Practical Strategies for Dealing with Challenging Properties

Posted by Amanda K. Barritt on October 03, 2011

To continue our series to recap the Real Estate Investment Society’s "Challenges and Strategies for Property Development Today” workshop, and to follow Cody Vaughan-Birch's post on Development Incentives and Local Pro-Growth Policies, the second panel of professionals provided an overview of the current trends, challenges and strategies in property development from a legal and practical perspective.

Southwest Florida Real Estate:  Problem or Opportunity?

Steve Hartsell, a zoning and land use attorney with the Pavese Law Firm, summarized two circumstances where legal and practical strategies are needed:

Continue Reading

Southwest Florida Officials Provide Insight on Development Incentives and Local Pro-Growth Policies

Posted by Cody Vaughan-Birch on September 26, 2011

The Real Estate Investment Society and Urban Land Institute conducted a workshop, "Challenges and Strategies for Property Development Today," last Thursday morning in Fort Myers. Mary Gibbs, Lee County's Director of Community Development, got right to the point:

All properties today are challenging. Nothing's easy anymore," noting that property location, infrastructure availability, and objections from surrounding residents seem to be the most common constraints. 

Local governments are reacting to these economic and site-specific development difficulties by implementing changes and adopting more business friendly approaches to complex development issues that may delay or kill potential new projects.
 
Bonita Springs City Manager Carl Schwing joined Ms. Gibbs in a panel discussion regarding tactics and strategies local governments can utilize to help facilitate private development in a difficult economy. Both indicated that engaging in discussions with local government development staff 

Continue Reading

Workshop Promises to Provide Insight and Guidance to Navigating Today's Real Estate Market

Posted by Amanda L. Brock on August 25, 2011

REIS Logo.jpgEveryone I speak with seems to be in the same boat with today's real estate market - things may be giving some small indications of movement, but nothing seems to move as quickly or as easily as it used to. Many properties are uniquely challenged with a host of issues that need to be worked out before actual sale or development can take place - be it permits, taxes, legal issues like easements, access, development approvals, financing…the list goes on! 

In recognition of these interesting times, the Real Estate Investment Society ("REIS") and Urban Land Institute are partnering to host a half-day workshop on September 22, 2011 at Pelican Preserve to give presenters from a broad cross-section of the development community to discuss what they're seeing in the market and how they're dealing with the various challenges they face. The workshop will host three panels:

I am extremely excited for this educational workshop and look forwarding to hearing from all of these experienced professionals in how they're navigating today's tough market. More information on the workshop can be found at www.reis-swfl.org. I hope to see you there!