Why “Time” Is the Most Expensive Line Item in Development ASK: Construction costs keep going up, but lately it feels like time is what’s really costing us. Why is time the biggest expense in development, and how do I protect against it? ANSWER: In real estate, everyone tracks dollars, but not enough people track days. […]
How to Run the Numbers Before You Commit to a Development Project ASK: I’ve got a piece of land and a concept. How do I know if the numbers make sense before I dive in? ANSWER: In development, “good idea” doesn’t always mean “good deal.” Before you commit to a site, you need to know […]
The Art of Structuring Joint Ventures in Development Projects ASK: I’m partnering on a new development. How do we structure a JV that’s fair, and future-proof? ANSWER: Joint ventures can be great or horrible just like any partnership. At their best, JVs bring together complementary strengths: land, capital, expertise, and relationships. At their worst, they […]
How Developers Protect Tenants from Project Delays ASK: We’re developing a site for a tenant, but entitlements and permits keep pushing timelines. How do we keep them confident, and keep the deal alive? ANSWER: Tenants hate uncertainty. When delays stretch on, trust erodes fast. But most of the time, it’s not the delay itself that […]
What Landlords Need to Know Before Signing with a Developer ASK: I own property and a developer wants to build on it. What should I watch out for before signing anything? ANSWER: Partnering with a developer can unlock tremendous value, but it also introduces complexity. Developers bring expertise, financing, and vision, but they also bring […]
How to Structure Leases Around Entitlement Timelines ASK: How do I protect both my tenant and myself when entitlements might take months or longer? ANSWER: The fastest way to lose a tenant’s trust is to overpromise on timing. Entitlements are unpredictable, and most tenants underestimate how long they take. At I&D Consulting, we help developers […]
The Developer’s Playbook for Negotiating Land Deals with Landlords and Tenants ASK: I’m negotiating a land deal and trying to balance what the landlord wants with what my tenant needs. How do I make sure everyone wins? ANSWER: Most deals fall apart not because the site is wrong, but because expectations aren’t aligned. In every […]
How to Build Political and Staff Support Before Your First Hearing ASK: We’ve submitted our plans and are waiting for the hearing, how can we make sure it goes well? ANSWER: Public hearings can make or break your project. By the time you’re on the agenda, decisions are largely shaped by what’s already happened behind […]
Why Aligning with the General Plan Is Your Secret Weapon in Approvals ASK: What’s the General Plan, and why does everyone keep telling me to check it before I buy land? ANSWER: The General Plan is the city’s long-term roadmap for growth. It dictates how land can be used, what kinds of development the city […]
How Pre-Application Meetings Can Save Months in Entitlements ASK: Are pre-application meetings really worth it or just another layer of unnecessary red tape? ANSWER: If you think pre-application meetings slow things down, think again. They’re one of the smartest time investments you can make in the entitlement process. A pre-application meeting is your chance to […]