Veteran construction contractor, and building trades authority, R. Dodge Woodson shows how to profitably transform raw land into housing. This practical guide covers every phase of the land development process as well as essential business practice fundamentals.

NEW TO THIS EDITION: finding and selling property via the Internet, more information on finance and insurance issues, the latest in land ordinances and runoff issues and EPA requirements.

You do not need a fortune or years of real estate experience to become a successful residential land developer. This shrewd, up-to-the-minute guide shows you how to find and acquire prime properties that are true diamonds in the rough. You will learn the factors that determine whether you have got a good deal: engineering surveys, grading, water availability and drainage, utilities, traffic, and more. And once youve chosen your land, youll discover what you need to do at every stage to make your project succeed.

With the step-by-step advice of real estate expert and contractor R. Dodge Woodsons failure-proof primer, anyone can learn to exploit the opportunities in land development. Reflecting todays advantageous financial land development climate, Be a Successful Residential Land Developer shows you how to:

* Tie up and control land with very little cash and plenty of escape clauses
* Tap into conventional and creative financing sources
* Apply powerful Internet tools to leverage information
* Get favorable bids from subcontractors
* Deal with zoning, environmental, and code enforcement issues
* Reduce neighborhood resistance and handle boards of appeal
* Put together a professional team and direct the project
* Develop a marketing and sales plan for your new home(s)
* Much, much more. 352 pp.

Be a Successful Residential Land Developer - Table of Contents:

• Why Should I get into Land Development?
• Can I Really Do it?
• The Development Team and Selecting the Viable Project
• Finding Hidden Treasure
• Tying up Land Without a Full Commitment
• Having Your Experts Do Preliminary Checks
• Going over the Ground, from Top to Bottom
• Planning on Paper
• Storm Water Drainage
• Deciphering the Dirt
• Water Requirements
• Land Lost and Costs for Roads
• Flood Zones, Location, Location, Location
• Plans and Specifications
• Getting Development Bids
• Sales Projections
• Financing
• Zoning
• Closing Your Land Deal
• Insurance and Subcontractor Needs
• Rolling Out the Big Rigs and Site Supervision
• Keeping Your Project on Time and on Budget
• A Marketing Plan and Sales Team
• New Projects

Be a Successful Residential Land Developer - Checklists and Forms

R. Dodge Woodson uses his years of experience as a builder and land developer to compile this unique checklist and forms book covering the day-to-day business practices of the residential land developers and the construction community.160 pp.

Residential Land Developer's Checklists and Forms - Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• Researching Profitable Properties
• Doing The Demographics
• Zoning Matters
• Flood Zones and Flood Plains
• Wetland Issues
• Road Considerations
• Leftover Lots
• Timber Tactics
• Budgeting Your Money
• Selecting Partners
• Beating The Bank
• Organizational Skills That Win
• Selecting Your Professional Team
• Contractual Terms And Offers
• Dealing With Property Owners
• Working With Real Estate Brokers
• Site Inspections
• Plans And Specifications
• Putting Work Out To Bids
• Sales Projections
• Insurance Needs
• Working With Subcontractors
• Watching Your Workers
• Beating Your Budget
• The Exit Plan