Resources for Developers

The Developer Toolkit

Supporting the growing talent in Michigan is key to putting the state at the forefront of economic development. If you are new or currently in the process of the development experience, this toolkit offers a better understanding of the development process and delivers a roadmap towards success.

The Developer Toolkit initiative provides technical assistance resources, mentorship, and development support from all levels for real estate entrepreneurs. Our team is committed to eliminating barriers, better serving real estate entrepreneurs with limited experience, and building a strong pipeline of developers in Michigan.

Through the steps outlined below, the goal of the toolkit is to:

Connect real estate entrepreneurs to organizations and/or individuals that provide support and services
Provide awareness of Community Development tools
Educate developers from start to finish to ensure longevity

Developer's Toolkit

Are you new to development and don’t know where to start?

Technical Assistance

A recommended first step when getting into real estate development is to seek assistance. The following resources provide information that will help a new real estate professional get started, know what funding could be available, and learn how to start gathering the information needed to begin your journey into the development world.

Partner Support:

Looking for guidance and mentorship?

Mentorship

It is strongly encouraged for anyone new to development to find a mentor who has several years of experience in the field. No one is ever truly an expert in the development world, and time and experience matters. The following resources will help you get started on identifying potential mentorship opportunities.

Mentorship Resources:

Ready to start? Let's double check.

Pre-Development

Before getting too excited and thinking a project is ready to go, it is in your best interest to do some pre-development homework. This can save you time and money. From financing to site plan review, pre-development work will benefit the applicant in the long run. Review the identified resources below to get started.

Site Selection Resources:

Site Design

Architecture

Municipal Approvals

Environmental

Brownfield Redevelopment Program

Finance

Market Analysis

Are you ready to build?

Development

At this step you have gone through the legwork to get the project started and approved and are now in the implementation phase. This includes building permits, zoning approvals, financing and eventually a certificate of occupancy. The resources below will help you move along in this step.

Construction Resources:

Construction Management

- VIDEO: Construction Management 101: What Is Construction Management?

How to maintain and continue development success.

Post Development

Now that your development is complete, it's your responsibility to maintain the property and ensure its longevity. Use these resources to enhance the long-term success of your project.

Marketing, Lease Up and More:

Types of Lease Agreements | Real Estate Exam Prep Videos

Property Management (videos)

Event Toolkit (documents)

Now that you’ve completed your first development, how can you better market your success? Have you considered ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, press releases, or simply creating talking points? The resources below have been developed to help you effectively promote your completed project: