Latest in land-development

Incentive-Based Agreement
on July 31,2003 in Feature

Milestone is strictly a development firm, and the lots for the 40 'stacked' townhomes, if secured, will be sold to one of two home building Giants that are regular customers.

How to Control Land Without Owning It
on July 31,2003 in Feature

Five builder-developers demonstrate a few of the many ways cash-free and cash-lean deals get done.

How to Avoid Storm-Water Limbo
on July 31,2003 in Feature
Steps thousands of builders need to take to cover themselves as states await federal approval of storm-water procedures.
Supply Imbalances Trigger Ever Higher Prices
on July 31,2003 in Feature
Fast-growing, land-constrained regions dominate the ranks of states with the most million-dollar homes.
How to Control Land Without Owning It
on July 31,2003 in Feature
More tips on how to control land.
Land-Control Legalese
on July 31,2003 in Feature

The legal structures underpinning land-control deals can be confusing. We turned to a residential transaction expert, attorney Mathew A. Wyman, a partner with Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP in...

White Knight
on July 31,2003 in Feature

Ben Anderson contacted the landowner and offered assistance in overcoming five hurdles that stood in the way of development on the site.

The Virtues of a Long Escrow
on July 31,2003 in Feature

Wayne Colmer's firm has developed and built approximately 600 homes in his 16 years as an independent builder/developer. The common thread: All the homes were built in communities where...

Fish & Wildlife Calls Species Act 'Broken'
on June 30,2003 in Feature
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service recently declared the Endangered Species Act broken and in need of repair.
Specialists Offer Urban Expertise
on June 30,2003 in Feature
A new crop of brokers aims to fill that niche with services that go beyond simply finding multifamily and mixed-use sites.
Online Land Auction Unique
on June 30,2003 in Feature

The federal government will open bidding on 3,700 acres in Orange County, Calif., this fall, and the real estate community will pay close attention.

Ryland Pays Big for Bad Land
on May 31,2003 in Feature

Ryland Homes is offering to buy back homes for the original selling price from residents of its Lexington Manner subdivision in Butler Country, Ohio, after hazardous lead levels were discovered in...

Use Entitlement Contingencies in Contracts
on May 31,2003 in Feature

The difference between a profitable land deal and one that ends up as an expensive mistake is often found in the details of the contract you draft.

An Alternative Financing Solution
on May 31,2003 in Feature
With impact fees as high as $60,000 in some parts of the country, moderately priced homes with fees passed on by builders are increasingly out of reach for targeted buyers.
New Laws Take Aim at Lawsuits
on May 31,2003 in Feature

The tendency to litigate against builders, developers and trade contractors for even minor repairs has risen to such a level that state legislatures have been taking action.

California SB800 General Summary
on May 31,2003 in Feature
A complete list of highlights of California Senate Bill 800.
A Progression of Public Spaces
on April 30,2003 in Feature

Public outdoor spaces usually come in two packages: the public park and the greenbelt with walkway/activity pathway.

Required Writing: Letter of Intent
on April 30,2003 in Feature
A letter of intent clarifies discussions between parties in a land transaction.
Verify Recapture Agreements
on March 31,2003 in Feature

That water and/or sewer main running near the property you want to buy is often a blessing, but trouble could lurk there, too, says Tom Stephani, a builder in Crystal Lake, Ill.

Fair Housing Act Help
on February 28,2003 in Feature
A new Department of Housing and Urban Development education initiative is aimed at helping builders, developers, architects and designers learn how to design and build multifamily homes in compliance...