Episode 98 – Land Development Financing with John Hutchinson of Trez Capital
In Episode 98 of the Land to Lots™ podcast, Carter Froelich sits down with John Hutchinson, Co-Chief Executive and Global Head of Origination at Trez Capital, a private real estate investment firm providing debt and equity solutions across the United States and Canada.
John shares perspective on how private capital is underwriting land development today, what lenders are focused on in the current market, and how sponsors can better position their projects for successful execution. Carter and John discuss entitlement risk, absorption assumptions, loan structure, recourse, and how infrastructure financing tools factor into lending decisions.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- John’s background and path into land development finance.
- How Trez Capital approaches land and horizontal development lending today.
- What lenders consider “down the middle of the fairway” underwriting in the current market.
- How entitlement risk, absorption, and takedown assumptions are evaluated.
- Typical loan structures, leverage ranges, and covenant considerations.
- How draw schedules, inspections, and funding mechanics work in practice.
- How special districts and bond reimbursements are viewed from a lender perspective.
- What John is watching in land development finance over the next 12 to 24 months.
- Trends John is watching in land and development lending over the next 12 to 24 months.
- John’s biggest professional learning experience and what currently keeps him up at night.
Show Notes:
John Hutchinson
E – johnh@trezcapital.com
C – (214) 545-0952
Website – www.trezcapital.com
Plus: Whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways Launch Development Financing Advisors™ (Launch) can help you with your project:
- Prepare a Special Tax District Bond Analysis for your Project – If you have a projects in AZ, CA, CO, ID, NC, NM, SC, TX, UT, WA contact Carter Froelich and have Launch prepare an initial complimentary high-level bond analysis for your project.
- Hold a 1 Hour Complimentary Project Vision™ and DOS Worksheet for your Project – If you have a projects in AZ, CA, CO, ID, NC, NM, SC, TX, UT, WA contact Carter Froelich and schedule a complimentary 1-hour Project Vision™ and DOS conversation for your project which will result in a high-level Project Path & Plan™ for your project. (Note: Projects should be of 250 acres or more).
- Perform The RED Analysis™ on your Project – We have developed a unique process at Launch called The RED Analysis™ in which we perform a diagnostic review of your project to determine possible ways to Reduce, Eliminate and Defer infrastructure construction costs in order to enhance project returns. Contact Carter Froelich for more information.
- Track Your Reimbursable Costs Utilizing The Launch Reimbursement System™ (“LRS”) – Never lose track of your district eligible reimbursable costs and have Launch manage your district’s costs reimbursement tracking, preparation of electronic reimbursement submittal packages and processing of your reimbursement requests with the district, jurisdiction and/or agency. Contact Curry Froelich for more information.
Complimentary Offers for Land to Lots™ Listeners
Complimentary Land to Lots Book
Complimentary Bond Sizing Analysis
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Learn more about Launch Development Finance Advisors
Connect with Carter Froelich
Connect With Launch Development Finance Advisors
Carter Froelich – 480-828-9555 / carter@launch-dfa.com
Carter Froelich hosts the Land to Lots™ podcast powered by Launch Development Finance Advisors. Carter shares how he and his team help their clients finance infrastructure, reduce costs, and mitigate risks all with the goal of enhancing project profitability.
