Cities are always changing: streets, infrastructure, public spaces, and buildings are constantly being built, improved, demolished, and replaced.

But when a new project is designed to improve a community, neighbourhood residents often find themselves at odds with the real estate developer who proposes it. Savvy developers are willing to work with residents to allay their concerns and gain public support, but at the same time, a real estate development is a business venture financed by private investors who take significant risks.

Each stage in the real estate development process is important. You can’t skip steps or try to do them out of order. If you don’t follow the logical order, you’re likely to make mistakes. Mistakes lead to losses. By minimizing mistakes and only proceeding with well thought-out, reasonable decisions, you’re more likely to end up with a net gain than a net loss.

Many of our problems in life, and in business, can be chalked up to miscommunication or a lack of communication. One of your leading roles as a developer is to be a facilitator and communicator, working with investors, builders, brokers, finance folks, and others. Availability, especially during normal work hours, is imperative. People want to know they can reach and rely on you.

Meeting your professional contacts where they are is also integral. This means contacting others through multiple platforms, including email, text messaging, phone calls, and whatever else you need to do to stay connected.