Derek discusses how his stance on affordable housing changed over time, and evolved into the core of YD’s mission statement.
Read more Why do we even need Affordable Housing?Real Estate at the Intersection of Art and Technology
Art
We view every development parcel as a 3D canvas for our artistic expression, and as such, we heavily emphasize aesthetics and ergonomics for the end user.
Efficiency
With every project, we solve for more than just investor returns. We strive to efficiently blend art with technology in innovative ways, and look for optimal solutions for all stakeholders.
Technology
The real estate industry rarely pushes the cutting edge of technology, and we intend to change that. We leverage tech to deliver new , better experiences in a sustainable way.
Insights
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Nov, 20
Atlanta Real Estate Market Update 2021
Derek shares why YD chose Atlanta as one of our top 5 target markets in the US to invest in, and then interviews Jimmy Chen, an Atlanta real estate developer. Jimmy shares his strategy that specializes in Section 8 rentals.
Read more Atlanta Real Estate Market Update 2021 - Nov, 17
3 things I wish I knew before becoming a real estate developer
In part 2 of Derek’s reflection on how he got into real estate, he shares 3 things that would’ve helped him out if he knew it before getting into the business.
Read more 3 things I wish I knew before becoming a real estate developerNov, 135 ways Real Estate will change under President Biden in 2021
The Biden campaign has laid out some clear policy guidelines on a number of real estate issues. We did an analysis of each issue and its potential impact to residential real estate.
Read more 5 ways Real Estate will change under President Biden in 2021 - Nov, 10
How I would get into Real Estate (if I had to start over)
Derek reflects on his path into real estate and how he would do a ‘career speed run’ if he had to start over from high school and wanted to become a developer as fast as possible.
Read more How I would get into Real Estate (if I had to start over)Nov, 10This is how Smart Closets of the Future should work
Derek discusses his vision on how smart closets should be more like automated retrieval systems, and how they can improve multifamily buildings. The technology already exists in automated self storage and parking systems- it just needs to be shrunken down.
Read more This is how Smart Closets of the Future should work - Oct, 28
3 Proptech Startups with huge disruptive potential
Derek spotlights 3 relatively young (under 5 years old) proptech companies that have the potential to make huge waves in the real estate industry: Social Construct, Cloud Kitchens, and Built Robotics.
Read more 3 Proptech Startups with huge disruptive potentialOct, 235 Real Estate Issues at Stake in the 2020 Presidential Elections
Trump and Biden are on the opposite sides of 5 issues that will affect residential real estate across the country.
Read more 5 Real Estate Issues at Stake in the 2020 Presidential Elections - Oct, 20
NYC’s elevated bankruptcy risk is hiding in the FY2021 Adopted Budget
Derek does a deep dive into the NYC fiscal year 2021 budget. There’s a lot of risks buried in the details indicating that we have a rocky recovery ahead.
Read more NYC’s elevated bankruptcy risk is hiding in the FY2021 Adopted BudgetOct, 19340 Clifton Pl Before and After Tour
A walkthrough of our second completed project at 340 Clifton Pl in Brooklyn, NY! Derek discusses challenges taking on an unfinished construction job and shows the completed product, a 15 unit, 67 bed coliving building.
Read more 340 Clifton Pl Before and After Tour