Real Estate Debt Careers

Hi all, long-time lurker/ commentator and only my second post. I am fresh out of uni, and keen to find out as much as possible about careers in real estate debt, would appreciate any and all help with any of the following:

  1. How does any of the following change from a lender perspective compare to an equity investor:

- Underwriting - Due Diligence - Cash Flow Models

  1. What are the key metrics lenders will look at?

Any other advice or comments about debt careers I would be grateful!

5 Comments
 

Debt underwriting is more focused on downside protection, compared to Equity investing which also focuses on the opportunity to drive value at the asset level. Key risk metrics are LTV, DSCR and Debt Yield 

 
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Cossss

Debt underwriting is more focused on downside protection, compared to Equity investing which also focuses on the opportunity to drive value at the asset level. Key risk metrics are LTV, DSCR and Debt Yield 

This is a good summary

Generally speaking, a bank lender is going to underwrite a property based on the higher of historical or market expenses, and size to their credit box (1.25x DSC; 65% LTV; etc.; whatever policy at the time dictates). Exceptions can be made for particular clients or operators depending on experience and history with the firm

Equity investing is a different approach, usually a bit more nuanced. Often times more deal/project specific, typically with more aggressive turn around figures than a bank or lender will assume considering they have a business plan to execute. 

 

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