In this episode of the Texas Land Guys Podcast, Tim and Tom Dosch return from summer trips and get straight to the question: Who is driving the deal?
They explain how sellers, developers, and brokers each influence the direction of a transaction. You hear how unrealistic timelines or price expectations can turn strong buyers away, how some developers tie up sites without the funding to close, and how a broker’s approach can either keep things moving or stall the process.
They share examples of sellers focusing on the wrong points, developers using contract extensions to buy time, and brokers who overcomplicate negotiations. They also explain the signs of a reliable developer: a track record in the market, access to capital, and the ability to adjust plans when issues arise.
The discussion highlights why trust between parties matters and why clear terms at the start help avoid problems later. Tim and Tom focus on practical steps to match the right people with the right opportunities so the deal closes on time.
If you own land, work in development, or broker deals, this episode gives you a direct view of what moves transactions forward in Texas land deals.
Key Takeaways:
- Deals work best when trust is built early between the seller, broker, and developer.
- “Market” isn’t just price, it’s timing, terms, and realistic due diligence periods.
- Sellers who demand non-market terms often attract the wrong buyers.
- Some developers tie up land without the capital or intent to close; vet them carefully.
- Great brokers know when to speak up, when to listen, and when to guide.
- The best outcomes come from collaboration, not constant negotiation battles.
In This Episode:
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[00:00] Introduction
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[00:52] Tom’s family road trip through the Rockies
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[05:45] Main topic: Who’s driving land deals?
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[09:01] Lessons from early brokerage experiences
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[13:34] How seller expectations can kill deals
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[16:10] Staying “within market” to attract quality buyers
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[18:08] Why chasing “too good to be true” offers backfires
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[22:21] Developer behavior, positive and negative patterns
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[25:23] The importance of credibility and capital in development
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[29:17] Why some out-of-state developers struggle in Texas
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[38:30] The danger of hiring the wrong type of broker
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[41:42] Why credibility drives engagement from serious buyers
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[44:50] How broad market exposure drives better pricing
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[47:30] Wrap-up and listener invitations
Resources and Links:
Tom Dosch