Episode 48: Investing: Basics of Being a Real Estate Developer
The Question:
Can't find a home? A lack of inventory has pushed the pricing of real estate higher than we anticipated and it's causing many people to think in creative ways to enter the real estate investment world. Let's go over the basics of what it would take to be a real estate developer.
What is Real Estate Development?
Do you know what Real Estate Development is? In short, it’s buying empty, raw land to then build something on whether it’s a home, commercial property, or something else. “Developers” typically purchase the land and finance the building of the project.
A lack of inventory has pushed the pricing of real estate higher than we anticipated and it's causing many people to think in creative ways to enter the real estate investment world.
Agents are finding land and building a network and a team of supporters to develop the land.
And that got everyone to thinking, what about the everyday buyer?
Why would you consider developing a land you want to own or already own yourself?
Questions to ask yourself:
Do you have the ability to commit to developing the land?
Can you assemble a team to help you?
Can you finance the development?
Do you have the time it takes to develop the land?
Lori shared conversations that, "The one thing I'm hearing from contractors that I work with that build commercial, 'they're bidding on properties and building on bidding on builds is so challenging right now, Laurie, because you bid one number and then all of a sudden the prices increase and you're like, oh!"
Here's an example.
Say a new home build takes you 18 months.
$114 per square foot
1400 square foot home
Current average cost to build is $300,000
Expenses to sell the property are $27,000
Potential net income is $130,000+
Developing is a big commitment. But if you said yes to all of the above, then it may be for you.
Things you should know
If you're going to become a real estate developer, there are things you should know.
Forbes magazine has some great information on what to know.
Understand Discipline And Differentiation
Get Your Hands On Good Data
Build Relationships First
Be Creative
Create Your Dream Team
Consider Alternative Housing Arrangements
Look At Environments That Create A Good Experience
Know That Renters Are Savvier Than Ever
Know Your Rights Regarding Land, Air And Water
Turn To Pre-Manufactured Materials
Implement Sustainable Development Goals
Talk To Top Local Agents
Activate Common Spaces
Plan Ahead For Future Trends
Some Closing Thoughts
If you're intimidated by the idea of becoming a real estate developer, Lori shares this encouragement.
"So start small, start with a project that isn't overwhelming, maybe even just a remodel in the beginning. And then you step into, I'm going to buy some land. And then you step into now I'm going to develop that land and then you step into, Ooh. Now I'm building on that land, right? It's just layered one on top of the other, on top of the other."
Want more behind the scenes?
Like our Real Estate With Soul, The Podcast Page on Facebook
Check out these episodes:
- Agent
- Airbnb
-
Buy and Sell Real Estate
- Oct 28, 2025 216:
- Oct 23, 2025 215: City Spotlight: Living the La Verne Life — Peace, Personality & Price Tags
- Oct 21, 2025 214: Southern California Real Estate Update: LA, Orange & Riverside County Market Trends 2025
- Oct 14, 2025 213: Texas Housing Market 2025: Why Homes Aren’t Selling Like They Used To
- Oct 6, 2025 212: Is Renting Really Throwing Money Away? The Truth in 2025
- Sep 26, 2025 211: Busting the Biggest Homebuying Myth: Do You Really Need 20%
- Sep 19, 2025 210: Learning from Real Estate History: 3 Lessons Shaping Today’s Market
- Sep 9, 2025 209: Best Home Features in 2025: What Adds the Most Value
- Sep 5, 2025 208: How to Invest in Real Estate for Retirement: Simple Steps & Real Numbers
- Aug 27, 2025 207: Beyond the Hype: The Truth About Tesla Tiny Homes & Your Real Tiny Home Options
- Aug 21, 2025 206: From Toys to Titles: The Gift of Real Estate for Your Children’s Future
- Aug 21, 2025 205: Brokerage Red Flags & Green Flags Every Agent Should Know
- Aug 10, 2025 204: Tiny Homes, Big Dreams: Your 2025 Guide to Small-Space Success
- Jul 30, 2025 203: How First-Time Investors Should Start in 2025
- Jul 24, 2025 202: From Sellers to Buyers: What the Market Shift Means for You
- Jul 24, 2025 201: More Than a Move: Processing the Emotions of Selling
- Jun 21, 2025 200: Why Some Homes Are Selling Fast… and Others Are Sitting
- Jun 14, 2025 199: Should I Sell Now or Wait? What You Should Know in 2025
- Jun 6, 2025 198: What’s Really Going On in the Spring Real Estate Market Right Now?
- May 28, 2025 197: When Life Shifts: Navigating Divorce & Real Estate with Grace
- Apr 18, 2025 196: Two Moves, One Mission: How to Buy & Sell Without the Breakdown
- Apr 11, 2025 195: Trusting the Process: Your Real Estate Journey and 4 Tips to Stay Grounded in it
- Apr 2, 2025 194: Moving with Intention: Navigating the Emotions & Logistics of a Big Move
- Mar 8, 2025 193: Tariffs & Real Estate: Will They Help or Hurt the Market?
- Feb 24, 2025 192: LA Market Update: Fire Aftermath, Housing Shifts & Hot Listings
- Feb 1, 2025 191: LA Fires & Real Estate: The Hidden Impact on Homeowners, Taxes, & Market Challenges with Victoria Ivie
- Jan 22, 2025 190: Inspiration and Insight: The LA Fires and Real Estate Challenges
- Jan 16, 2025 189: 10 Must-Ask Questions Before Hiring Your Seller’s Agent
- Jan 3, 2025 188: Dream Big: Your Guide to Owning Property in California
- Jan 1, 2025 187: Facing the Senior Housing Crisis: Solutions for Our Aging Population
- Nov 6, 2024 186: September Market Trends: What’s Happening in LA & Orange County Real Estate
- Nov 6, 2024 185: Understanding Tenant Rights: How to Sell Your Rental the Right Way
- Nov 1, 2024 184: The Final Steps: Closing the Deal and Beyond – Why Your REALTOR® is Worth Every Penny
- Oct 16, 2024 183: The Real Value of a REALTOR® Money in the Bank with Navigating Offers & Negotiations- Part 6
- Oct 16, 2024 182: The Real Value of a REALTOR®: Key Listing Appointment Tasks That Help Sell Your Home – Part 5
- Oct 8, 2024 181: The Real Value of a REALTOR®: What Happens in Your Listing Appointment Presentation - Part 4
- Sep 14, 2024 180: The Real Value of a REALTOR® Why You Would Want to Hire A Real Estate Agent to Sell Your Home - Part 3
- Sep 9, 2024 179: The Real Value of a REALTOR® Why You Would Want to Hire A Real Estate Agent - Part 2
- Aug 31, 2024 178: The Real Value of a REALTOR®: 179 Ways They Work for You Part 1
- Apr 14, 2024 164: The Impact of Prime Locations on Home Prices in Growing Job Markets
-
Buyer
- Aug 18, 2023 138: A Buyer’s Agent Reality in Real Estate
- Jul 20, 2023 134: All Things in the Real Estate Market Today
- Jul 13, 2023 133: Current Real Estate Market in Today’s Challenging Economy
- Jul 1, 2023 132: Value of Home Staging in Real Estate with Richelle Stannard
- Jun 16, 2023 131: Buying A House When You Own A House
- Jun 10, 2023 130: Will You Be My Real Estate Agent?
- Jul 21, 2022 095 Pools and More!
- May 12, 2022 085: Investing: E.T.H.I.C.A.L. Property Investing with Dr. Dionne Payn of High Impact Property Investments
- Apr 21, 2022 082: Dave Ramsey: How To Find An Endorsed Local Provider
- Apr 14, 2022 081 Testimonial: Surprise Guest, and Past Client, Lauryn Creager!
- Apr 7, 2022 080 Market: Life Changes, Interest Rates, and Making Offers
- Mar 24, 2022 079 Investing: Airbnb Advice With Expert Danielle Tate, Co-Author of Host Coach
- Mar 17, 2022 078 Market: The Cost of Waiting
- Dec 2, 2021 065 Home Warranties: Realtor Perspectives and What To Think About
- Oct 14, 2021 Episode 60: Financial Planning: Saving For Your First Home
- Oct 7, 2021 Episode 59: Financial Planning: Real Estate Attorney Q&A with Rebecca Larson, Your Home Legal, APC
- Sep 30, 2021 Episode 58: Photography: Behind the Scenes with QwikVid on Capturing Your Home
- Sep 16, 2021 Episode 56: Mortgage Lending: Investing Strategies for the COVID Market with Mortgage Lender Justin Brown
- Aug 19, 2021 Episode 52: Back To School: Pros and Cons Of Living Next To A School
- Aug 12, 2021 Episode 51: Back To School: Our Thoughts, Perspectives, and Tips with COVID in 2021
- Aug 5, 2021 Episode 50: Investing: Buy and Hold Quality Real Estate With Armchair Real Estate Millionaire Author Michael Dominguez
- Jul 29, 2021 Episode 49: Investing: How To Be A Land Investor with Christina Walls of Land Profit Generator
- Jul 21, 2021 Episode 48: Investing: Basics of Being a Real Estate Developer
- Jul 15, 2021 Episode 47: Investing: Different Ways to House Hack and Pay Off Your Mortgage
- Jul 8, 2021 Episode 46: Investing: Using Taxes to Grow Your Portfolio Using the 1031 Exchange with Dave Foster
- Jul 1, 2021 Episode 45: When You Make Community A Home with Alta Skinner
- Jun 24, 2021 Episode 44 Living Your Best Life In Community
- Apr 29, 2021 Episode 38: Investing: Buying and Holding Real Estate for Your Family's Future
- Apr 22, 2021 Episode 37: Pushing Past The Fear Of Moving Out Of State
- Apr 15, 2021 Episode 36: House Hacking Your Way to Financial Peace
- Apr 13, 2021 Episode 35: Important Things in Real Estate - Transaction Coordination
- Mar 25, 2021 Episode 34: Important Things in Real Estate - NHD's
- Mar 19, 2021 Episode 33: Staying Optimistic Throughout Your Real Estate Journey
- Mar 10, 2021 Episode 31: Buying an Investment Property
- Dec 19, 2020 Episode 23: The Buyers Academy: Guide to Buying Your Home
- Dec 3, 2020 Episode 22: Holidays and Real Estate
- Oct 20, 2020 Episode 16: Is Renting Or Buying Right For You?
- Oct 20, 2020 Episode 15: Should I Rent? Or Should I Buy?
- Apr 10, 2020 Episode 5: Finding Your Calm In Change, Uncertainty, Or Chaos With Mindfulness Expert Dr. Regina Trammel
- Mar 26, 2020 Episode 4: What's The Home Buying Experience From A Buyer's Agent's Perspective?
- Mar 16, 2020 Episode 3: Can I Actually Afford To Buy A Home?
- Feb 25, 2020 Episode 2: How Do You Buy Your First Home?
- Feb 19, 2020 Episode 1: Buying A Home As A Single Woman
-
Buyer Agent
- Aug 18, 2023 138: A Buyer’s Agent Reality in Real Estate
-
Buying
- Mar 25, 2024 162: Mastering the Art of Choosing the Perfect Offer When Selling Your Home
- Mar 12, 2024 161: The Art Negotiating: A Continuation of our Real Estate Commissions Conversation
- Mar 4, 2024 160: The Election Effect: Real Estate Trends in Election Years
- Feb 27, 2024 159: 2024 Market Update: Navigating Turbulence in Unstable Real Estate
- Feb 20, 2024 158: Understanding Today's Buyers: Let’s Talk About Characteristics of Home Buyers
- Feb 1, 2024 157: California Real Estate: Navigating 4 Cities with Caution and Hyper-Local Insight in Los Angeles
- Jan 26, 2024 156: Golden Transitions: Navigating Downsizing Options for Senior Citizens
- Jan 25, 2024 155: Real Estate Numbers: A Comprehensive Analysis of the 2023 Real Estate Market
- Jan 13, 2024 154: Navigating Mobile Home Transactions with 10 Pro Tips
- Jan 7, 2024 153: Some Starry Estates: Celebrities that Are Making Their Real Estate Moves
- Dec 30, 2023 152: Trade Up or Down: 10 Tips for Transitioning to Your Ideal Home Size
- Dec 16, 2023 151: The Realities of Buyer's Remorse in Real Estate
- Dec 1, 2023 150: Selling As-Is: Empowering Your Real Estate Choices
- Nov 18, 2023 149: Real Estate Commissions and the Intrinsic Value of Your Real Estate Agent
- Nov 10, 2023 148: Exploring Real Estate with Your Neighborhood Agent VS. Non Local Agent: Who Do You Hire?
- Nov 4, 2023 147: Insuring Your Home in California: Navigating Fire Insurance & Brokerage Insights with Rob Dow
- Oct 28, 2023 146: Unveiling Real Estate Short Sales: Rules and Realities
- Oct 21, 2023 145: Forever Bound: California Taxes and Your Financial Journey
- Oct 13, 2023 144: Real Estate Horror Stories with Hasina Surtee
- Oct 7, 2023 143: 7 Baby Steps to Build Your Wealth
- Sep 29, 2023 142: Hyper Local Market Analysis for LA County
- Sep 21, 2023 141: 4 Seller Strategies For The Market Today
- Aug 31, 2023 140: Buying & Selling With A Dave Ramsey ELP
-
Buying young
- Nov 3, 2022 108: Moving Forward. Think Big. Set Goals.
- Oct 27, 2022 107: Mortgage Deferment: Know your options
- COVID
-
California real estate
- Oct 28, 2025 216:
- Oct 23, 2025 215: City Spotlight: Living the La Verne Life — Peace, Personality & Price Tags
- Oct 21, 2025 214: Southern California Real Estate Update: LA, Orange & Riverside County Market Trends 2025
- Oct 14, 2025 213: Texas Housing Market 2025: Why Homes Aren’t Selling Like They Used To
- Oct 6, 2025 212: Is Renting Really Throwing Money Away? The Truth in 2025
- Sep 26, 2025 211: Busting the Biggest Homebuying Myth: Do You Really Need 20%
- Sep 19, 2025 210: Learning from Real Estate History: 3 Lessons Shaping Today’s Market
- Sep 9, 2025 209: Best Home Features in 2025: What Adds the Most Value
- Sep 5, 2025 208: How to Invest in Real Estate for Retirement: Simple Steps & Real Numbers
- Aug 27, 2025 207: Beyond the Hype: The Truth About Tesla Tiny Homes & Your Real Tiny Home Options
- Aug 21, 2025 206: From Toys to Titles: The Gift of Real Estate for Your Children’s Future
- Aug 21, 2025 205: Brokerage Red Flags & Green Flags Every Agent Should Know
- Aug 10, 2025 204: Tiny Homes, Big Dreams: Your 2025 Guide to Small-Space Success
- Jul 30, 2025 203: How First-Time Investors Should Start in 2025
- Jul 24, 2025 202: From Sellers to Buyers: What the Market Shift Means for You
- Jul 24, 2025 201: More Than a Move: Processing the Emotions of Selling
- Jun 21, 2025 200: Why Some Homes Are Selling Fast… and Others Are Sitting
- Jun 14, 2025 199: Should I Sell Now or Wait? What You Should Know in 2025
- Jun 6, 2025 198: What’s Really Going On in the Spring Real Estate Market Right Now?
- May 28, 2025 197: When Life Shifts: Navigating Divorce & Real Estate with Grace
- Apr 18, 2025 196: Two Moves, One Mission: How to Buy & Sell Without the Breakdown
- Apr 11, 2025 195: Trusting the Process: Your Real Estate Journey and 4 Tips to Stay Grounded in it
- Apr 2, 2025 194: Moving with Intention: Navigating the Emotions & Logistics of a Big Move
- Mar 8, 2025 193: Tariffs & Real Estate: Will They Help or Hurt the Market?
- Feb 24, 2025 192: LA Market Update: Fire Aftermath, Housing Shifts & Hot Listings
- Feb 1, 2025 191: LA Fires & Real Estate: The Hidden Impact on Homeowners, Taxes, & Market Challenges with Victoria Ivie
- Jan 22, 2025 190: Inspiration and Insight: The LA Fires and Real Estate Challenges
- Oct 16, 2024 183: The Real Value of a REALTOR® Money in the Bank with Navigating Offers & Negotiations- Part 6
- Oct 16, 2024 182: The Real Value of a REALTOR®: Key Listing Appointment Tasks That Help Sell Your Home – Part 5
- Oct 8, 2024 181: The Real Value of a REALTOR®: What Happens in Your Listing Appointment Presentation - Part 4
- Sep 14, 2024 180: The Real Value of a REALTOR® Why You Would Want to Hire A Real Estate Agent to Sell Your Home - Part 3
- Sep 9, 2024 179: The Real Value of a REALTOR® Why You Would Want to Hire A Real Estate Agent - Part 2
- Aug 31, 2024 178: The Real Value of a REALTOR®: 179 Ways They Work for You Part 1
- Aug 23, 2024 177: July Market Update: Real Estate Trends Across LA, San Bernardino, Orange, and Riverside Counties
- Aug 6, 2024 176: Guiding Your Financial Future: The Power of Purposeful Financial Planning with David Daley
- Aug 5, 2024 175: Home and Real Estate Development: Mastering Real Estate Project Management
- Jul 25, 2024 174: June Market Trends: Are We Heading Towards a Balanced Market?
- Jul 17, 2024 173: Forever Home, Forever Memories: Leticia's Journey Through Love and Loss
- Jul 6, 2024 172: Navigating Real Estate Ownership and Wealth in a Changing Market
- Jun 30, 2024 171: Timing Your Home Purchase with Seasonal Trends
- Jun 21, 2024 170: Should You Sell Your Home in Retirement? Five Essential Factors to Consider
- May 28, 2024 169: It’s a Real Estate Showdown: Kendrick vs. Drake
- May 22, 2024 168: Riverside Real Estate Market Analysis: Insights and Trends
- May 11, 2024 167: Show Me The Money: Real Estate Career Roles & Opportunities
- May 6, 2024 166: Navigating the Shifting Trends: A Real Estate Market Update Up To March
-
California real estate market
- Oct 28, 2025 216:
- Oct 23, 2025 215: City Spotlight: Living the La Verne Life — Peace, Personality & Price Tags
- Oct 21, 2025 214: Southern California Real Estate Update: LA, Orange & Riverside County Market Trends 2025
- Oct 14, 2025 213: Texas Housing Market 2025: Why Homes Aren’t Selling Like They Used To
- Oct 6, 2025 212: Is Renting Really Throwing Money Away? The Truth in 2025
- Sep 26, 2025 211: Busting the Biggest Homebuying Myth: Do You Really Need 20%
- Sep 19, 2025 210: Learning from Real Estate History: 3 Lessons Shaping Today’s Market
- Sep 9, 2025 209: Best Home Features in 2025: What Adds the Most Value
- Sep 5, 2025 208: How to Invest in Real Estate for Retirement: Simple Steps & Real Numbers
- Aug 27, 2025 207: Beyond the Hype: The Truth About Tesla Tiny Homes & Your Real Tiny Home Options
- Aug 21, 2025 206: From Toys to Titles: The Gift of Real Estate for Your Children’s Future
- Aug 21, 2025 205: Brokerage Red Flags & Green Flags Every Agent Should Know
- Aug 10, 2025 204: Tiny Homes, Big Dreams: Your 2025 Guide to Small-Space Success
- Jul 30, 2025 203: How First-Time Investors Should Start in 2025
- Jul 24, 2025 202: From Sellers to Buyers: What the Market Shift Means for You
- Jul 24, 2025 201: More Than a Move: Processing the Emotions of Selling
- Jun 21, 2025 200: Why Some Homes Are Selling Fast… and Others Are Sitting
- Jun 14, 2025 199: Should I Sell Now or Wait? What You Should Know in 2025
- Jun 6, 2025 198: What’s Really Going On in the Spring Real Estate Market Right Now?
- May 28, 2025 197: When Life Shifts: Navigating Divorce & Real Estate with Grace
- Apr 18, 2025 196: Two Moves, One Mission: How to Buy & Sell Without the Breakdown
- Apr 11, 2025 195: Trusting the Process: Your Real Estate Journey and 4 Tips to Stay Grounded in it
- Apr 2, 2025 194: Moving with Intention: Navigating the Emotions & Logistics of a Big Move
- Mar 8, 2025 193: Tariffs & Real Estate: Will They Help or Hurt the Market?
- Feb 24, 2025 192: LA Market Update: Fire Aftermath, Housing Shifts & Hot Listings
- Feb 1, 2025 191: LA Fires & Real Estate: The Hidden Impact on Homeowners, Taxes, & Market Challenges with Victoria Ivie
- Jan 22, 2025 190: Inspiration and Insight: The LA Fires and Real Estate Challenges
Ready to start your path to homeownership?
Be sure to download your FREE PDF Guide of the Overview of Buying Your Home!
909.227.4196 | KW Realty, DRE 01794115
Know someone interested in buying, selling, or investing in Real Estate?
Disclaimer: Please verify all information with the licensed professional of your choice.