BETTER Podcast

In the first episode of our Summer Case Study Series, we're taking a look back at one of the projects that helped shape BETTER's approach to real estate development: The Chamberlin. What began as a modest property in Durham became an opportunity to execute a unique strategy that combined a home renovation with a build-to-sell flag lot subdivision. In this episode, we break down how we identified t...

Traditional real estate strategies are getting harder. Margins on fix-and-flips are tightening, auctions are competitive, and wholesaling requires constant deal flow. So where does opportunity exist today? In this episode, Devin Solow (CEO) and Ian Lipman (COO) break down why 4–12 unit infill housing represents one of the most compelling real estate opportunities in Durham. In “The BETTER Investme...

At BETTER, we don’t think about financing after we find a deal. We think about debt before we even make the offer. Because the structure of a loan can directly impact risk, timelines, flexibility, investor returns, and ultimately whether a project succeeds or struggles. In this episode, we discuss: 🔷 Our goals when structuring debt 🔷 What we evaluate before selecting debt on a project before we...

Risk in real estate isn’t a guessing game, it’s something you can break down, measure, and manage. In this episode, we focus on the three core components that shape every deal: the housing market, the time horizon of the project, and the financing structure behind it. Each one plays a critical role in determining both risk exposure and potential return. We walk through how market conditions influe...

After spending time in Europe, Ian came back with a renewed perspective on something we often take for granted: how the built environment shapes not only how we live, but how we invest. In this episode, we break down the real lessons behind great European cities and how those insights directly translate into stronger, more resilient real estate investments. This isn’t just a conversation about urb...

In real estate, uncertainty compounds fast. Every rezoning hearing, variance request, infrastructure unknown, or discretionary approval introduces friction that can slow timelines, impact returns, and increase investor exposure. So where does capital find protection in today’s market? In this episode, Devin and Ian break down why by-right development is one of the most effective strategies for red...

Durham’s development landscape is shifting. In this video Devin Solow (CEO) and Ian Lipman (COO) break down what’s actually changing inside this large, complex document and what it means on the ground for developers, investors, and the broader community. In “The Future of Durham: What’s Changing and What It Means for Investors”, we unpack: 🔷 The new R-D residential framework 🔷 Density tradeoffs...