Buying Land with a Vision: How to Pitch a Development Plan to Private Lenders

November 24, 2025

Quick answer:

Private lenders don’t just fund land—they fund land with a plan. If you’re buying raw or entitled land for development in Dallas, Tarrant, or Collin counties, your success hinges on how clearly and credibly you can explain what the land will become—and how you’ll make that happen.

At Silverton Capital, we fund all kinds of real estate investments—but land plays by different rules. Here’s how to package your vision in a way that turns heads and gets funded.

Why Private Lenders Need to See Your Endgame

Land on its own doesn’t cash flow. It doesn’t have comps like a house. And it doesn’t offer collateral value without a defined exit.

That’s why when you pitch a land deal, we’ll ask:

  • What’s your development plan?
  • What is the land zoned for?
  • What’s your timeline to build or flip?
  • What makes your parcel valuable—now or in the near future?
  • Who are your end users or buyers?

Your answers don’t have to be fancy—but they do have to be organized, credible, and specific.

What a Strong Development Pitch Looks Like

Here’s what separates a funded land deal from a vague dream on a napkin:

1. Site Overview

Tell us what you’re buying—and why it matters.

  • Address and parcel info
  • Acreage and lot dimensions
  • Current zoning and use
  • Utility access: water, sewer, power, gas
  • Flood zones or easements

💡 Bonus points for including aerial images, zoning maps, or plats.

2. Your Vision: What Will This Become?

This is where you tell the story of the land.

For example:

  • 8 townhomes in an upzoned part of East Dallas
  • 3-acre infill site to be subdivided and sold to small builders
  • 10-acre commercial site near a new highway interchange
  • 1-acre site in Frisco for a high-end custom spec home

We want to know what you plan to build, sell, or hold—and what value that will create.

3. Timeline and Milestones

Time kills deals—so show us you understand what’s next.

Include estimated timing for:

  • Entitlements or zoning changes
  • Civil engineering and platting
  • Utility tap-ins
  • Breaking ground
  • Construction and/or sale
  • Loan payoff or refinance

Even if you don’t have every detail locked in, show that you’ve thought about sequencing.

4. Exit Strategy

How do you plan to pay back the loan?

Typical land loan exits include:

  • Sell to a builder once entitled
  • Flip to another investor once subdivided
  • Roll into a construction loan you already have lined up
  • Refinance into long-term land hold financing

We’ll ask for details about your end buyer, takeout lender, or construction team—so come prepared.

5. Comps and Market Demand

Even with a great idea, the numbers have to work.

Bring us:

  • Recent land sales in the area (with price per acre or price per lot)
  • Nearby developments or infrastructure improvements
  • Insights into local demand (e.g. low inventory, builder activity, new schools, commercial growth)
  • Broker letters or LOIs if you have them

You don’t need a full appraisal—just prove you understand your local market.

What Documents to Include in Your Land Pitch

To make your loan request bulletproof, include:

  • Site photos
  • Survey or plat (even if preliminary)
  • Zoning letter or city communication
  • Civil engineer contact (if already engaged)
  • Construction budget (if applicable)
  • Project timeline with phases
  • Exit strategy memo (1–2 pages max)

The goal is not to drown your lender in detail, but to show you’ve done your homework.

Final Thoughts: Vision + Execution Wins Deals

Plenty of investors come to us with “great land ideas.”

But the ones who get funded are the ones who come with a plan, a timeline, and a clear path to value.

If you're buying land in Dallas, Tarrant, or Collin counties, and you're serious about development, we're here to help you move forward.

Need funding for a land acquisition or early-phase development?

Apply now with Silverton Capital—we specialize in land and construction lending for investors who know where they’re going.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as legal, financial, or investment advice. Please consult with a licensed professional before making financial decisions.

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