Ritter on Real Estate The Power of Fixed Debt and Smart Operations ft. John Casmon
Sep 29, 2025
45:15
On this week’s episode of Ritter on Real Estate, Kent Ritter interviews John Casmon. They break down a real case study: a 2019-built, B-class Louisville asset bought in 2021 where the team created value through operations and paired the plan with stable, assumed fixed-rate debt. John shares how they tightened collections, navigated a surprise tax reassessment, and used a “process, people, partner” framework to sharpen property management. They wrap with why Midwest absorption/supply dynamics matter and how conservative underwriting created multiple ways to win.
Where to Find John:
- https://casmoncapital.com/
- John's podcasts - Multifamily Insights, Multifamily Mastery on Best Ever CRE
Key Takeaways
- Align debt structure with your business plan; fixed long-term debt lowered risk and created stability
- Value-add isn’t always about renovations—operational efficiencies can drive just as much upside
- Expect the unexpected: delinquency spikes, tax surprises, and other challenges require proactive pivots
- Management can make or break deals; clear KPIs and the right on-site PM are critical
- Conservative underwriting and multiple ways to “win” set projects up to outperform expectations
Books Mentioned
- Free guide: 7 Questions to Ask Before Investing in Apartments
- Books mentioned:
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Production by Outlier Audio