EP 250: De-Risking Real Estate Development: Insights from Katie Kim

I’m a real estate developer and educator with over 30 years of experience, specializing in transforming overlooked urban spaces into vibrant, community-enhancing developments. My passion for real estate began early, growing up in a family deeply rooted in construction and development and spending weekends on the jobsites with my dad and school holidays in the office with my mom. I completed my first real estate deal at just 16 years old.

Before diving fully into real estate, I spent several years at Accenture Technology Labs in Chicago, working in the Research and Innovation Department. There, I crafted strategic solutions for corporations, traveling globally to implement profitable strategies for clients. This experience honed my ability to align a company’s mission with long-term financial growth—skills I now apply to real estate development by uncovering hidden opportunities and creating profitable projects.

In 2004, we founded The Kim Group for our own real estate investments and expanded to work with clients. In 2015, we relaunched the company to incorporate our unique “Developer for Fee” model, designed to help business owners and individuals navigate the complexities of real estate development. This model empowers clients to be fully involved in every step of the development process—from acquisition to design and financial structuring—while I provide the expert guidance needed to ensure success. By 2021, we expanded into Austin and launched The Kim Group ATX, bringing my expertise in adaptive reuse, small-scale urban infill, and Public-Private Partnerships (P3).

What sets me apart is my ability to see opportunities where others see obstacles. I’ve led major projects like the Trefzger’s Bakery, Keller Station, and many others transforming neglected properties into thriving community hubs. My expertise in leveraging economic incentives— like TIFs, BDDs, SSA, Historic Tax Credits, and many others —ensures that even the most challenging projects become financially viable and successful. 

I am launching the Katie Kim Educational Platform to expand my mission of empowering individuals to achieve financial independence through real estate development. My platform provides the education and tools needed to confidently navigate real estate deals, build generational wealth, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

I’m passionate about solving complex development challenges and turning ideas into reality. Whether you’re an aspiring developer or an experienced investor looking for new opportunities, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. 

Real Developers, Real Results

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Infill Development

03:46 Market Trends and Passive Investment Strategies

04:05 Katie Kim's Origin Story

08:35 Understanding Developer for Fee Services

13:03 Navigating Development Challenges

17:16 Innovative Affordable Housing Strategies

21:26 Exploring Affordable Housing Solutions

23:40 Building a Supportive Community for Investors

27:05 Navigating Development Challenges

28:29 Katie Kim's Ongoing Projects and Vision

30:18 Final Thoughts and Resources for Investors

37:23 outro 

RANDY SMITH

Connect with our host, Randy Smith, for more educational content or to discuss investment opportunities in the real estate syndication space at www.impactequity.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallsmith or on Instagram at @randysmithinvestor

Keywords

infill development, passive investing, real estate, developer fees, tax credits, affordable housing, community building, education, market insights, investment strategies