Making A Good Showing

 

I often hear residential and commercial brokers complaining about the ongoing problem of supposed potential tenants or buyers not following through after scheduling a showing. Situations like that one become more upsetting because the brokers are not being paid for their time, which can be considered wasted when no one shows up. Or is it?

To me, it’s about how you react when that happens a time or two. Some brokers make the decision not to schedule initial showings or look toward group showings. They decide to revise their entire strategy for getting people to walk through a listing or opportunity. Meanwhile, they know that those types of showings can be significant steps toward getting the sale completed.

Instead of giving up too easily, as my clients and students know, come up with a more effective strategy. For example, go for multiple showings. If you are taking the time to go to the property, make it to see more than one person or group. If “Joe” is coming to see the property at 1:00 on Tuesday, schedule “Debbie” for a showing at 1:15. 

Consider the possibilities beyond doubling your chances. If Joe does not show but Debbie does, your time spent going to the property is worthwhile and you get your opportunity to present. There is an even bigger upside to this method. Suppose both show up. If Joe or Debbie are there alone, they may not see any urgency. However, if Debbie shows up a few minutes early and you are showing the property to Joe, they BOTH feel an urgency to follow through if and as they are interested in pursuing the deal.

It is just one example of making adjustments to turn a negative situation into a positive instead of giving up. There is a better strategy for improving your business, and my team and I can be “first in” to help you uncover it!

 

Other People's Money OR Other People's Research

 

 

There is the expression about OPM, which stands for “other people’s money” that is used when helping to finance a real estate deal. To me, an even more important resource is OPR, which is “other people’s research”. When you read about a new project that has big money behind it, there can be significant benefits to learning how that project was formulated.

The below linked story about the $632 million aircraft parts factory is a prime example. There are significant tax incentives provided by the State. Having 1,000 more jobs created in one location means there will be many needs and projects to surround the build. Employees may want new places to live nearby, while being likely to need restaurants, a pharmacy, and other retail and service. 

Many people will see the story and move on. There are thousands of dollars of research associated with it. A reader might not be aware of the Texas tax incentive for this big of a project. They might be looking for locations to expand a restaurant or to develop more housing where there is demand.

 

Bell Textron clearly performed thousands of dollars of research to get to this point. There was finding the tax incentives, the concept, the land, and planning the construction and logistics, especially with government contracts involved. Because they completed all of that successfully, other developers and investors will benefit, provided they know about the opportunity in time to structure it. 

Some people still tell me they don’t have or need or have a research person or team. They are often the ones asking “How did they do that?”. I love serving those who understand the need and benefits and being “first in” on significant new income opportunities.

 

https://www.connectcre.com/stories/metronational-led-team-buys-houston-mixed-use-development/ 

 

 

When Does It Become A Success?

 

Earlier this week while speaking with a commercial real estate broker, he told me he had “a success” last week because he completed a sale. I did not intend for him to look stunned when I asked him what the “success” was. My guess is that he saw success as “finally” getting paid for all of his work and being able to take his commission check to the bank. 

To me, that response is what separates the caliber of a real estate broker. Getting through the closing with signed documents and a commission check should be treated like being paid midway through the project. There is still plenty of work to be done. Some brokers don’t realize the difference it makes to stick around and see it through.

If representing the seller, there will be a result of the sale to help with. The seller may be looking to acquire another property, moving out of what was just sold, and/or making some form of major adjustment. I use the analogy of instead of just taking them to the train station, get on with them to make sure they, at the very least, get to the right station. You just got their deal done and made money for them. Being with them “on the train” instead of dropping them off at the station keeps you with them longer at the time you are held in the highest esteem. Heading back to the office to make cold calls won’t put you in that same position.

Being on the buyer side should be even more reason to stay with your client upon the sale. Make certain the steps fall into place, even if it means personally following up with the movers, contractors, and so on. If something goes wrong after the purchase, the buyer is likely to associate you with the bad part of the deal, and you can’t afford for that to happen.

Part of my coaching and consulting with agents and brokers is about formulating strategies for specific situations. Let’s combine forces to make you “first in” on your next deal!

 

 

 

Make It A Policy To Monitor Insurance Rates

 

One of the questions I am hearing more often from clients and students deals with where they “should” look for their next opportunity. It is a great and pertinent question, because current local market conditions do not always match the expertise and bandwidth of the investor, developer, or broker I am working with. They sometimes have a list of several cities, states, or areas for consideration.

My initial answer is to remind them of how often the research helps determine the best decision. There are several considerations like zoning, ordinances or legislation, competition, and market demand. As the below linked article shows, recent disaster events around the country continue the growth of insurance rates. The increase is happening in some states most people would not expect to see them.

The rapid rise in insurance costs could be impacting real estate investing decisions more than it ever has. If not already, it should be part of your research. Suppose you are choosing between two opportunities and one of them has an insurance rate which is $2,000 per year higher. Some investors overlook that difference. By doing so, they overlook how the property with the higher insurance cost adds $150 per month in expenses, and could impact the ROI or cash flow. In this instance, cutting back on insurance coverage for investment property should not be part of the equation due to the amount of risk it adds.

Those who are active in more than one state should be on the lookout for data like this to factor into future considerations. Being aware of every possible difference in your expenses is a great “policy”, especially when looking into being “first in” on your next big opportunity.

 

 

https://grist.org/economics/is-your-state-becoming-uninsurable-we-have-the-latest-data/ 

 

 

When "Call Me Back" Means To Start Planning

 

I have been updating some elements of the one-on-one coaching I do for real estate investors and brokers with a greater emphasis on the art of following up. It amazes me how many long-time residential and commercial brokers are not thorough when it comes to this important part of their process. The “They know I am here when needed” style of thinking rarely holds true no matter how strongly some real estate professionals think it.

When they are told “Call me back in three months”, many people will make a note to call them back months later while thinking the conversation would continue. As my valued clients and students know, it doesn’t work that way. Sending those people a recipe for apple pie or your headshot and contact information does not help them prepare to sell or buy a property. Knowing you “are there” is nowhere near the caliber of them knowing exactly what you are already doing to help them.

If he or she that tells me to call back weeks later is a current or potential client, it is time to create a plan specific to his or her situation. I might start the following week by sending them a comp which is favorable to their situation. The following week I might send him or her information about an upcoming or current project (construction, acquisition, etc.) in their region. I may come across a local sale or incentive (from an outside entity) which might be of use, such as a big sale on furniture appropriate for the property. Your research person should be able to come up with specific “reminders” to send out at least once every 10 days during the “3 months” before your official call back.

By that time, he or she does not just “know I am here”. They see how you are preparing to sell, buy, or provide whatever the subject matter you initially called about. In the event they are not really interested, chances are they will have let you know sooner rather than later. Their letting you know “sooner” may allow you to stay in contact. That scenario, likely keeps the door open for continued contact. You will be ‘remembered’ a lot more for your effort than blindly calling them back three months later to not have him or her so much as recall that they asked you to do so.

As a broker, your aim is to attract clients to hire you. Working within their timeline is a much more effective way to get hired than hoping they still remember you months later. It can make you “first in” on getting the deal!

 

https://RealEstateMediaCoach.com 

 

 

The Path Is Clear For 300 More Homes In A Major Municipality

The opportunity for real estate developers and investors to construct up to 300 homes in Brooklyn has become a reality. More housing also means a need for more retail and service businesses adjacent to the project, opening up opportunities for commercial and industrial developers as well.

 

Those that know to research for opportunities are going to be "first in" on this one. It's what happens when you do your research and have your team in place. Let my team and me show you the way to be ready for the next big opportunity which fits your scope!

 

https://hcr.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-rfp-build-300-homes-underutilized-mta-property-brooklyn

 

 

Why Aren't Restaurants Using All Of Their Space To Serve?

 

It seems like I am talking with more and more commercial and residential property owners and finding out how what they currently have is not being fully utilized. Politics and world events have put some real estate projects on hold. However, it may not take needing to sell or expand to add to your real estate income. 

The solution could be looking more closely at what you have, and what can be done. Recently, I have had a few more investor connections tell me they are looking for value add properties. If you are not currently looking to make an investment, you can still research for value add opportunities which could increase your monthly income without needing a mortgage or refinance to make it happen.

One example is for restaurant and bar owners. During the coming week, I will be attending a networking event at a restaurant which has an outdoor rooftop deck. However, the event is in the Chicago area, and the temperature is expected to be in the upper 40s at the time. Consequently, their entire outdoor space will be closed. Meanwhile, the establishment will pay property tax and maintenance fee for a big space they can only use less than one-third of the year.

As the link below shows, there are solutions readily available to make that rooftop deck available every night of the year. That establishment could be preparing to book corporate gigs and holiday parties for the fourth quarter. For days and nights the rooftop, or beer garden, patio, or outdoor table space, is not booked in advance, they could be serving many more diners and drinkers.

Suppose they could seat 20 people and only average $20 of profit per day/night. That would total $400 per day, $12,000 monthly, and an annual six-figure return. That conservative estimate would bring in one-half million dollars additional revenue over five years. They would do so with an additional property investment or tax increase. 

Maybe my team and I can be “first in” to help you or your clients add value and revenue to your current inventory. Are you ready?

 

http://amazing.firstin.com  

 

Comparing Passive vs Local

  

I continue to see so many real estate opportunities to be cultivated by investors, developers, and brokers. Some do well navigating the challenges around the country, while I see others starting to look beyond the U.S. Just as some states, counties, and municipalities are offering incentives, grants, and direct sales of parcels, I’m seeing more of the same from other parts of the world.

One example is the Dominican Republic, which currently has a tax incentive plan. In addition, much to their credit, officials have taken steps to overcome the major problems which U.S. based investors and brokers were concerned about. Perhaps the most significant one is supply chain issues.

In response, larger population areas such as Punta Cana have secured plenty of construction materials and supplies. They are up to standards and able to withstand the heat, winds, and conditions which comprise the area climate. As part of this advancement, there are more local Dominican Republic banks and lending sources willing and able to finance qualified U.S. investors and developers. It shows the confidence local sources have while seeking outside investment dollars to further grow their communities. Current opportunities for development range from single-family communities up to mixed-use commercial.

I’m now looking for investors, developers, and brokers ready for six figure opportunities which can happen sooner rather than later, with tax and financial advantages, no matter where they are located. It’s a great way to be “first in” on a big venture!

 

http://Invest-Aware.com 

 

 

 

When Increasing Property Taxes Is A Walk In The Park

 

I continue to talk about how there are so many opportunities right now for real estate investors, developers, and brokers. The best ones are the ones that bring a solution and/or solve a problem. Kudos to the Mayor of Boise ID for continuing her quest for “her city” to have plenty of walking space for the daily “10-minute walk”. 

Her efforts over the years have brought green space and walking space to citizens. As the below linked article reminds us, she helped to get an $11 million levy passed several months ago despite the result of a $40 annual property tax increase for residents. Let’s face it. It is rare when more than 80% of the voters agree to a tax increase, no matter how slight.

Having a municipality supporting that effort can be a point of appeal for employers as well as residents and visitors. Some businesses welcome the opportunity, just as some potential residents might be more attracted to the river area. City officials must realize the potential economic gain for the area, which would increase property values.

Chances are you are not in or near Boise as you read this. This scenario is certainly not limited to Boise. There could be benefits by getting behind it where you work and live. All it takes is the right research to uncover them. Let’s connect and be “first in” on a big gain!

 

https://www.governing.com/magazine/how-boises-mayor-won-overwhelming-support-for-a-new-park-levy

 

 

 

Using Research To Make A Challenge

 

It is understandable and unfortunate that New York City is looking at increasing expenses and tax demands to its many hotels and hospitality facilities. The American Hotel & Lodging Association is, understandably, representing its members and rallying to help fight the potential added tax burden projected 2027 budgets would bring.

 

Meanwhile, I still have some valued connections that wonder why I emphasize keeping track of certain trends in other cities which do not directly impact them. I find tremendous value in learning of challenges, obstacles, and success stories and the who and how that make them happen.

 

I have not and do not work with or represent the AHLA at all, but I want to give them a big shout out for how they are handling the NYC possible situation. Their latest letter, which is linked below, gives specific examples of how NYC hotels would be negatively impacted if the current budget proposal is enacted. They point out how the problem has impacted other large cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, which are solid examples to compare against New York. Including important industry job and "career" data helps the politicians to see that voters could be negatively impacted instead of "only" a few large corporations.

 

How the AHLA uses those examples along with additional actual statistics in their Letter to state their case is an excellent use of research. It makes a much stronger case than by saying, "We don't want our members paying any more in taxes".  

 

There is a great lesson here on how knowing where to find and keeping track of industry research and trends. Doing so improves the quality of your proposals, presentations, and in some cases, marketing of opportunities along with dealing with challenges.

 

Another reason to have a research person or team on your side. My team and I have been providing research and marketing solutions for more than 30 years.

 

https://www.ahla.com/sites/default/files/AHLA%20NYC%20Economic%20Dev%20Committee%20Testimony%203.17.pdf

 

 

 

 

ADU, Affordable Housing, and Expansion

 

How municipalities are dealing with the affordable housing crisis varies from working aggressively to keep and attract residents to trying to get rid of what they see as problems. As of now, the situation rests at the city or county level rather than state or federal. Some developers, investors, and brokers look down on dealing with affordable housing, which is their right to do. Others see opportunities. Those range from tax incentives and advantages to having reasonable assurances of full occupancy to having civic endorsements enhance their reputation for future expansion.

Making these projects happen is not always easy. One example is the below linked assessment from Frederick County MD. It is current, and takes more than 200 pages to provide all of the information. It’s easy to think that there is no need to take the time to read that many pages when you are not involved in any way with anything in Frederick County. 

I see it differently. From the assessments I have seen from around the country, this one for Frederick County is among the most comprehensive. Having this information can be very helpful. How?

Many cities have not yet dealt with specific policies for affordable housing requirements. If you, whether as a real estate professional, developer, or investor, have the opportunity for input at meetings which help to determine upcoming policy, you would have a major advantage. For example, if you are able to attend an official meeting and show “evidence on Page 173 of the Frederick County MD implementation that…..”, and no one else has information to dispute you, you could be pushing through something which gives your team a big advantage. Especially when no one in the meeting has information on hand to dispute your findings.

This is one of many examples of why having a research person or team working for you (while you are working on your current projects) can result in significant business gains. Let my team and me make you “first in” on significant opportunities!

 

https://frederickcountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/359627/Housing-Needs-Assessment-and-Affordable-Housing-Strategic-Plan-FINAL?bidId=

 

 

Getting Renters To Pay More and Homeowners To Pay Less

 

Chances are not many real estate brokers, developers, and investors are paying serious attention to what is about to happen in South Dakota, with all due respect. My valued clients, students, and connections know better!

Bills have been signed which could have a major impact on the real estate market. Property taxes are going down while sales taxes rise to replace the revenue. Please note this is NOT a political commentary. What it means is that instead of homeowners providing additional millions of dollars in revenue, “everyone” will be, and that includes renters.

Lower property taxes will reduce the monthly expenses of homeowners, whether they have a mortgage or not. Even if monthly home ownership costs reduce by $100 per month, that amount could be the amount that makes a difference between being able to afford a specific property or not. This situation could make new development or renovation more practical if more people can afford ownership. In other words, this move could benefit home owners and the entire South Dakota real estate market.

At the very least, the situation deserves being monitored. Other states may not care how they get revenue, but being able to demonstrate progress on the housing front might make officials in other states take notice.

You never know what monitoring activities in other cities, counties, and states will uncover which could make you and your team “first in” on at least one opportunity. My team and I can help you find out!

 https://www.argusleader.com/story/news/politics/2026/03/13/governor-signs-bills-to-reduce-homeowner-property-taxes-with-higher-sales-taxes/89065246007/

 

 

Real Estate Opportunities As Plane As Day

 

Several major cities are in the process of expanding or renovating a major airport, authorizing many millions or even billions in the process. Meanwhile, some cities, like Toronto, have “secondary” airports where approval for expansion is not a sure thing. The below linked article reviews opposing viewpoints. Whether you are concerned about Toronto or not, there is a point to be made about reasons for and against airport expansion.

As a real estate professional or investor looking for opportunities, it can be a big help to be aware of the pros and cons of a major proposal. Some property owners would stand to gain from a nearby airport expansion, while some may suffer, regardless of the result. Being able to anticipate their needs can make you “first in” on a transaction opportunity.

Suppose you know the owner of a parcel of land located minutes from the airport. If a new runway is approved, it will eventually mean more noise, but could mean that even more people will be able to access that parcel. For example, if the parcel is zoned for a restaurant or hospitality, it could be ideal placement for building and being ready when the new runway is completed. 

In a situation like the one in Toronto, property owners, developers, and investors will have options no matter what the result. These situations have specific dates for hearings and for being voted upon. If they pass, there will be a date in the near future in which they will take effect. The right information can have you, your team, and your client(s) ready to pounce. 

 

https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/internal-polling-by-ford-government-suggests-strong-support-for-expanding-billy-bishop-airport/article_1e959f3b-0535-44b7-aa34-d3a74c438a30.html

 

 And:

 

https://news.miami-airport.com/miami-dade-county-mayor-and-american-airlines-unveil-plans-for-mias-concourse-d-expansion/ 

 

 

If It Costs $1 Billion To Fix, Why Not Start Over?

 

There is still a lot of work to be done to improve the quality of housing in Detroit, while other cities, such as Cleveland, are getting toward that point. Seeing how there is still an estimated $1 billion of "fixing up" costs to restore houses in Detroit should be a major red flag. For some reason, it's not.

 

Instead of the city spearheading a ton of spending to fix up, there must be an easier way so that those funds can go toward schools and infrastructure, just to name two areas. Seems to me for less than half of that amount a group of bulldozers could create vacant land, infrastructure could be updated, and parcels could be ready made for aggressive developers. There could be affordable housing requirements in place at the start, allowing developers and investors to prepare accordingly.

 

It's one thing to fix a few houses in need to come up to neighborhood standards, but when the amount gets into hundreds of millions of dollars, it's not worth doing it half-assed.

 

The new saying might be "It takes a village to create a village" instead of to merely restructure one. Let's create opportunities for being "first in" on significant progress!

 

https://wdet.org/2026/03/03/the-metro-too-broken-to-live-in-too-expensive-to-fix-detroits-unique-housing-crisis/

 

If You Know Where To Look For Properties

 

Time for a quick quiz! How many states have a statistically adequate supply of affordable housing?

If the state you live, work, and/or invest in were to be among those that have a demonstrated need for affordable housing, you may be missing out on a clear opportunity. There are investors out there looking for sellers of distressed properties to be able to fix and flip. Depending upon the neighborhood, those same properties could be fixed and made into rentals. Although the rent may not be at or above market rates, it also means that the “fix” part may not be as significant as it would be for a quick resale. 

Some affordable housing tenants don’t mind if the appliances don’t match or they don’t have a room with a view. They need a place that is functional and they can live in. Meanwhile, some municipalities provide incentives for developers of affordable housing to help fill the need.

Houses, apartment buildings, and vacant parcels need to be placed on the market, whether investors acquire them from motivated sellers or brokers uncover and list them. It all means plenty of opportunities for all concerned. My team and I can assist with identifying opportunities which match your current scope. Being “first in” on opportunities can be life changing.

This means you! The answer to our quiz, as you can see with the below linked research article I am happy to share, is that NO state currently has adequate affordable housing. Let’s connect!

   

https://nlihc.org/gap

 

 

 

"But More Than 90% Of Our Business Is Through Referral" ?

 

Whether you are working on the residential or commercial side, the challenges of today’s real estate market need to be faced in order to maintain and grow the level of business you are accustomed to. I’m hearing more and more about how deals thought to be “in the pipeline” are not making it to the closing table, which creates added stress for those involved. 

 

Although I am not able to convince everyone I connect with to take steps which would increase their business, there is the matter of how real estate professionals approach their marketing strategies. What worked for you ten years ago may not be working the same as it does now. You no longer have to spend a lot of money just to reach and remind your target audience. It may be a “time vs money” consideration.

Even with the increased number of ways to better market a brand, it is amazing to me that I still hear the occasional “More than 90% of my business is by referral” as an excuse. What if it was “40% of my business is by referral”.

If that became the case, it would mean you would have double the business you had when you restricted yourself to only referrals. Those “referrals” would obviously have come along, based on others knowing and trusting the work you do, whether as an agent or broker, lender, and so on. It indicates that you are good and effective at what you do, even though it is a secret to everyone that does not know you. I also don’t believe you have “all the work you can handle”. What that really tells me is that you are spending a percentage of your time connecting with your referral sources and counting on them to feed your business flow. 

If your business was ‘doubled’ because you were attracting and serving more new clients, things would be a lot different. Chances are you could afford the time and money to delegate certain administrative responsibilities, whether by expanding your team or outsourcing. 

This post is not leading into selling you anything. You may not need to buy anything. 

Why do brokers send out “Just Sold” mailers and make announcements on social media? The short answer is that they wish to let potential new clients and connections know of their success in hopes of generating new leads. Otherwise, they would only tell their friends and established contacts they hope will refer them.

If you don’t want to spend on advertising and marketing, you now have more options than ever to spend more of your time on social media and digital marketing campaigns. Let’s get your percentage of referrals down to where it should be!

 

Where Else Could You Help Triple The Size of the City?

 

Being able to triple the size of a growing municipality starts with someone having an idea to make it happen. Those who know or are that someone can have their lives changed partially by being in the right place at the right time. The below linked article details recent happenings toward significant residential and commercial development in Pittsboro NC on more than 5,000 acres.

What makes it even more interesting is that it is not some Mickey Mouse developer behind this. It is being originated by Disney, and has nothing to do with a theme park or entertainment venue. There is no need to worry about whether or not funding will get approved. Thorough research has been performed to select the specific community, especially considering that it is their second plan of this magnitude in the country and the first outside of California.

Whether you are in favor of real estate growth of this magnitude or not is a discussion for another day. The project is on its way to happening. Select real estate developers, brokers, and general contractors are close to embarking on what may be the largest projects they have ever taken on. They are or will be in that situation because they knew of the opportunity in advance, and are poised to be “first in” if and when the green light is given.

Although few companies have the financial ability that Disney does, a project like this one being made into reality could get other large companies, and potentially large investment funds, into looking into similar opportunities. There are municipalities that want and are able to more than double in size. Concepts like the Disney North Carolina project all begin with a proposal and a Business Plan. Let’s talk and do what we can to make you and your team “first in” on the next major opportunity.

 

https://www.wunc.org/economy/2026-02-11/chatham-park-asteria-explainer

 

 

 

 

All's Well That Ends Wells

 

Real estate marketing opportunities come in many forms. Being “first in” to implement a strategy can lead to multiple trips to the closing table for brokers, developers, and investors. It’s part of the job to keep track of industry related happenings and trends. However, with your competition and potential clients doing the same, doing so does not bring “exclusive” opportunities without further exploration.

The secret comes in monitoring as much as possible around your community, county, and state. Monitor for anything that could lead to a real estate opportunity. It is no risk to say that most people involved in real estate would completely ignore the below linked story about dealing with old and outdated oil wells in Illinois. 

What does the story have to do with real estate opportunities? Let me count the ways. 

There will clearly be a high cost involved for the removal, cleanup, and environmental studies. One result will be numerous acres of agricultural, commercial, and residential properties that will have updated surveys and be more ready for new construction or expansion. Developers and investors will be able to propose new projects which brokers will sell and lease.

Meanwhile, a major consequence appears to be still another tax increase for residents of the impacted counties, and perhaps throughout all of Illinois. The state already has among the three highest property tax costs in the U.S., and another increase is likely to make even more residents want to leave the State. More opportunities for brokers, investors, and contractors result.

If commercial property taxes also rise because of the situation, or employers and employees are vacating, there will be more commercial properties coming for sale, potentially at reduced rates as landlords want to escape the mess.

Being ready for these situations could get you and your team a big jump on pouncing on these opportunities. Your offer or bid could be accepted before competitors who “just thought of it” finish their research and proposals. 

I understand how you and your team don’t have time for constantly finding these things. My team and I do.

 

https://www.wifr.com/2026/02/09/taxpayers-could-be-hook-millions-cleanup-costs-oil-gas-wells/  

 

 

 

Real Estate Investors Need To Stay In The Zone

 

While talking with a student yesterday I was reminded of a real estate agent I knew more than 20 years ago, Hal, from the days of weekly meetings for agents and affiliate members (of which I was one). There was an older man, seemingly in his 70s, who would come casually dressed and talk with everyone. He would not pitch any listings or be involved in much activity.

One morning I got to chat with him and ask him what he is doing “these days”. He mentioned a nearby strip mall. It was like the ones we all drive past every day, with the phone store, sub shop, dollar store, beauty supply place, etc. That strip mall was owned by his company, fully leased, and his only source of income. The reason he went to every agent meeting he could was to be on top of any zoning proposals or anything which could possibly impact his mall. Those were reasons enough for him to keep his real estate license and pay his dues. I was able to tell him how much I admired him for doing that.

Fast forward to today, and we see a number of municipalities seeking changes in zoning and regulations to deal with the local housing situation. Some cities are looking to increase density by trying to create more multi-family parcels. Others are gearing up to increase affordable housing, with Opportunity Zones becoming an item again. As the below linked article demonstrates, Cleveland is one of those cities looking at changing things.

It’s as though Hal was ahead of his time. He would have been all over these proposed changes ahead of time and ready to make adjustments if it would impact his property. Sometimes it is too late to take action AFTER an ordinance or revised zoning comes into effect.

Chances are there are other developers, investors, and brokers well underway with proposals, offers, and a solid plan to take full advantage. They are ready to be “first in” on new opportunities. If you still think you “don’t have time to worry about those things”, at least take a moment to find someone to monitor for you. There just might be thousands of reasons it would benefit you, and each of those reasons includes a photo of George Washington. 

You have the choice of being ahead of changes or waiting until it’s too late. My team and I can be a critical part of your path to success!

 

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-19/at-100-euclidean-zoning-is-overdue-for-reform