Argus Bits

What Exactly Is “Land Development”? As discussed in previous posts, our industry seems to have terminology that can be interpreted...

Promissory Note vs Deed of Trust vs Mortgage? When you hear about real estate loans, you can tend to hear...

What Are Plotted Easements? One purpose of a preliminary title report and an eventual title policy is to document the...

Why A Specific Plan? In a previous post, we mentioned that a project approval may be for a “specific plan”,...

What Gets Approved? In the entitlement process, a developer is essentially asking the local jurisdiction to approve a project. For...

How Much Are Demo Costs? When estimating the costs to improve a site – grading, utilities, streets – it is...

Timing To Negotiate PSA? A common process in a land transaction is for the seller and buyer to first agree...

What Is Condominium Ownership? Most people tend to think of “condominiums” as a type of attached housing, usually in the...

Who Schedules The Contractors? In the construction of a house, typically there can be 40 – 45 contractors or vendors...

What Is Overhead In A Pro Forma? In a typical homebuilder pro forma, the actual costs of a project are...

Planning Commission vs City Council? As we have talked about in previous posts, the entitlements or discretionary project approvals are...

What Is RHNA? In a previous post, we talked about affordable housing programs, income levels, and how affordable home pricing...

Why Secondary And Emergency Vehicle Access? At the beginning of the site planning process, a competent land planner will be...

What Are House Area Costs? In a previous post, we discussed the site improvement costs that would include grading, underground...

How Do Entitlements Add Value? You may have heard that the entitlements, or government approvals, for a project adds value...

Sources of Land Opportunities? As a land acquisition manager, one of the primary roles is to source and find new...

What If Site Is Low? In managing a grading design, there will be cases where the site is too low...

Directs Per Square Foot? Whether putting together a pro forma for a proposed project or evaluating actual costs, it is...

Negotiating Due Diligence Periods? A key element within an offer is the length of time a buyer is requesting to...

Utility Laterals In Existing Streets? In a typical suburban housing tract, a new water or sewer main will be installed...