Building a successful multifamily development project is like conducting an orchestra, with each player performing their part perfectly. Is this your first time developing an apartment complex? Be careful not to underestimate the importance of your team.

This article explores the importance of assembling the right team, from architects and general contractors to lawyers, brokers, and property managers. Through practical advice and case studies, we look at the key roles, the optimal timing to bring each player onboard, and potential pitfalls of neglecting this crucial aspect of your project.

The Essentials of Assembling a Team With Relevant Experience

Multifamily development isn't a solo venture — it's a highly collaborative process that requires an array of skills. Each team member plays a crucial role, bringing their unique expertise to the table.

From the inception of your project idea to its completion, the right team can guide you, minimizing risks and maximizing profitability. This team involves general contractors, architects, property managers, engineers, and more.

Case Study: A Successful Project With the Right Team

Consider the story of Elizabeth, a first-time multifamily developer in Houston, Texas. She aimed to develop a mid-rise luxury apartment complex in the bustling Montrose neighborhood — an ambitious endeavor given the dense urban setting and her lack of development experience.

Elizabeth knew that her project's success hinged on assembling a competent team. She hired Paul, a general contractor with a track record of similar projects in the Houston area. Paul brought along a network of reliable subcontractors, which helped streamline the construction process.

For architectural design, she chose Lisa, a well-known architect specializing in multifamily housing. Lisa's innovative design allowed Elizabeth to maximize the use of the compact urban lot while ensuring an aesthetically pleasing structure that aligned with the neighborhood's character.

Finally, Elizabeth enlisted the services of John, a seasoned civil engineer. John's expertise was instrumental in site planning and preparation, ensuring the complex's infrastructure was up to city codes and efficient.

Together, Elizabeth's team turned her vision into reality — a luxury apartment complex that was both profitable and a welcome addition to the Montrose neighborhood. Her success was no stroke of luck but a testament to the power of the right team.

The Pivotal Role of the General Contractor

If your multifamily development project was a symphony, the general contractor would be the conductor. The GC is responsible for executing the blueprint that the architect created, transforming a concept into a physical structure. This involves coordinating with subcontractors, acquiring necessary permits, sourcing materials, and ensuring the project is meeting its milestones while adhering to the budget.

Beyond just construction, the GC plays an important role in pre-construction activities such as budget estimation, value engineering, and constructability reviews. Their track record in handling similar projects should provide confidence, as this experience can help prevent cost overruns and construction delays.

When to Engage the General Contractor

The timing of bringing a GC on board can significantly impact the success of your project. Engaging a GC during the pre-construction phase can help in obtaining accurate cost estimates and beneficial insights into construction feasibility. They can collaborate with architects and engineers, offering their practical perspective and perhaps suggesting cost-effective alternatives.

However, involving a GC early requires an upfront investment and can tie you to a contractor before finalizing the project's details. Hence, it's crucial to choose a GC who has demonstrated integrity, transparency, and reliability in past projects.

The Importance of a Third-Party Property Manager

While the general contractor and their team are building the physical structure, a third-party property manager focuses on the operational side. Once the project nears completion, their role becomes pivotal in transforming the physical asset into a revenue-generating investment.

Property managers oversee day-to-day operations, dealing with tenant acquisition and retention, rent collection, routine maintenance, and ensuring regulatory compliance. They serve as a link between the owner and the tenants, handling complaints, conducting inspections, and enforcing lease agreements. Their expertise is particularly valuable if you're new to the multifamily asset class or if you lack the time or resources to handle these tasks yourself.

Timing and Process of Hiring a Property Manager

Consider bringing on a property manager during the later stages of the construction phase. They can assist in defining the property's operational budget, developing pre-leasing strategies, and setting up maintenance programs. Having them on board early can also aid in smoothing the transition from construction to operations.

The hiring or selection process involves defining the manager's responsibilities, comparing different management companies, interviewing potential candidates, and finally, signing a property management agreement. It's critical to find a property manager who not only has the required expertise and a good reputation but also shares your values and vision for the property.

In the long run, a well-chosen property manager can contribute significantly to the performance and value of your multifamily investment. Their expertise in operations and tenant relations can help maximize occupancy rates, maintain a positive living environment, and enhance the property's reputation — all crucial elements of a successful real estate investment.

Other Essential Team Members in Multifamily Development

Every successful multifamily development project is the culmination of many talents, beyond just the GC and the property manager. Let's explore the other critical members who should be part of your team:

Lawyers

It's never too early to bring a lawyer into your development team. From the very outset, they can assist in structuring the legal entity for your project, drafting partnership agreements, and reviewing purchase contracts. Their role becomes increasingly crucial as you navigate zoning and land use regulations, negotiate contracts with contractors, and handle lease agreements with future tenants. A real estate lawyer can be your legal guide throughout the project, protecting your interests and ensuring you comply with all relevant laws.

Architects

Architects should be brought in once you have decided on your development concept and have secured the development site. They will take your initial vision and translate it into a tangible design, taking into account the site's characteristics, local building codes, and your project's budget and timeline. Involving them early in the planning process can result in a more integrated and efficient design and help prevent costly changes down the line.

Real Estate Brokers

Real estate brokers specializing in multifamily properties can be invaluable during the site selection process. They can provide insights into local market conditions, help identify potential sites, and assist in negotiating the purchase. It's ideal to engage them at the very inception of your project, even before you have finalized your development concept. After the project's completion, they can also assist in marketing the property to potential tenants, using their extensive network and understanding of the local rental market.

Financial Advisors

Financial advisors should be engaged at the earliest stages of your project. They can assist you in the initial financial feasibility analysis, helping you determine whether your project idea makes financial sense.

As the project progresses, they can guide you in budgeting, securing financing, managing project cash flows, and dealing with tax implications. Their financial acumen can be a valuable asset, helping you make informed decisions at every step of your project.

Case Study: The Downfall of Ignoring Team Composition

For a lesson in the importance of a well-rounded team, consider the story of Mike, an aspiring developer in Phoenix, Arizona. Mike was planning to convert a dilapidated warehouse into a loft-style apartment complex. Given his background in construction, he felt confident to take on the role of the GC himself and decided to proceed without a dedicated property manager, relying instead on a friend with some rental management experience.

As the project moved from planning to execution, Mike ran into a multitude of problems. The architect he hired, while talented, had no previous experience with warehouse conversions. They had failed to anticipate several design challenges specific to such conversions, causing costly revisions.

Without a real estate broker's guidance, Mike had underestimated the complexity of zoning laws for his project. The property was in an area zoned for commercial use, and getting the necessary permits for residential use turned into a bureaucratic nightmare.

Lastly, the friend Mike had relied on for property management was overwhelmed with the tasks at hand. They struggled with tenant acquisition, resulting in low occupancy rates upon completion of the development.

Mike's story underscores the importance of building a comprehensive, experienced team for multifamily development. Each team member brings specialized expertise that, when combined, can drive a project to its successful completion. Ignoring this can lead to a challenging and costly learning experience, as Mike learned the hard way.

Conclusion: The Power of the Right Team

Teamwork is essential in any multifamily development, whether it’s your first or your 100th. If you’re new to the game, you need to understand that every role on your team is vital. From architects who translate your vision into a tangible design, to lawyers navigating legal complexities, financial advisors ensuring fiscal feasibility, real estate brokers guiding in site selection and leasing, to a property manager ensuring smooth operations — each team member plays an essential role.

Neglecting the importance of assembling a well-rounded, experienced team can be a costly mistake, as our case study highlighted.

Next Steps: Practical Tips for Assembling Your Team

Now that you understand the importance of a well-assembled team and the roles of its various members, here are a few steps you can take:

Identify Your Team Needs

Start by defining the skills and expertise needed for your specific project. Every project is unique, and its requirements will vary.

Start Early

Begin assembling your team during the initial planning stages of your project. Engage a lawyer and a real estate broker as soon as you've decided to go ahead with your project. Talk to us about your financing options.

An architect should be brought in once you've secured the site, and a GC when you're ready to move from planning to execution. Consider bringing on a property manager as you near the end of the construction phase.

Do Your Homework

Before hiring, do thorough research. Check their previous work, ask for references, and ensure they have relevant experience in multifamily development.

Align Values

Beyond just professional capabilities, make sure your team members share your project vision and values. Good interpersonal dynamics can significantly improve the team's efficiency and the overall project experience.

For further reading, consider resources like the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC), Urban Land Institute (ULI), and local real estate development forums. These platforms offer a wealth of information and can also be good starting points to find experienced professionals for your team.

By taking the time to assemble the right team, you will be setting a solid foundation for your project's success. It's an investment that can pay dividends in the successful completion of your multifamily development project.

In this article:

The Essentials of Assembling a Team With Relevant Experience
Case Study: A Successful Project With the Right Team
The Pivotal Role of the General Contractor
When to Engage the General Contractor
The Importance of a Third-Party Property Manager
Timing and Process of Hiring a Property Manager
Other Essential Team Members in Multifamily Development
Lawyers
Architects
Real Estate Brokers
Financial Advisors
Case Study: The Downfall of Ignoring Team Composition
Conclusion: The Power of the Right Team
Next Steps: Practical Tips for Assembling Your Team
Identify Your Team Needs
Start Early
Do Your Homework
Align Values
Get Financing

How to Assemble the Right Multifamily Development Team