Category Archives: 2025

IRR vs. Equity Multiple: Which One Best Measures Total Return?

One question that often comes up is which metric is more meaningful when measuring total return – Internal Rate of Return (IRR) or Equity Multiple (EM)? The short answer is: both matter. But each tells a different part of the story. Equity Multiple (EM) is a straightforward measure: how much total cash you received relative […]

Start Underwriting: The First 5 Steps

Underwriting multifamily deals can feel overwhelming at first, but breaking it down into a step-by-step process makes it manageable. Whether you’re new to underwriting or refining your skills, here’s a 5-step checklist to get you started: 1. Define Your Focus: Market, Asset Type, and Class One of the biggest mistakes new underwriters make is trying […]

The Most Overlooked Metric in Multifamily Underwriting: Break-Even Occupancy

When analyzing a real estate deal, most investors focus on cash flow, cap rates, and appreciation potential. But there’s one crucial metric that often gets overlooked—one that could mean the difference between a profitable investment and a financial headache. That metric? Break-Even Occupancy. Why Break-Even Occupancy Matters Break-Even Occupancy tells you the point at which […]

The #1 Mistake Investors Make: Ignoring Market Selection in Underwriting (Part 1)

Part 1: Why Market Selection Matters More Than the Deal I’m often asked: What’s the first step in underwriting deals? The answer isn’t the numbers! It’s the market—because market conditions determine your inputs (aka assumptions) for the financial analysis and cash flow projections that are ultimately used to derive the investment valuation and profitability. A […]

Unlocking the Fundamentals of Multifamily Underwriting

When it comes to multifamily investing, there is one essential skill that every investor (passive or active) should have a good understanding of: underwriting. It is more than just crunching numbers—it’s the art and science of evaluating the investment risks, the financials, and the potential profitability of multifamily properties. What Is Multifamily Underwriting? At its […]

Introducing The Multifamily Underwriting Minute: Simplify Your Multifamily Deal Analysis

I’m excited to announce the launch of my LinkedIn newsletter, The Underwriting Minute! Why I’m Creating This Now: Multifamily investing can seem overwhelming, especially when it comes to underwriting deals. Whether you’re an active or passive investor, understanding the numbers is key to making smart, confident decisions. That’s why I created The Underwriting Minute: to […]