How I’ve Been Helping Developers This Year
It’s been a complicated year for real estate developers. Rising interest rates, higher construction costs, and unpredictable zoning and entitlement processes have made even strong projects harder to move forward. But I’ve also seen how much progress can happen when people share knowledge, connect early, and look at deals from every angle.
Here are a few stories from this past year that show the kinds of ways I’ve been able to help.
Finding Off-Market Land for a Townhome Project
A developer I’ve worked with for years wanted to build townhomes in a growing corridor but couldn’t find a site that penciled out. After some digging, I located an off-market parcel that had been quietly held for years. It checked all the boxes: utilities, access, and zoning potential. We got it under contract, and after some early coordination with the planning department, the project moved forward with increased density and a clear path to approvals.
Turning a Commercial Parcel Into a Residential Opportunity
Another project started with a long-vacant commercial parcel in a transitional area. Working with the development team, I helped prepare the case for rezoning to residential—lining up data on housing demand, traffic flow, and community benefits. The rezoning was approved, and the site that had sat idle for over a decade will now become new homes for local families.
Identifying Sites for Data Center Development
On the infrastructure side, I’ve helped groups searching for land suitable for data centers—balancing access to power, connectivity, and local entitlements. In a few cases, we found properties that hadn’t been on anyone’s radar, opening up entirely new locations for this kind of investment.
Reducing Construction Costs Without Sacrificing Design
For a multifamily project facing budget pressure, I reviewed the plans and bids alongside the development and construction teams. We identified smarter sourcing options, adjusted site sequencing, and saved meaningful dollars—all without compromising the project’s architecture or long-term value.
Every one of these projects was different, but they all share a theme: collaboration. Developers today need partners who understand how land, zoning, design, and capital fit together. That’s where I try to help—by connecting dots and finding practical paths forward, even when the environment isn’t easy.
If you ever want to talk about a project, share an idea, or see how I might be of assistance, you can reach me anytime through my website:
👉 www.danielkaufmanre.com
— Daniel Kaufman