The Land Development Podcast with Ryan Glick

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. 

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics.In this week's industry news episode, Ryan Glick and Charles Covey explore the latest housing market data. They begin with a discussion on single-family construction, which has been growing despite high interest rates, while multifamily housing permits are steadily declining. Charles sheds light on the increasing dominance of national and regional builders, which have better access to capital, leaving smaller local builders struggling to compete. He explains how this shift in market share affects local economies, as larger national builders continue to take over. They also discuss the challenges small builders face, such as rising costs for permits and supplies, which makes it difficult for them to develop lots at the same pace as their larger competitors.Next, the conversation shifts to the broader policy issues impacting the housing market. Ryan and Charles react to a Fox Business interview with Jim Tobin from the National Association of Homebuilders, where he highlights the critical need for production-side incentives rather than demand-side solutions like down payment assistance. They examine how government regulations, including costly new energy codes, are driving up the price of housing, while tariffs on Canadian lumber are also playing a role.Wrapping up the episode, Ryan and Charles turn their attention to the housing crisis in Texas, where the state’s rapid population growth has outpaced new home construction. They discuss how Dallas-Fort Worth, one of the hardest-hit regions, has seen home prices skyrocket by almost 50% since 2020. The hosts weigh in on what’s being done at the state and national levels to address this issue and predict how the housing market might evolve in the coming years.All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/industry-news-single-family-output-up-incentives-needed-for-housing-production-homes-needed-in-texas.

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics.In today’s episode of the Land Development Podcast, Ryan Glick is joined by Dustin Kinder, CEO of Maverick Water Group, to explore the role of water management in the real estate development industry. Dustin shares his journey from agriculture to founding Maverick, highlighting the big moments that led him to recognize water’s potential as a powerful tool for good.Dustin provides an inside look at how Maverick Water Group is revolutionizing the way water infrastructure is designed, built, and operated in master-planned communities. He explains the "Design-Build-Own-Operate-Maintain" (DBOOM) model that Maverick employs, which offers developers a cost-effective, sustainable solution to meet their water needs without the upfront capital outlay. This approach not only benefits developers but also ensures long-term savings for homeowners by reducing water costs.Throughout the conversation, Dustin emphasizes the importance of aligning water usage with its highest and best purpose, particularly in areas facing water scarcity like Texas. He details how Maverick’s closed-loop systems use non-potable water sources for irrigation, thus conserving valuable freshwater resources.Dustin also reflects on the challenges and successes of implementing Maverick’s business model in large-scale projects, such as the Painted Tree community in McKinney, Texas. This fast-paced, high-profile development tested every aspect of Maverick’s operations and proved the effectiveness of their innovative approach.Guest Details: Name: Dustin KinderRole: CEO @ Maverick WaterLinks: Maverick Water Website: https://maverickwater.com/Dustin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinkinder/The show notes page for this episode can be found at https://letsgroov.com/podcast/the-future-of-water-in-real-estate-development. 

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics.Ryan Glick is joined by Charles Covey for an industry news episode that dives deep into three key headlines impacting the real estate market today.First, they discuss the record number of homebuyer cancellations in July, analyzing why so many deals fell through despite falling mortgage rates. Charles sheds light on how the upcoming election year historically cools the market and what we can expect as the political climate continues to heat up. The conversation also touches on the role of new home construction in these cancellations and how builders are navigating the current economic landscape.Next, Ryan and Charles examine the latest inflation data, noting a drop below 3% for the first time since 2021. However, they highlight the ongoing challenge of rising housing costs and the complex relationship between inflation, interest rates, and housing supply. Charles argues for the need for a national housing strategy to address these persistent issues and predicts how future rate cuts might influence the market.Lastly, the episode covers a significant surge in mortgage refinancing, signaling potential shifts in consumer confidence and market trends. The duo explores what this could mean for the housing market's future, particularly for new home sales and existing homeowners with low-interest rates. They also speculate on the potential impact of these trends on the broader real estate market as we move closer to the post-election period.All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/industry-news-record-buyers-backing-out-of-deals-inflation-falls-surge-in-refinancing.  

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics.In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, Ryan sits down with Harsh Thakker, the founding principal of Dorado Capital, to explore his journey into the world of real estate. Harsh shares how his start in the industry began during an internship at a commercial brokerage while studying international politics at Georgetown. He discusses the transition from working with mortgage-backed securities to founding his own firm, highlighting the key moments that shaped Dorado Capital.Harsh dives into the details of Dorado’s early projects, which began just months before covid. He opens up about the challenges faced during the pandemic, including supply chain disruptions and on-site restrictions that delayed project timelines. Despite these obstacles, Harsh explains how strong relationships with contractors and strategic partnerships helped his firm navigate through uncertain times.The conversation also covers the intricacies of real estate development in the DC and Richmond areas. Harsh sheds light on the permitting processes and regulatory hurdles that vary between jurisdictions, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and contingency planning in this industry. He shares insights into how Dorado Capital is expanding its pipeline of residential developments, ensuring a steady flow of projects through 2027.Guest Details: Name: Harsh ThakkerRole: Founding Principal @ Dorado CapitalLinks: Dorado Capital Website: https://dorado.capital/Harsh’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harsh-thakker/The show notes page for this episode can be found at https://letsgroov.com/podcast/growing-a-real-estate-development-company-in-dc-and-richmond. 

Share your feedback or provide industry news topics.In this Industry News episode, Ryan and Charles discuss the significant shifts in the U.S. Treasury yields and what the market is predicting for future Fed rate cuts. Charles provides his insights into how these potential cuts could influence borrowing costs and project feasibility in the land development sector, as well as the broader economic implications.Next, they tackle the rise in starter home prices across the U.S., with some cities now seeing these homes valued at over $1 million. Ryan and Charles break down the realities behind these figures, discussing the geographic concentration of these high prices and what it means for first-time home buyers and developers alike. They also explore the broader migration patterns and the shift toward more affordable regions.The episode then shifts to an in-depth look at the 32% increase in office leasing activity in Q2. The hosts analyze what this resurgence means for the future of office spaces, particularly in the context of the post-pandemic work environment. They discuss the potential long-term changes in office space utilization and how businesses are adapting to new workplace expectations.All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/industry-news-treasury-yields-drop-starter-home-price-changes-office-leasing-increases.