Real Estate Development: What Actually Happens During the Entire Process

investors meeting
  • Real estate development is a process that involves converting raw land into a suitable place for living or working.
  • Property identification and acquisition is the first step in real estate development, followed by pre-development Planning.
  • Factors such as building plans, equipment and resources (including crawler cranes), budget, and skilled labor must be considered during the construction phase.
  • The marketing and sales phase promotes the completed development to potential buyers.
  • Post-development activities include property management and maintenance.

If you’re curious about the real estate industry, specifically real estate development, you’ve come to the right place. Real estate development is converting raw land into a suitable place for living or working. This process involves a series of activities, each with its challenges and complexities. This blog post will provide a detailed overview of what happens during the entire real estate development process and everything you need to know.

Property Identification and Acquisition

The real estate development process typically begins with property identification and acquisition through purchase or lease. Developers must conduct due diligence in identifying suitable land to meet their development goals. Factors to consider include zoning, location, size, and accessibility to public utilities.

Pre-Development Planning

Once the property has been acquired, the next step is pre-development planning. This phase involves a series of activities, such as product design and site planning, which ultimately determine the feasibility of the proposed development. It’s important to note that many developers rely on financing at this stage to fund the development process; therefore, they must have a well-defined project plan to attract investors.

Construction

project manager and an engineer talking about the plan

The construction phase is when the proposed development plan is brought to life. This process involves several sub-phases: land clearing, grading, foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, and finishing. It also involves other factors, such as:

Building Plan

Building your real estate property starts with creating a blueprint. In this stage, work with an architect and an engineer to develop a feasible plan. A well-thought-out plan can help you save money while still achieving your property’s desired aesthetic and functionality.

Equipment and Resources

The right equipment and resources are essential for successful construction. Access to the right equipment can make all the difference in the success of a project. For this reason, it is important to ensure that each piece of equipment is carefully selected to meet the project’s unique needs.

One particular piece of machinery that is often essential to construction projects is a crawler crane. With its ability to quickly move heavy loads, this type of crane can help expedite the construction process without sacrificing safety.

Budget

Your budget is critical to the success of your real estate project. It’s essential to have a realistic budget and stick to it throughout construction. In case of any plan changes or unexpected expenses, always keep 10% to 20% of your budget aside for contingencies.

Skilled labor

The quality of your build relies heavily on the skills of those who will build it. A construction company with a skilled team of architects, engineers, electricians, and plumbers can make a difference in ensuring your real estate property is well-built, durable, and safe. Hiring the right people for the job is an important step in successful real estate development as it can help you avoid costly mistakes and delays.

Permits and regulations

Before starting any construction project, make sure that you have secured the necessary permits and complied with all building regulations and codes. It’s important to have all required documents, such as building permits, occupancy permits, and certificates of completion, before you can open your property to the public.

Marketing and Sales

The marketing and sales phase is when the completed development is promoted to potential buyers. This phase requires a well-executed marketing strategy, including advertising, public relations, and sales techniques. To carry out these activities, developers may hire marketing professionals or engage the services of a real estate brokerage firm.

Post-Development Activities

an agent holding keys

Post-development activities include property management and maintenance. Depending on their strategy, developers may keep or sell the developed property to investors. If the property is held, the developer will be responsible for ensuring the property is well-maintained and managed. This strategy requires significant resources, including leasing staff, maintenance personnel, and property management professionals.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the real estate development process is intricate and multi-layered. Successful development requires careful planning, meticulous execution, and attention to detail. Whether you are looking to develop or invest in real estate, clearly understanding the development process is fundamental. Hopefully, this post has provided valuable insights and a better understanding of what happens during the entire real estate development process.

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