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In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, host Ryan Glick sits down with Felipe Castillo, partner at PlaceMKR, to discuss his path into real estate development. Felipe shares how his early ambitions to become an architect evolved into a passion for development after gaining exposure to the broader aspects of the industry. His story highlights the influence of military service on his work ethic and leadership style.

Felipe takes listeners through the intricacies of land development, from rezoning to managing investor relationships. With over 30 successful rezonings under his belt, he emphasizes the importance of engaging with local communities and understanding the political landscape to secure project approvals. His insights into raising capital, balancing project complexity, and driving revenue provide valuable lessons for both new and experienced developers.

One of the standout discussions revolves around Felipe’s involvement in redeveloping the iconic Backyard venue in Bee Cave, originally started by Willie Nelson. Felipe explains how his team is transforming the site into a vibrant mixed-use destination while preserving its rich history. This project underscores his philosophy of blending creativity with practical development strategies.

Additional details on this episode, including info on our guest can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/from-military-discipline-to-real-estate-success.

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As we wrap up 2024 and head into the new year, Ryan and Charles Covey join for a reflective and forward-looking episode of The Land Development Podcast. This special New Year’s Eve edition takes a break from regular industry news to dive into the major themes that shaped land development over the past year and explore what lies ahead in 2025.

Ryan and Charles discuss the impact of fluctuating interest rates, inflation, and economic uncertainty, as well as the optimism that has grown in recent months as projects gain traction and funding becomes more accessible. They share personal experiences of how their businesses navigated the challenging landscape of 2024, from creative land acquisition strategies to the evolving role of technology and AI in real estate.

A recurring theme throughout the year was the burden of red tape and regulation, which developers consistently flagged as a significant barrier. As Ryan notes, reducing these obstacles will be a key focus for 2025, with states like Texas and Florida already making moves toward deregulation. Charles adds insights on how the market is shifting, predicting growth in BTR (Build to Rent) and single-family development, while acknowledging the ongoing challenges in multifamily housing.

This episode also touches on personal milestones and reflections, making it not only an industry-focused discussion but also a look at the year from a more personal perspective. As we gear up for 2025, the conversation leaves listeners with insights, optimism, and practical takeaways for tackling the opportunities ahead in land development.

All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/challenges-wins-and-the-road-ahead-for-land-developers. 

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2024 was a big year for the Land Development Podcast. With 51 episodes released and 34 interviews, there’s been no shortage of insights, lessons, and great conversations. In this compilation episode, Ryan takes a look back at some moments from the year.

Throughout the episode, you’ll hear clips from a variety of guests who have shared their experiences, advice, and lessons learned in the land development and real estate industries. From discussions about patience in the development process to the importance of strong partnerships and community engagement, this recap highlights the core themes that emerged in 2024.

Additional details on this episode, including info on our guest can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/highlights-and-insights-from-2024-episodes. 

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In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, host Ryan Glick and co-host Charles Covey analyze recent insights into the commercial real estate (CRE) market’s trajectory heading into 2025, with a focus on distressed assets, institutional investments, and opportunities for cash holders in the current landscape.

Next, they dive into a proposal to colocate data centers at nuclear power plants, examining the implications for energy policy, A.I. infrastructure, and the challenges posed by government regulation. With A.I. data centers consuming massive amounts of energy, this innovative solution could help address power shortages—but not without hurdles.

Finally, they tackle predictions for the housing market in 2025, including potential policy changes from the incoming Trump administration. From reducing regulations to increasing housing supply, they discuss the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for developers and homeowners alike.

All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/industry-news-cre-optimism-for-2025-data-center-power-for-ai-trump-expectations.  

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In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, Ryan sits down with JC Hearn, CEO of JCH Equity and a seasoned land and commercial real estate broker. JC reflects on his upbringing in rural Kansas and how it shaped his work ethic and eventual passion for real estate. From single-family homes to large-scale syndications, his journey underscores the power of persistence, lifelong learning, and strategic networking.

JC walks listeners through the significance of designations like CCIM and ALC, offering insights into their rigorous requirements and how they’ve contributed to his success. He also sheds light on the value of partnerships in scaling investments, emphasizing the importance of aligning values and building trust with collaborators.

The conversation shifts to how JC’s faith and commitment to family influence his business philosophy and leadership style. Whether through mentoring others, creating educational resources, or leveraging his expertise for impactful projects, JC demonstrates that success is about more than financial gains—it's about meaningful contributions to others.

Additional details on this episode, including info on our guest can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/advocating-for-housing-solutions-in-texas.

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In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, host Ryan Glick is joined by co-host Charles Covey to discuss the latest industry news affecting land development and housing. The episode kicks off with a discussion on President-Elect Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China, examining their potential ripple effects on the economy and development sector. Charles shares his perspective on whether these tariffs are strategic moves for negotiation or harbingers of higher costs in the industry.

Next, Ryan and Charles pivot to the challenges facing commercial real estate, particularly refinancing in today’s high-interest environment. With $950 billion in CRE loans maturing in 2024, they discuss the potential for defaults, the banks' increasing reserves, and what this could mean for both office spaces and multifamily properties.

The conversation then turns to President Trump’s nomination of Scott Turner as HUD Secretary. Ryan and Charles dive into Turner’s background, from his NFL career to his leadership in the Opportunity Zones initiative, and what his appointment might signal for federal housing strategies.

Finally, the hosts touch on how state-level policies, especially in Texas, could shape development in the years ahead. With a legislative session on the horizon, they highlight the growing push to streamline regulatory processes and promote housing affordability.

All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/industry-news-tariffs-on-china-mexico-canada-cre-refinance-concerns-trump-nominates-scott-turner.

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This milestone episode of The Land Development Podcast celebrates one year of weekly conversations with industry leaders and influencers. Host Ryan Glick sits down with JD Hale, Director of Government Affairs at the Texas Association of Builders, for a deep dive into housing policy, advocacy, and the vital role of land development in Texas' booming economy.

JD recounts his path from a small-town upbringing to Washington, D.C., where he first discovered his passion for public service and policy. His experiences on Capitol Hill, including working for Senator John Cornyn, laid the foundation for his current role in advocating for Texas homebuilders. JD discusses the importance of grassroots connections, the intricacies of Texas' political landscape, and how he helps builders navigate evolving regulations.

The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities developers face as Texas welcomes over 1,200 new residents daily. JD highlights the importance of affordable housing, regulatory changes, and how developers can influence policy by getting involved at the local and state levels. He also addresses the impact of recent elections and previews key issues likely to dominate the upcoming legislative session.

Whether you’re a developer, builder, or industry observer, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how housing policy intersects with Texas' rapid growth. JD's insights remind listeners of the power of advocacy and the critical role the building industry plays in shaping the future.

Additional details on this episode, including info on our guest can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/advocating-for-housing-solutions-in-texas.

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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.

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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.

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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.