What is the term used when the rate of return exceeds the costs of borrowing?

The term used when the rate of return exceeds the costs of borrowing is indeed positive leverage. In real estate and finance, positive leverage occurs when an investor uses borrowed funds to invest in an asset, and the return generated by that investment is greater than the cost of the borrowed money. This situation allows investors to enhance their overall returns on equity because they are making money on their investment while paying less in interest on the debt used to finance that investment.

When leveraging is positive, the investor experiences an increase in their return on investment (ROI), as the gains from the investment outweigh the costs associated with borrowing. This concept is critical in real estate investing, where taking advantage of borrowed capital can significantly amplify returns.

In contrast, negative leverage occurs when the costs of borrowing exceed the investment's rate of return, leading to a decrease in return on equity. Neutral leverage refers to a situation where the return on investment equals the cost of borrowing, resulting in no net gain or loss. Zero leverage means that the investor is not using any borrowed funds and is relying solely on their own capital for the investment. Understanding these concepts is essential for making informed financing decisions in real estate.