Cash-on-Cash Return

Term from Real Estate industry explained for recruiters

Cash-on-Cash Return is a simple way to measure how well a real estate investment is performing. It shows how much cash an investment generates each year compared to the initial cash invested. Think of it like measuring how many dollars you get back each year for every hundred dollars you put in. Real estate professionals use this to quickly evaluate potential property investments or showcase their success in managing properties. It's different from other terms like 'ROI' or 'cap rate' because it only looks at actual cash flows, making it easier to understand for practical purposes.

Examples in Resumes

Achieved 15% Cash-on-Cash Return for client portfolio of multifamily properties

Analyzed potential investments using Cash-on-Cash Return and other key metrics

Improved Cash-on-Cash Return from 8% to 12% through strategic property improvements

Generated consistent CoC Return above market average for commercial properties

Typical job title: "Real Estate Investment Analysts"

Also try searching for:

Real Estate Investment Manager Property Investment Analyst Real Estate Asset Manager Investment Property Specialist Real Estate Financial Analyst Real Estate Investment Advisor

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you explain the difference between Cash-on-Cash Return and ROI to a potential investor?

Expected Answer: Should explain that Cash-on-Cash Return focuses on actual cash flows versus initial cash invested, while ROI includes total return including property appreciation. Should provide clear examples using simple numbers.

Q: What factors would you consider when setting Cash-on-Cash Return targets for different property types?

Expected Answer: Should discuss how property type, location, market conditions, and risk levels affect target returns. Should mention typical ranges for different property types and explain why they differ.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you calculate Cash-on-Cash Return and what are its limitations?

Expected Answer: Should explain the basic formula (annual cash flow divided by initial cash investment) and mention that it doesn't account for property appreciation or tax benefits.

Q: What strategies would you use to improve a property's Cash-on-Cash Return?

Expected Answer: Should discuss increasing rental income, reducing operating expenses, refinancing to lower debt payments, and making strategic property improvements.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is Cash-on-Cash Return and why is it important in real estate?

Expected Answer: Should explain that it's a measure of annual cash flow compared to initial cash invested, used to evaluate investment performance and compare different properties.

Q: What would you consider a good Cash-on-Cash Return?

Expected Answer: Should mention typical ranges (like 8-12% being generally good) and explain that it varies by property type, location, and market conditions.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic financial calculations
  • Understanding of property cash flows
  • Knowledge of real estate terminology
  • Basic market analysis

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Advanced financial analysis
  • Investment property evaluation
  • Market trend analysis
  • Property performance optimization

Senior (5+ years)

  • Complex investment strategy development
  • Portfolio management
  • Investment risk assessment
  • Team leadership and client relations

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Unable to explain basic financial calculations
  • Lack of understanding of property cash flows
  • No experience with real estate investment analysis
  • Poor grasp of market dynamics and their impact on returns