Small residential subdivision development

[Lindsey Milam]

Hi everyone! I recently purchased 5 acres with the intent to develop a small, less than 10 lots, residential subdivision.  I am not a licensed real estate agent but have purchased and sold many times over the years and I follow the market closely for trends and pricing.  My question is this:  Where in the world do I begin?  Do I partner with an experienced developer or attempt to handle this alone due to the small nature of the project?  Can a civil engineer handle all the legwork, like permitting, site development and project management?  What are reasonable costs for developing the subdivision assuming the following:  Gulf Coast suburb, flat land with minimal clearing needed, adjacent to subdivision with city water and electricity.  I hope to get some averages, knowing that ya'll don't have all the specifics.  Also hoping to get some opinions on the loftiness of my goal to do this project myself.  Have I lost my middle aged, stay at home mom mind?  Thanks!!!

[Jay Hinrichs]

Exactly consult and civil engineer that specializes in creating subdivisions.   sometimes they sub contract out the land use  surveying etc..

Also walk into ( if they take in person meetings these days) and talk with the planners..

in our markets we have whats called a Pre Application meeting.. they cost a few grand.

And what you do is have your civil sketch out a basic plan..  then they invite all the departments to the one hour meeting and each one talks about viability of the project and gives you the hurdles you will need to jump to get the project approved.

also financing can be non existent for someone with no experience.. so you may have to use cash to prosecute the subdivision.