The Land Development Podcast with Ryan Glick

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics.In today’s episode, Ryan is joined by co-host Charles Covey for analysis of the recent election and its potential impacts on the housing market. With a new administration on the horizon, there are many changes expected in the real estate industry. Charles shares his perspective on three major topics that could shape the future of land development: deregulation, the construction workforce, and tariffs.The discussion kicks off with Trump’s proposals to slash regulations that drive up housing costs. While deregulation could reduce costs, Charles points out the challenges of implementing changes at the federal level due to local and state regulations. He offers insights on why a collaborative approach between states and a dedicated housing czar could be a game-changer in tackling red tape in land development.Next, they explore the impact of immigration policies on the construction workforce. With 31% of construction workers being immigrants, Charles explains the potential risks of mass deportations and how that could disrupt the industry. He emphasizes the need for better immigration programs that streamline processes and support the workforce that is essential to keeping housing costs manageable.The third topic focuses on tariffs and their implications for building costs. Charles weighs in on Trump’s proposed tariffs on raw building materials and how this could drive up prices for homebuyers. However, he remains cautiously optimistic, noting that lower taxes could offset some of the increased costs, potentially leading to a net positive outcome for the American consumer.In the spirit of Veterans Day, Ryan highlights the efforts of the Gary Sinise Foundation in building mortgage-free homes for veterans. They reflect on the challenges veterans face, particularly in finding stable housing, and applaud organizations that are making a tangible difference in their lives.All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/industry-news-trumps-plan-for-housing-fed-cuts-rates-building-homes-for-veterans.

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics.In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, host Ryan Glick sits down with Randy Hall, CEO of Windy Hill Development. Randy shares his journey in real estate, starting in the early '80s in Dallas and moving on to Houston, where he made his mark with landmark projects like Marina Del Sol. Randy discusses the lessons he learned early on, such as the importance of persistence and not underselling yourself. He recounts his experience as a young developer navigating the savings and loan crisis, including a nerve-wracking pitch to a room full of bankers. Despite the setbacks and market crashes, his ability to adapt and seize opportunities set the foundation for his successful career.The conversation dives into Randy’s current work at Windy Hill Development, where he focuses on creating boutique, entry-level communities in the Houston area. He explains why Houston remains an attractive market, the importance of face-to-face interactions in land deals, and why he specializes in projects aimed at first-time homebuyers.Randy also shares practical advice for aspiring developers and landowners. He emphasizes the importance of choosing the right partners, being patient with investments, and doing thorough due diligence before purchasing land. With decades of experience and a wealth of knowledge, Randy’s insights offer valuable lessons for anyone involved in real estate.Additional details on this episode, including info on our guest can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/importance-of-persistence-in-land-development.

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics.In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, Ryan Glick and co-host Charles Covey discuss the current landscape of land development with a focus on key topics shaping the industry. They start with a reminder about Election Day and its potential impact on the real estate and land development world. Charles and Ryan encourage listeners to get involved, stressing that the election could play a critical role in future regulations, policies, and industry trends.The conversation then turns to mortgage rates, which have been climbing for five consecutive weeks, reaching levels that deter both buyers and sellers from entering the market. Charles and Ryan analyze the data and trends, including how rates are influencing market behavior and affecting the availability of affordable housing. Charles also shares his perspective on the cyclical impact of elections on interest rates, highlighting how these political shifts often translate into market adjustments in the months following an election.The hosts dig into affordable housing, pointing out that rents under $1,000 are rapidly disappearing, particularly in larger cities. They explain why this sub-$1,000 rental market is shrinking and examine the impact of prolonged inflation and slowed construction. Charles discusses the financial and regulatory obstacles facing developers who aim to build affordable housing. They agree that while $1,000 rentals are theoretically possible, current market and regulatory pressures make it economically unfeasible for many developers to pursue projects at this price point.In the final segment, Charles and Ryan explore Texas-specific challenges, especially the role of zoning in the state’s housing crisis. They highlight the need for zoning reform and discuss potential state legislation that could ease housing shortages by increasing density options. Charles explains how zoning limitations, particularly in major Texas cities, restrict the development of affordable housing types. As the Texas legislature gears up to tackle this issue, they ponder what reforms might mean for developers and residents alike.All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/industry-news-mortgage-rates-rise-affordability-concerns-with-apartments-call-for-zoning-reform-in-texas.

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics.In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, host Ryan Glick sits down with Michael Wayne, the principal at Detroit Riverside Capital. Michael shares his path from consulting to real estate development, detailing how he made the transition from a traditional 9-to-5 role into full-time entrepreneurship. Michael’s story starts with a major infill project in downtown Auburn Hills. He talks about the early hurdles of pitching investors for his first deal and how surrounding himself with knowledgeable industry partners was key to his success.Michael dives into the intricacies of launching a development business, emphasizing the importance of leveraging existing networks, especially when sourcing contractors, architects, and engineers. He outlines the challenges of navigating regulatory requirements and building long-term relationships with investors. Throughout the conversation, Michael offers insights into what it takes to maintain and grow a successful real estate business, along with his focus on scaling projects that are repeatable and adaptable across regions.The episode also explores Michael’s approach to risk-taking, particularly when securing funding and managing construction projects. He discusses how his company shifted from mixed-use urban developments to suburban multifamily projects, targeting empty nesters and other demographics seeking maintenance-free living options. Additional details on this episode, including info on our guest can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/building-a-repeatable-model-for-success-in-land-development.    

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics.In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, hosts Ryan Glick and Charles Covey discuss Florida’s real estate market following the recent hurricanes. The conversation highlights how attractive policies and a warmer climate continue to draw residents and businesses, despite risks.The focus then shifts to the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cut and its implications. With caution emphasized by Fed officials, Ryan and Charles analyze how potential interest rate reductions could influence economic growth and the real estate sector, especially as it relates to development timelines and market expectations.Next, the discussion moves to the pause in Dallas-Fort Worth's office construction—a trend not seen since 2010. The hosts examine what this means for developers, tenants, and future leasing activities, noting a strong shift toward high-quality, mixed-use spaces.Wrapping up, the episode touches on Amazon's new return-to-office mandate, exploring how this decision could set a precedent for other companies and potentially reshape the real estate landscape. All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/industry-news-florida-real-estate-hurricanes-feds-rate-plan-for-nov-dec-office-construction-slowdown-dfw. 

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics.In this episode of the Land Development Podcast, Ryan Glick interviews Dr. Lee Newton, an optometrist and real estate developer. Dr. Newton talks about his journey from being an eye doctor to becoming an active real estate investor. Starting with small investments in residential properties, he shares how his frustration with the typical tenants and toilets model pushed him towards commercial development.Dr. Newton explains how necessity drove him to acquire his general contractor’s license when developing his own office building, and from there, he became more immersed in the world of real estate development. He highlights his experiences working on various commercial projects, including a building he developed with partners in Bay City, Michigan, and how he navigated challenges like soil issues and rising costs during construction.A significant portion of the conversation focuses on value engineering, a practice Dr. Newton advocates for, which allows developers to find cost-efficient solutions without sacrificing quality. He also shares insights into his current work, including a residential duplex project and his vision for future build-to-rent projects. His approach of combining professional expertise with hands-on involvement in real estate offers valuable lessons for other professionals looking to diversify into property investment.Listeners will appreciate Dr. Newton’s practical advice on finding the right partners, scaling projects, and managing development costs. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or someone exploring real estate investment as a side venture, this episode provides great insights and inspiration for taking the next step.Additional details on this episode, including info on our guest, can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/real-estate-development-strategies-for-doctors-and-other-professionals.

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics.In this episode, Ryan Glick and Charles Covey dive into some topics shaping the land development industry. They start by examining the Federal Reserve’s potential rate cuts, with mixed signals coming from recent job reports and financial markets. What will it take for the Fed to ease up, and how will these decisions impact real estate heading into 2025? Ryan and Charles break down the numbers and discuss what’s really at stake for developers.The conversation then shifts to housing market inventory, as Charles highlights insights from Redfin’s CEO, Glenn Kelman, who predicts that inventory will remain the biggest challenge in 2025. With so many homeowners locked into low mortgage rates, selling isn't an attractive option, putting builders in a unique position. Will new construction be able to keep up with demand as interest rates shift? Ryan and Charles discuss what this means for the real estate market next year.The third major topic is the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which has not only taken lives but also created significant challenges for commercial real estate. The storm's impact on property values, insurance costs, and overall business operations is widespread, and Ryan and Charles explore how this event—and the possibility of future hurricanes—might reshape the commercial real estate landscape.Lastly, Ryan and Charles touch on the upcoming 2024 election and its potential influence on economic decisions, including how consumer sentiment could shift. The uncertainty surrounding political outcomes is adding yet another layer of complexity for those in the land development and real estate sectors.All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/industry-news-market-expects-another-fed-rate-cut-2025-home-sales-outlook-hurricane-helene-storm-damage. 

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics.In this episode of the Land Development Podcast, host Ryan Glick sits down with Alex Kamkar, the Managing Shareholder of Bold Fox Development. Alex walks us through his journey into real estate development, starting from his days at Texas A&M, where he was focused on agriculture, to his pivot into real estate. He shares how he went back to school to get his master’s degree in real estate and how that education was foundational but ultimately less impactful than the hands-on mentorship he received in the industry.Alex emphasizes the critical role that on-the-job experience and mentorship play in the real estate business. He talks about working under Jim Jenkins, a key figure in Houston’s master-planned communities, and how those early years shaped his approach to real estate development. Alex candidly discusses the challenges of starting Bold Fox Development just months before the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of building a strong network that supports you through those difficult times.As the conversation moves forward, Alex dives into the nuts and bolts of his current projects. He explains the vision behind Bold Fox’s developments and how he aims to create communities that offer more than just homes—places where people feel connected to nature and can escape from the stress of modern life. Alex also touches on the broader housing market, noting the increasing importance of addressing affordability and the complex dynamics between builders, developers, and municipalities.To wrap up, Alex gives his take on the future of housing, the challenges facing land developers, and the need for the industry to adapt to changing economic conditions. Whether you're a seasoned developer or someone just curious about the world of real estate, Alex Kamkar offers invaluable insights into what it takes to succeed in this field.Guest Details: Name: Alex KamkarRole: Managing Shareholder @ Bold Fox DevelopmentLinks: Bold Fox Development Website: https://boldfoxdevelopment.com/ Alex’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-kamkar-b5187b33/ The show notes page for this episode can be found at https://letsgroov.com/podcast/balancing-vision-community-and-affordability-in-real-estate-development.  

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics.Ryan Glick and co-host Charles Covey dive into the FED's decision to slash interest rates by half a point, marking the first rate cut in four years. Ryan and Charles break down what this means for developers, homebuyers, and the broader real estate industry. They discuss how the market has already priced in the rate cut and what to expect from future FED meetings.As election season heats up, the episode shifts to a discussion on homebuyer sentiment. With many buyers sitting on the sidelines, Ryan and Charles analyze how political uncertainty is influencing real estate decisions. From buyer hesitation due to election results to the long-term impacts of the FED's rate cuts, they examine how timing and market conditions may shape 2024's housing trends.Next, they explore private capital’s growing interest in distressed office assets. With office property values dropping significantly, some investors are seeing opportunities to buy at discounted rates. Ryan and Charles explain why primary markets are becoming hotspots for these deals and how the pandemic has shifted the landscape of office real estate.To wrap things up, Ryan and Charles discuss what they expect for the coming months. From the potential for a recession to the continued influence of interest rates, they predict key trends that could shape real estate through the end of the year and into 2025.All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/industry-news-fed-cuts-rates-by-half-point-home-buyers-cautious-private-capital-buying-office-assets.

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics.In this episode, Ryan sits down with Sean Myers, the managing director of Bright Leaf Properties and co-founder of Great Leaf Homes, to discuss his journey into the world of real estate development. Originally an English major with a career in advertising, Sean shares how a chance encounter with a home renovator sparked his interest in real estate and ultimately led him to land development. Starting out as a residential agent and flipping houses, Sean’s story highlights the power of pivoting towards what truly excites you.Sean walks us through the world of land development, offering an inside look at the long and often complex process of entitling land for future projects. From zoning challenges to managing a team of experts, Sean explains how his career evolved from selling small homes to working on major development projects across Central Florida. With a focus on both Bright Leaf Properties and Great Leaf Homes, he discusses the balance between large-scale land development and the personal touch of homebuilding.One of the key themes in the conversation is risk management in development. Sean emphasizes the importance of picking the right projects, learning to rely on experts, and navigating the sometimes daunting unknowns that come with large developments. His real-life experiences, from working on 7,000 lots before the financial crisis to developing new subdivisions, offer valuable lessons for those looking to enter the industry or expand their existing business.Finally, Sean shares advice for aspiring developers, from the importance of networking to how to approach complicated projects. He also touches on the build-to-rent trend, explaining how it’s shaping the future of the housing market. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical insights into the world of land development and homebuilding.Guest Details: Name: Sean MyersRole: Co-Founder @ Greatleaf Homes & Managing Director of Brightleaf PropertiesLinks: Greatleaf Website: https://greatleafhomes.com/Sean’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanmyers1/The show notes page for this episode can be found at https://letsgroov.com/podcast/choosing-the-right-projects-and-managing-risk-in-land-development.