EP279: The Big Decision That Changed Everything: Behind the Scenes of Our Latest Build-to-Rent Project

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Have you ever made a decision that left your stomach in knots because you knew the stakes were *huge*? That’s exactly how we felt last October (October 2023) when we faced a pivotal moment in our build-to-rent project in North Texas.

Picture this: we were about to break ground on a 118-townhome community, but one big question loomed over us—should we take a construction loan from day one and start paying immediately, or should we use the equity we’d raised to fund the initial phase?

This choice wasn’t just about money; it was about risk, timing, and ultimately, the success of the entire project.

The Case for a Loan: Timing vs. Control

Taking out a construction loan would lock in the current interest rates, which seemed like a smart move with rates likely to rise. But here’s the thing—loans come with strings attached. Lenders set strict timelines and constraints, and we’d be on the hook for payments right away.

On the flip side, we’d already raised enough funds to cover the horizontal construction phase. Using equity instead would let us dodge lender-imposed pressures and stay in full control of our budget and schedule.

After countless conversations, spreadsheets, and late-night debates, we decided to fund the horizontal phase with equity.

This choice gave us the freedom to move at our pace, avoid the uncertainty of rising rates, and ensure the project stayed on track without the added pressure of immediate loan payments.

The Results

Fast forward to today, and we’re so glad we made that decision.

Despite a six-week rain delay in March (thanks, Mother Nature!), we’re nearing the end of the horizontal construction phase, and here’s the kicker—we’re *under budget*. 😗😎

In the world of real estate development, staying under budget is no small feat.

Conservative planning, careful management, and a clear focus on priorities have helped us navigate every challenge, from permitting to weather delays.

Speaking of permitting, we made sure this project was “shovel-ready” from day one by securing all necessary approvals upfront.

That preparation ensured we could stay on schedule, even with a few hiccups along the way.

And now?

We’re just a week away from pouring the streets, which will officially transform this site from bare land into a thriving community in the making.

A Creative Vision Turned Reality

This phase of the project has been such a full-circle moment for us.

It reminds us of our fashion background, where we’d take flat patterns and transform them into stunning garments.

Now, instead of clothes, we’re designing and building homes—something that will impact families, neighborhoods, and our investors for years to come.

It’s so rewarding to see our designs come to life and know we’re creating something meaningful—not just for the community but for the people who’ve trusted us with their investments.

What’s Next: Moving Into Vertical Construction

As we prepare to transition into vertical construction, our excitement is through the roof (pun intended).

We’ll keep sharing updates on our progress, lessons learned, and the strategies that have helped us succeed.

This journey has been about so much more than building homes—it’s about empowering others to grow their wealth, take smart risks, and make their dreams a reality.

Whether you’re considering your first investment project or are a seasoned pro, we hope our story inspires you to make bold moves and take control of your future.

Here’s to creating something extraordinary, one step at a time.

Stay tuned for what’s next—there’s so much more to come! 💛