All Forum Posts by: Devin James

I’m extremely grateful to have entered the real estate business when I did (2018).

In just a few short years, I’ve witnessed more market shifts, challenges, and lessons than I ever expected:
✅ Historic market boom
✅ Historic rate hikes
✅ Supply chain issues
✅ Uncertainty
✅ Opportunity

It’s been a front-row education that no book or podcast could have provided.

Its exciting to realize that these moments are shaping the foundation for my career.

I'm excited to see what will come from the lessons learned during these early years.

 Agreed

If the numbers take into account the external factors mentioned and still work, then I say go for it.

The numbers might look great in a spreadsheet…

But here are a few things the financial model won’t tell you:

- What do the neighboring properties look like?

- Are there active buyers in the market?

- How long will it actually take to get to the finish line?

Sometimes it’s not about whether the deal can work—

It’s about whether it’s worth the time, risk, and capital.

Gut checks, local insight, and patience matter.

Aiming to cash out. Capital doesn't do as well staying in the deal for minimal returns. Better to sell; but then you need to redeploy the capital and keep playing the game.

Development costs are high, and rents don’t justify the investment—at least not in the short term.

From a single-family perspective, only build-to-sell currently makes financial sense.

To build rentals today, you have to take a long-term view: be okay breaking even (or worse) and count on future rent growth to make it worthwhile.

It’s a tough situation. Housing is unaffordable for many, so demand for rentals is high.

But its tough to supply new rental inventory because the numbers simply don’t work.

Would love to hear how others are approaching this challenge.

We’re excited about a new detail we’ve started including in our homes: ceiling fans.

According to recent NAR data, ceiling fans consistently rank as one of the most important amenities to renters.

As we continue building, we’re focused on making smart, thoughtful upgrades that improve the experience for future Buyers.

It’s the little things that make a big difference.

 This is awesome - im sure we will get there one day. At the moment we dont have the bandwith to offer many "options"

It is a good way to increase profit

 We have not utilized these with our homes - im sure once we get to a certain scale we will.

We haven't offered any “options” to buyers because it creates a lot to manage during the build process. But we’re starting to realize that not all upgrades have to be complicated.

There are a handful of simple, affordable upgrades we can offer while under contract that add real value for buyers—without adding major complexity for us.

Things like:

- Screened lanais

- Upgraded light fixtures

We’re exploring the idea of having a model home that includes these upgrades, and giving buyers the option to add them in for an additional cost. Clean. Simple. Valuable.

Below you can see the impact of a staged vs. un-staged home.

In challenging markets, with plenty of options for Buyers, you've got to make your listings stand out.

Staging creates an emotional connection and helps buyers visualize themselves in the home.

Staging + Professional Photos = Powerful First Impression

In competitive markets, these details aren’t optional—they’re a must.