years.

Question 48

Property Management Fee

Accepted Answer

A monthly fee charged by the property manager to manage the day-to-day operations of the property.

Question 49

Property and Neighborhood Classes

Accepted Answer

The following is subjective:   Neighborhood Class: Class A: expensive homes nearby, high median income, no crime Class B: middle class, no crime Class C: low-to-moderate income neighborhood, some crime Class D: low income, high crime

Question 50

Ratio Utility Billing System (RUBS)

Accepted Answer

A system created to bill utilities such as water or electricity back to the tenant.

Question 51

Refinance

Accepted Answer

The replacement of an existing debt with another debt under different terms. It is beneficial to refinance when the building is worth more in to all of the investors.   Example: 296 unit apartment complex Old Loan: - $11,115,868 Refinance Costs: - $500,000 New Loan (75% of upgraded apartment): + $24,256,513 Total to split between Limited Partners and General Partners = $12,640,645

Question 52

Refinancing Fee

Accepted Answer

Some general partners charge a fee for the work required to refinance the property. This fee can range anywhere from 0% to 2% of the total loan amount.

Question 53

Rent Premium

Accepted Answer

An increase in rent after performing renovations to the interior or exterior of an apartment building.

Question 54

Rent Roll

Accepted Answer

A spreadsheet that contains detailed information on each of the units at the apartment community.

Question 55

Sale/Refinance Proceeds

Accepted Answer

The profit at the sale/refinance of the apartment complex.   Example: 296 unit apartment complex refinance   Exit Net Operating Income: $2,102,231 Exit Cap Rate: 6.5%   New Appraised Value: ($2,102,231 / 0.065) = $32,342,015 New Loan at 75% Loan to Value: ($32,342,015 * 0.75) = + $24,256,511 Remaining Debt: - $11,115,868 Refinance Cost: - $500,000   Gross Proceeds from Refinance: ($24,256,511 - $11,115,868 - $500,000) = $12,640,645 split between limited partners and general partners.

Question 56

Sophisticated Investor

Accepted Answer

Someone who has sufficient investing experience and knowledge to weigh the risks and merits of an investment opportunity.

Question 57

Subject Property

Accepted Answer

The property we are looking to purchase.

Question 58

Syndication

Accepted Answer

Groups of investors pooling their money in pursuit of a single investment goal. The syndicate is organized by a sponsor who does the investment legwork and property management and who asks many investors to join in the real estate investment, with everyone sharing in the profits.   Syndicates sometimes meet the definition of “dealing in securities” and therefore must adhere to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). An investment is a security, as defined by the Federal Securities Act of 1933

Question 59

Underwriting

Accepted Answer

The process for evaluating an apartment complex to determine the projected returns.

Question 60

Vacancy Loss

Accepted Answer

The amount of revenue lost due to unoccupied units.

Question 61

Vacancy Rate

Accepted Answer

The percentage of units unoccupied.

terminology