Episode Summary In this episode of Blueprint to Billions, HUD attorney and multifamily housing strategist Terry Bruner reveals how internal team dynamics, leadership blind spots, and power imbalances can make or break HUD-backed real estate deals. From identifying hidden breakdowns in complex transactions to navigating egos and politics, Terry shares actionable strategies for keeping development projects aligned and on track. He also explores the importance of humility, clear communication, and authentic leadership in managing federal oversight while balancing community and investor needs.
Key Timestamps 00:00:46 – Why HUD deals often unravel due to unseen internal breakdowns 00:02:25 – How humility and willingness to follow expert guidance impacts deal success 00:04:12 – The common leadership blind spots slowing down development teams 00:05:22 – Why poor communication and misaligned goals stall real estate transactions 00:06:50 – Lessons from sports: adopting a fearless mindset in complex projects 00:08:22 – How fear, politics, and urgency derail mission-focused development 00:09:44 – Overlooking power dynamics in HUD’s TPA process and why it’s a mistake 00:11:09 – Why authentic leadership matters more than just the numbers 00:12:36 – Resetting the tone when stakeholder conflict threatens a deal 00:15:04 – Essential advice for developers entering HUD-backed transactions 00:16:19 – A behind-the-scenes pivot that saved a deal from long delays 00:18:31 – Predicting flexibility and teamwork as the key to future wins
About the Show
Blueprint to Billions is a podcast for real estate professionals, investors, and changemakers who want to master the strategy behind HUD-backed multifamily housing deals. Hosted by attorney and multifamily housing strategist Terry Bruner, the show pulls back the curtain on what really drives successful affordable housing development, from navigating red tape and relational capital to building generational wealth through TPA investments. Each episode blends legal insight, policy knowledge, and practical advice to help listeners scale projects with purpose, profit, and community impact in mind.
Learn more about Terry Bruner’s work: terrybrunerlaw.com Subscribe to Blueprint to Billions for more expert insights on real estate law and strategy.
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