Making it in Real Estate: Starting Out as a Developer

What does it take to be a successful real estate developer? Author John McNellis tells you how, sharing practical tips and advice from his wealth of experience over 35 years in real estate development. Like meeting with a mentor over coffee, McNellis entertains with witty anecdotes, and wisdom on how to take advantage of opportunities and avoid pitfalls. Offering humorous insights, the book covers the ins and outs of how to get financing, working with architects, brokers, and other professionals, how to make a good deal, and win approval for your project.

“Put aside other real estate textbooks! John McNellis is a Picasso of storytelling, bringing the real estate process to life through humorous and compelling anecdotes and insights. With material as eclectic as the times in which we live, McNellis captures the fascinating odyssey of real estate investment, ownership, and development. Newbies and wily, cantankerous veterans alike will find this gripping primer on the real estate deal process to be a catalyst in turning creative ideas and big dreams into tomorrow’s built environment.” —Jim Curtis, Managing Partner, Bristol Group

“John McNellis has a talent few other developers possess: he can swiftly cut to the chase to make a deal that works for both sides. He is among the best at knowing when a deal makes sense to pursue, or when to walk away and await the next one. If you want to learn what it takes to be successful in real estate, read this book.” —James S. Fassio, President and Chief Development Officer, Ross Stores Inc.

“John McNellis’s book on real estate development and investment is extraordinarily insightful and full of wisdom. His wit makes it an easy read. I would highly recommend this book to both experienced and beginning real estate developers and investors.” —George M. Marcus, Chairman of the Board, Marcus & Millichap Inc. and Essex Property Trust Inc.

“John McNellis fills his book with rich insight, great advice, humor, and inspiration—sharing his deep experience and wisdom, helping us think more clearly about real estate and assorted business issues. A must-read.” —Mark L. Myers, Head of Commercial Real Estate, Wells Fargo & Company

John McNellis is a principal with McNellis Partners, a commercial development firm specializing in mixed-use and retail projects. He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of California Hastings College of the Law,