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In this episode, Ryan talks with land planner and urban designer Aaron Lubeck about the shift from modern to traditional development, the problem with parking requirements, and how design choices impact everything from affordability to community connection.

Show notes page: https://landdevpodcast.com/podcast/the-push-to-end-parking-requirements-and-return-to-traditional-design-with-aaron-lubeck-tlp080.  

Episode Sponsor: Groov Land Acquisition & Deal Management Software - Start a 14-day free trial at https://letsgroov.com/signup

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In this week’s Week In Review episode, Ryan recaps the Fed's decision to hold rates steady, the return of U.S.-China trade talks, shifts in mortgage rates, major new developments in Texas, and a growing wave of zoning reform across the country.

All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/week-in-review-fed-holds-rates-us-china-trade-talks-resume-dallas-megaproject-tlp079. 

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In this Industry News episode, Ryan Glick and Charles Covey break down April's housing data, a new wildfire-resilient neighborhood in San Diego, and why most U.S. adults now value flexibility over traditional homeownership. They also respond to listener comments and share thoughts on affordability, political accountability, and long-term shifts in housing demand.

All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/industry-news-builder-discounts-wildfire-ready-homes-and-demographic-shifts-in-homeownership-tlp078. 

Episode Sponsor: Groov Land Acquisition & Deal Management Software - Start a 14-day free trial at https://letsgroov.com/signup 

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In this week's Week In Review episode, Ryan covers key developments including rising construction costs due to tariffs, Washington State’s new rent control law, the first 3D printed Starbucks store, and more.

All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/week-in-review-tariff-impact-3d-printed-cafes-and-rent-control-expansion-tlp077. 

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In this episode, Jose Lemus, the founder of LandDesign Consulting, joins Ryan and shares his journey from civil engineering to land development, including how he grew his company in California's Central Valley, navigated challenges, and found success.

Show notes for episode TLP076

Episode Sponsor: Groov Land Acquisition & Deal Management Software - Free 14-day trial

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In this week’s Week In Review episode, for the week ending April 25, 2025, Ryan dives into some of the biggest headlines in real estate, from New Jersey’s antitrust lawsuit over rent collusion to the housing inventory surge in Texas and DC and more.

All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/week-in-review-week-ending-april-25-2025-rent-collusion-solar-permits-texas-inventory-surge-tlp075. 

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In this industry news episode, Ryan and Charles dig into the latest housing numbers, federal involvement in zoning, interest rate debates, and what Blackstone’s real estate moves signal for the market.

All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/industry-news-trump-rates-tariffs-consumer-spending-tlp074.

Episode Sponsor: Groov Land Acquisition & Deal Management Software - Start a 14-day free trial at https://letsgroov.com/signup 

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In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, Ryan Glick is joined by Jerry Holden, founder and CEO of The Holden Agency. Jerry shares how his journey started on the baseball field and transitioned into a real estate career built on hustle, persistence, and hands-on learning. After a career-ending injury, Jerry turned a home-buying experience into the start of a lifelong passion for real estate—and eventually, land development.

He talks about the early days of door knocking to build a client base and how that same mindset carried him to the top of his market. Jerry discusses the founding of The Holden Agency, the launch of related businesses like THA Mortgage and THA Title, and his experience with building condo developments through Epcon Communities. He emphasizes how he used hard work, self-education, and a no-fear approach to build a successful business.

Jerry also talks in-depth about his current project—a 64-home active adult community next to Ohio State University’s Mansfield campus. He shares how local studies, market research, and direct feedback from agents informed the development. He also explains the importance of understanding zoning, working with municipalities, and staying organized through each stage of a land project.

Additional details on this episode, including info on our guest can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/hustle-persistence-and-hands-on-learning-in-land-development.

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In this special episode of The Land Development Podcast, Ryan Glick and Charles Covey sit down with renowned economist and investor Peter Schiff to discuss the direction of the U.S. economy. Schiff explains why he believes tariffs hurt American consumers, not foreign exporters, and how recent policy decisions have weakened the dollar and pushed the nation closer to a recession. The conversation opens with Schiff's blunt assessment of mainstream financial media, which he claims has missed the mark on every major economic event while his predictions have consistently come true.

As the episode unfolds, Schiff outlines what he sees as the unraveling of the American economy — from a crashing bond market to a collapsing dollar. He warns that the United States has relied for too long on printing money and consuming more than it produces. This model, he argues, is no longer sustainable. According to Schiff, we’ve already triggered a global financial shift that will empower Europe and China while leaving America scrambling to rebuild its manufacturing and credit structure.

For the land development community, Schiff’s message is especially important. He shares how housing prices, commercial real estate, and rental demand will be affected by rising inflation and shifting demand. From skyrocketing interest rates to a decline in new home construction, Schiff urges developers to rethink their strategies in light of what he believes will be a long and painful economic adjustment. He also shares how sectors like farmland and industrial real estate might offer safer ground.

Finally, Schiff offers his thoughts on how individuals can prepare, including a deep dive into gold and gold mining stocks, which he believes are currently undervalued. He also explains why he believes government intervention in housing, education, and healthcare has inflated prices and distorted markets. This episode provides a rare chance to hear a raw, unfiltered take on what’s happening in the global economy and what it means for land developers across the U.S.

Additional details on this episode, including info on our guest can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/tariffs-inflation-and-the-recession-ahead-with-peter-schiff. 

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In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, Ryan Glick and Charles Covey dig into several key headlines impacting the industry. Kicking things off, their focus is on the announced tariffs from the Trump administration. Ryan and Charles walk through key points from the executive order, explore the reciprocal tariffs other countries have imposed on U.S. goods, and break down what this could mean for developers and the broader economy. With responses from China and the EU, and commentary from Congress and media figures, the episode discusses whether these tariffs are short-term negotiating tools or the start of long-term shifts in U.S. trade policy.

They also explore the impact of newly announced FHA changes that tighten residency requirements for mortgages, a move that could limit who qualifies for loans backed by the government. Charles shares why this may only be the beginning and what other institutions, like Fannie Mae, might do next.

Finally, the episode wraps with analysis of current multifamily trends, including supply and demand imbalances, shifting rent prices, and geographic differences across markets. Ryan and Charles clear up misinformation around mortgage delinquencies by contrasting misleading viral posts with actual data on single-family loan performance.

All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/industry-news-tariffs-hit-the-market-hud-revises-residency-requirements-multifamily-supply-demand-gap-continues-to-shrink.

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In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, host Ryan Glick brings back three familiar voices—Charles Covey, Jack Rowe, and Tim Early—for a group discussion focused on two big topics: how land is really valued and what can be done to solve the missing middle housing problem. These guys are active in the industry every day, and they talk through what they’re seeing on the ground when it comes to pricing, market shifts, and development decisions.

They kick things off by breaking down the common mistakes people make when buying land, especially newer investors who assume prices will always go up. The group talks about how land value is tied to what can be built on it and how quickly it can be sold—not just what a neighbor sold their land for. They also explain why land prices often stay high even when the broader market cools down.

From there, the conversation shifts to affordable housing and the missing middle—homes that are smaller and more reasonably priced but often hard to get approved. They talk about how current city rules and zoning laws can block the kind of housing many people actually need. Everyone agrees that developers are ready to build these homes if cities allow more flexibility.

Finally, they look at the role of financing tools like special districts and how they can help projects move forward, especially when costs are high. While the challenges are real, the episode also highlights the opportunity for builders and developers who are willing to adapt and think differently. This one’s packed with useful insight for anyone involved in land or housing development.

Additional details on this episode, including info on our guest can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/how-land-is-valued-why-prices-stay-high-and-solving-the-missing-middle.

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In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, Ryan Glick and co-host Charles Covey kick things off with a look at the Federal Reserve’s recent decision to hold interest rates steady. Ryan and Charles talk through what this means for developers, especially those managing budgets where borrowing costs play a big role. They also discuss the possibility of rate cuts later this year and how the Fed’s cautious approach might affect upcoming projects.

Next, they dive into Zillow’s latest housing market forecast. With home prices expected to rise only slightly over the next year and existing home sales remaining sluggish, Charles shares his take on why buyers are sitting tight and how new home sales continue to be the brighter spot in today’s market. They also touch on why Louisiana and Texas markets are seeing slower growth and how seasonality could impact sales as we head into spring.

The third article they cover comes from CBRE, warning about the impact tariffs could have on commercial real estate. Charles offers his insights into how uncertainty around tariffs is causing businesses to hold back on expansion and investment. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities this creates for developers and investors in the months ahead.

All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/industry-news-fed-march-rate-decision-housing-market-pricing-projections-and-tariff-impacts-on-commercial-real-estate.

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In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, Ryan Glick sits down with Adam Kaduce and Nathan Rupprecht from R&R Realty Group in West Des Moines, Iowa. Both guests bring valuable insight from their journeys into the land development industry—Nathan as a third-generation leader in a family business, and Adam through his path from intern to president at R&R Real Estate Advisors.

Nathan shares his experience growing up around real estate but taking time to explore other industries like insurance and banking before joining the family company. He also discusses the value of his finance background and his recent completion of a master’s degree in real estate development from Iowa State University. Adam talks about his early days as an intern, working his way up through hard work, and how building relationships and maintaining a positive attitude helped shape his career. He offers advice to those looking to step into leadership roles within the real estate world.

The conversation also highlights the evolution of R&R Realty over the past 40 years. They discuss the company’s focus on long-term ownership, its unique approach to property management and development, and how they’ve adapted to new trends in both the office and industrial markets. One standout project is the Arcadia building redevelopment, where R&R transformed a former single-tenant space into a modern multi-tenant property featuring daycare, fitness, and collaborative spaces.

Additional details on this episode, including info on our guest can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/adapting-office-and-industrial-spaces-for-todays-tenants.  

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In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, Ryan Glick is joined by co-host Charles Covey to break down some of the biggest news shaping land development today. They kick things off with a look at the Federal Reserve’s current strategy. With Jerome Powell signaling patience on interest rate cuts, Ryan and Charles discuss how geopolitical factors, tariffs, and mixed economic data are keeping the Fed in wait-and-see mode. They explore how this uncertainty could impact the housing market, lending, and development projects in the months ahead.

Next, the conversation shifts to Texas, where the state legislature is pushing for major zoning reforms. Charles shares his insider take on Senate Bill 15, which would allow for smaller starter homes in new subdivisions across larger Texas cities. They cover what this means for affordability, home builders, and local government control. Charles also gives an update on other key housing bills moving through the session, including changes to plan approvals that could speed up development timelines.

In the third segment, they tackle recent reports suggesting the multi-family sector may offer some of the best buying opportunities in years. While demand is expected to rise as homeownership becomes less affordable, Charles points out that not all markets are created equal. They break down which areas are stabilizing, which are still at risk, and why investors need to stay cautious when underwriting deals.

Before wrapping up, Ryan reminds listeners to follow The Land Development Podcast on its newly launched social media pages. They also celebrate the show’s rise to the top of search results on Spotify and Apple Podcasts—thanks to listener support. 

All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/industry-news-fed-awaits-clarity-on-trump-policies-texas-senate-taking-action-on-housing-and-multifamily-opportunities.  

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In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, host Ryan Glick sits down with Doug Moreland, principal at Moreland Capital Partners, to discuss his journey through the real estate industry. Doug shares how he transitioned from marine biology aspirations to a long and successful career in land development, spending nearly two decades at real estate firm Hines before striking out on his own.

Doug dives into the details of his latest project, Marea, a 67-lot luxury coastal development in Rockport, Texas. He explains how thoughtful design, strategic planning, and an emphasis on placemaking can elevate a project’s value. He also shares insights on market research, entitlement challenges, and the complexities of going out on your own in the real estate world.

Beyond his current work, Doug touches on broader industry shifts, including the increasing role of homebuilders in land acquisition and the evolving challenges of real estate cycles. He also highlights a critical issue that will shape the future of coastal development: rising sea levels and the need for innovative public-private solutions.

Additional details on this episode, including info on our guest can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/the-future-of-coastal-development-and-rising-challenges.  

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In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, Ryan Glick and co-host Charles Covey dive into the latest real estate and development news shaping the industry. They kick off with a discussion on the HUD budget cuts under the current administration, breaking down what these changes mean for funding, government spending, and the future of housing initiatives.

Next, they tackle the ongoing debate around corporate real estate ownership, particularly in the single-family housing market. With big players like BlackRock frequently mentioned in discussions, Ryan and Charles bring clarity to the real numbers behind institutional ownership and whether it’s truly impacting affordability.

The conversation then shifts to the self-storage industry, which has seen a slowdown after years of rapid growth. Charles shares insights into how this sector has performed historically, why some investors are pulling back, and what’s next for self-storage development. They also explore the rapid housing growth in North Texas, particularly in Collin County, and discuss the gap in middle-market housing that needs to be addressed.

Finally, they close out the episode by discussing looming tariffs on steel and aluminum and their potential impact on home construction. While some fear rising costs and slower development, Charles shares why he believes these concerns may be overblown in certain markets. Tune in for a well-rounded discussion on the latest trends shaping land development today.

All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/industry-news-hud-budget-cuts-self-storage-rent-stabilization-north-texas-housing-growth-concerns-over-tariffs. 

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In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, Ryan sits down with Jason Jones and Ryan Sweeney, from Liberty 3D, a company in the 3D printed home space. Both Jason and Ryan come from military backgrounds and transitioned into real estate, bringing with them a strong work ethic, problem-solving skills, and a drive to innovate.

We explore their journey into real estate, the challenges they faced introducing 3D printing into home construction, and why they believe this technology is the future of sustainable, cost-effective housing. They break down how the 3D printing process works, why it’s different from traditional building methods, and how it can help tackle housing affordability and sustainability issues.

Jason and Ryan also share details about their Rockdale, Texas project, a three-phase development aiming to bring 3D-printed homes to a town that hasn’t seen new construction in years. They discuss how they’re working with local leadership, the impact of Samsung’s expansion nearby, and how they’re addressing rental housing shortages in the area.

Additional details on this episode, including info on our guest can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/rethinking-housing-with-3d-printed-homes. 

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In this industry news-focused episode of The Land Development Podcast, host Ryan Glick is joined by co-host Charles Covey to break down some of the biggest headlines affecting the land development world. They start by discussing the appointment of Scott Turner as the new Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and what his plans for GSE privatization and potential departmental changes could mean for the industry.

The conversation then shifts to the ongoing challenges with California wildfires and the debate over whether federal aid should come with conditions. Ryan and Charles discuss the constitutional implications, the role of state versus federal government, and practical solutions for better wildfire management in the future.

Finally, they dive into the potential impact of new tariffs on Canadian lumber, which could significantly raise costs for homebuilders and developers. Charles shares insights on the domestic lumber supply, strategies for mitigating risks through futures contracts, and what these changes might mean for housing affordability in the near future.

All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/industry-news-privatization-of-fannie-and-freddie-california-wildfires-update-and-trump-tariffs-impact-on-lumber.  

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In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, Ryan sits down with Jack Rowe, a land development expert based in North Texas. Jack shares his path into the industry, starting with architecture school before discovering his passion for real estate development. He explains how his experiences in Barcelona and working with developers in McKinney shaped his understanding of placemaking and urban design.

The conversation dives into missing middle housing—a term used to describe the housing options between single-family homes and large apartment complexes. Jack breaks down why these types of housing are so rare today, how zoning laws have made them difficult to build, and why they could be key to solving housing affordability issues. He also discusses the need for zoning reform, highlighting examples of cities like Minneapolis and Portland that have taken steps toward allowing more diverse housing types.

Ryan and Jack also explore the importance of walkability in communities, explaining why wide streets and suburban zoning often create car-dependent neighborhoods. Jack argues that successful cities evolve over time, with policies that allow for incremental changes in density and land use. They discuss how policies like eliminating parking minimums could open up more opportunities for small developers and ultimately create more vibrant, livable spaces.

Additional details on this episode, including info on our guest can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/missing-middle-housing-and-zoning-reform.

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In this industry news episode of The Land Development Podcast, host Ryan Glick is joined by co-host Charles Covey to discuss the latest land development industry news. The conversation starts with a Fox Business feature on affordable housing solutions, focusing on regulations, federal loans, and tax credits proposed by real estate expert Larry Connor. Ryan and Charles weigh in on the feasibility of these suggestions, exploring the balance of federal versus state influence in reducing housing costs.

Next, they analyze a report from Globe Street on the growing disparity between single-family rental (SFR) and multi-family rental markets. With SFR rents outpacing multi-family rents, they explore why this trend exists and its implications for the Build-to-Rent (BTR) sector. Charles draws from his own experiences in the industry to explain why single-family rentals continue to dominate despite high interest rates and economic uncertainty.

Finally, they dive into a MarketWatch report about the Trump administration's proposed efforts to downsize the federal real estate footprint. Ryan and Charles debate whether selling or terminating office leases could truly make a significant budgetary impact and discuss the potential ripple effects on local real estate markets.

All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/industry-news-addressing-affordability-issues-sfr-vs-multifamily-performance-and-government-real-estate. 

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Ryan sits down with Tim Early, associate professor and coordinator of the Master of Land and Property Development (MLPD) Program at Texas A&M University. With over 30 years of experience in land acquisition, residential development, and consulting, Tim’s journey from a successful career in the real estate industry to shaping the next generation of developers is truly inspiring.

Tim shares his personal path, starting with his first steps in real estate during the challenging economic climate of the late 1980s. He recounts his transition from industry roles to academia, driven by a passion for giving back and preparing students with the skills that matter most. From infill development to master-planned communities, Tim’s experience informs his approach to teaching.

The conversation highlights the unique aspects of the MLPD program, which emphasizes practical, real-world education. Tim explains how the program combines rigorous coursework with hands-on learning, including reading construction plans, understanding contracts, and mastering finance. Whether online or in-person, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire real estate process, from inception to disposition.

Additional details on this episode, including info on our guest can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/educating-the-next-generation-of-land-developers.

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In the first industry news episode of 2025, Ryan Glick and Charles Covey discuss the latest headlines impacting land development. They begin with the booming data center market and how advancements in AI are driving this niche real estate sector. With long-term leases and unique site requirements, Ryan and Charles explore whether data centers are a viable opportunity for most developers or a risky overbuild waiting to happen.

Next, the conversation shifts to nearshoring and its transformative impact on U.S.-Mexico trade and logistics. As manufacturers move closer to the U.S., they discuss how this trend is reshaping industrial land use and the potential challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, including the threat of tariffs.

The episode then turns to California's devastating wildfires, which have caused billions in damages and worsened the nation's housing affordability crisis. Ryan and Charles analyze the implications for land markets, migration patterns, and nationwide insurance premiums, emphasizing the role of effective leadership and disaster preparedness.

Finally, they offer their perspectives on the broader geopolitical landscape, touching on intriguing ideas like potential U.S. territorial expansions. They wrap up with a reminder of the opportunities within the land development space, despite the challenges of an eventful start to the year.

All links to the articles discussed during this episode can be found on the show notes page: https://letsgroov.com/podcast/industry-news-data-center-opportunities-latest-on-potential-mexican-tarrifs-california-wildfires-impact-on-housing.

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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.