Real Estate & Development Research: Do It Right from the Start
The real estate and real estate development sectors is comprised of a wide array of participants—from landowners, developers, investors, and lenders to planners, engineers, public agencies, and community organizations—all working at the intersection of land, capital, regulation, and market demand.
In this complex environment, decisions about where and what to build, how to finance it, and whom it should serve carry long-lasting physical, social, and financial consequences.
Whether you’re evaluating a single parcel, planning a major mixed-use development, or assessing an entire region’s growth potential, RMS provides the research and analysis needed to support confident decision-making.
Who We Work With
We Understand the Real Estate Development Ecosystem
RMS partners with organizations involved in planning, developing, managing, and marketing commercial, industrial, residential, and mixed-use properties. Our clients include:
- Commercial and industrial developers
- National and regional home builders
- Economic development organizations
- Community planning agencies
- Architectural and engineering firms
- Commercial real estate brokerages
- Property management companies
- Site selection consultants
- Municipalities
- And other organizations responsible for shaping the built environment.
RMS Specialties
Research That Supports Better Real Estate Development Decisions
Telephone and online surveys. Focus groups. Primary and secondary research…. RMS is adept and experienced at employing whatever tactics and strategies are suitable to help guide and inform your decision making, as well as help you mitigate and/or optimize upside outcomes. Our services include:
Understanding the Market
- Site selection studies for manufacturers/commercial entities looking for places to locate or expand
- Site inventory and portfolio studies by economic development entities to catalog and market development-ready sites in their regions
- Market studies for commercial/retail firms (stores, franchises, mixed use projects) to assess demand, competition, and sales potential
- Community needs assessments to evaluate infrastructure, services, and capacity (utilities, roads, workforce, housing, etc.)
- Housing market and affordability studies to identify gaps in supply, price points, and segments (workforce, student, senior, low income)
Forming the Technical, Planning & Regulatory Picture
- Highest-and-best-use analyses to determine the most economically viable development concept for a parcel or portfolio
- Transit-oriented development and accessibility studies to understand how transportation investments shape site and project performance
- Infrastructure capacity and upgrade studies focused on utilities, transportation, and public services needed to support new development
- Zoning, entitlement, and regulatory constraint studies to map what is allowed, what variances are needed, and associated risks
- Environmental and sustainability assessments (e.g., brownfield conditions, resilience, energy performance) linked to development decisions
Defining Financial & Economic Implications
- Feasibility studies for specific projects (financial viability, absorption rates, rent/sales levels, cost assumptions)
- Economic impact analyses to estimate jobs, income, tax revenues, and secondary effects of proposed developments
Real Expertise in Real Estate & Development Sector
Given the complexity and risk of the real estate and development landscape, rigorous research is essential rather than optional: To understand market demand and competitive dynamics, to evaluate sites and infrastructure capacity, to navigate zoning and environmental constraints, and to test the financial feasibility and economic impact of proposed projects.
As important, research helps align projects with community needs, de risk investments, support public approvals, and ensure that development outcomes are both economically viable and socially beneficial.
With decades of experience supporting developers, municipalities, economic development organizations, and private-sector clients, RMS delivers the insights needed to reduce risk, validate opportunities, and strengthen project outcomes. Before moving forward with your next development initiative, contact our team to discuss your goals and learn how thoughtful research can help position your project for long-term success.
Do it right!
Simply put, the best real estate development organizations don’t rely on assumptions.
They rely on evidence.