Hi Reader, We broker and use table funding partners for deals in other states, but for our own hard money balance sheet and investor capital, we lend only in Texas. While many other private lenders spread their nets wide, we go deep. Here's why. Local expertise & market differentiationThere’s magic in specialization. Being deeply rooted in Texas, we've formed bonds, heard stories, and partnered in countless ventures. Every handshake, deal, success, and yes, even every hiccup, has taught us something invaluable about the intricacies of Texas' markets. This proximity allows us to build trust-filled relationships with our borrowers. By choosing to lend only in our backyard, in markets that we know, we’ve also honed our expertise. It’s this combination of deep market knowledge and established trust that sets us apart in a vast sea of generalists. Lender-friendly landscapeIn the lending world, Texas stands out for its efficient environment due to its non-judicial status. This means that should the need arise, the foreclosure process is streamlined and predictable. While no one ever wishes to resort to such measures, it's reassuring for our investors to know that the state's legal landscape is constructed with lender interests in mind. This feature, combined with a vibrant real estate market, makes Texas an especially appealing ground for investment. Economic tailwinds and diversificationTexas is not just growing—it's evolving. Take Houston: traditionally seen as the oil and gas heartland, it's diversifying with sustainable and renewable energy initiatives. Dallas, known for its financial and telecommunication strengths, is now also a nurturing ground for innovative tech solutions, becoming a magnet for tech professionals and startups alike. Austin, already a recognized tech hub, is pushing the envelope further with its thriving creative and digital sectors. Meanwhile, San Antonio's emphasis on healthcare and biosciences showcases its commitment to health innovations. And let's not forget Fort Worth, where aerospace and defense sectors are reaching new heights, drawing global attention. Beyond these industry developments, there's a broader trend to highlight: the people. The population migration trend toward Texas is unmistakable over the last couple of years. Driven by a mix of employment opportunities, affordability, and quality of life, folks from various states are making Texas their home. This influx of new talent and ideas enriches the state, paving the way for an even brighter economic future. The vast and varied Texas real estate landscapeThe vastness of Texas isn't just about land area—it's about the multitude of real estate opportunities that span its urban and suburban landscapes. This state offers an incredible array of investment avenues, each with its unique flavor and potential. From vibrant urban centers with townhomes to serene suburbs with family residences and gated communities, Texas is a testament to the myriad ways people choose to live and invest. This diverse spectrum ensures there's always a new opportunity, a unique project, or a different perspective for those keen on real estate. Texas continuously presents avenues for investment and gives us a long runway for company growth. |
Former investment banker turned private lender. Join the newsletter for weekly insights about private credit and how I make hard money loans directly to real estate investors.
Hi Reader, The year kicked off with a flurry of activity at Longleaf. Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve been up to, showcasing our growth and some of the fun projects we've been working on. The new landing page Website Redesign Last year, I embarked on a coding journey, leading to our website's recent relaunch. This transformation was strategic, aiming for more than just aesthetic appeal: Upgraded Professionalism: The new design is clean, intuitive, and designed to resonate with a wider...
Hi Reader, Before we jump into today's topic, I'm excited to share the new Be the Bank site. I ventured into coding this year and developed the site from scratch with Ruby/Rails and TailwindUI. It's pretty simple for now, but I have some fun features planned for the upcoming year. For now, you can revisit older editions of the Be the Bank newsletter. Earlier this year, I wrote about why we're funding more new construction projects, highlighting the surge in such ventures we've financed. This...
Hi Reader, Back in 2007, my foray into retirement investing began with the government's Thrift Savings Plan. By the time I left the service in 2011, I had accumulated a modest portfolio of about $20k — not too shabby considering what they paid us. Since then, I've consistently maxed out my retirement contributions, often taking advantage of company matches to boost growth. My strategy? Predominantly growth stocks, capitalizing on my long investment horizon. This approach has served me well...