Real Estate Development Strategies, Vol. 1 Site Selection: The Foundation of Every Great Development

Every successful real estate project starts long before the first shovel hits the ground. It begins with one of the most overlooked—but most important—steps in the process: site selection.

As a developer, I’ve learned that choosing the right site isn’t about luck or gut instinct it’s about aligning data, design, and community vision. A great project in the wrong location can still fail. But a smart site in the right market can turn even a simple concept into a sustainable investment.

At CorePar Development, we build where opportunity meets purpose. Here’s how I evaluate whether a location makes sense—financially, logistically, and socially.

1. Start With Jobs, Not Dirt

Before looking at land, I look at employment. If people are working nearby but struggling to find affordable, quality housing—that’s a signal.

Cities like Muncie, Kokomo, and Anderson are great examples: they’re growing manufacturing and education sectors but have limited new workforce housing. That imbalance creates real opportunity for developers who build practical, attainable units—like duplexes.

Rule of thumb:

Go where the jobs are stable and the housing stock is aging.

2. Understand the Local Vision

The best developments align with a city’s long-term goals. I always meet with mayors, city planners, and local development corporations early in the process to learn what they need—and where.

You’ll learn quickly whether a city is ready to grow.Ask:

“How can this project support your economic or workforce goals?”

That one question can turn a project from a private idea into a public priority.

3. Check the Infrastructure Early

Water, sewer, and storm systems can make or break a deal. A low-cost parcel that needs new infrastructure isn’t a bargain—it’s a time bomb.

At CorePar, we always review utility maps, zoning overlays, and future street plans before closing. If a site is already tied into city services, that can save six figures and months of delays.

Pro Tip: Talk to nearby developers. If they recently extended utilities, you may be able to share the benefit without the expense.

4. Walk the Site, Don’t Just Map It

Google Maps is useful—but it can’t show slope, soil conditions, or neighborhood energy. I always walk the property and explore the surrounding streets. What’s nearby? Who’s walking their dog? What do the schools and parks look like?

That on-the-ground experience gives you intuition data can’t.

5. Model From the End User Backward

Before drawing a single line on paper, we start with affordability math .If local workforce incomes average $45,000, that means housing should rent around $1,000–$1,200 per month. From there, we reverse-engineer unit size, finishes, and amenities.

That’s how we ensure every CorePar project meets real community needs while delivering investor returns.

6. Balance Intuition With Information

Numbers matter—but so does instinct. Over the years, I’ve learned that successful developers combine both.A spreadsheet might tell you the yield; walking the site tells you the story.

And in real estate, the story is what sells—to investors, cities, and families alike.

Final Thought

Site selection is the first—and most critical—form of risk management. Choose the wrong site, and you’ll spend years fighting to make it work. Choose the right one, and every decision that follows becomes easier.

At CorePar, we build in markets that need housing, welcome growth, and share our vision for community. Because smart development isn’t just about building—it’s about belonging.

Call to Action

Follow this series, Real Estate Development Strategies, as I share the step-by-step process CorePar uses to bring projects from concept to community. To see our latest developments, visit corepardevelopment.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.