Most people look at development and see something out of reach. Katie Neason looked at it and asked a different question: What if becoming a developer is less about expertise and more about identity?In this episode, Kristi and Raphael sit down with Katie for a grounded, brutally honest look at what it really takes to build where you live. From navigating infill projects and fighting “analysis paralysis” to learning to trust small first moves, Katie breaks down why local development isn’t reserved for the chosen few. It’s for anyone willing to learn the rules, build the right relationships, and take action before they feel ready.Katie shares the mindset shifts behind her Rookie Redeveloper program, how she helps everyday people see themselves as developers, and why small neighborhood projects can have the biggest long-term impact.Her story is a reminder that you don’t need to start with land, capital, or confidence. You just need to redefine who you are and take the next step in front of you.What We Cover: ✅ Why your identity matters more than your skill set ✅ How small infill lots create outsized neighborhood impact ✅ The power of removing barriers through clear guidance and community ✅ The difference between owning a property and shaping a place ✅ Why analysis paralysis stops most beginners ✅ How Katie teaches first-timers to take action, not wait for permissionBold Truth:The moment you decide to see yourself as a developer is the moment your entire path changes. Building begins with identity, not experience.🎧 Listen now to hear how Katie breaks down the barriers to getting started and why the next person shaping your community might just be you.Connect with Katie: 🌐 Website: https://www.katieneason.com/ 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiedevelops/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-neason-89b4a7a/ Listen + Subscribe: Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.Want more from Kristi? Hear how she’s helping locals become developers in their own communities without the gatekeeping. 🎧 Local Real Estate Developer Podcast Playlist →👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper🎬 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Local Development01:42 Katie Neason's Journey into Development03:31 Navigating Challenges in Development07:40 Understanding City Planning and Zoning11:58 Building Trust with the City12:28 Financing Development Projects20:05 Adapting to Changing Banking Relationships22:26 Innovative Cottage Cluster Development29:22 Navigating Community Responsibilities30:12 The Importance of Local Climate Awareness31:21 Partnership Dynamics in Development33:34 Choosing the Right Investors35:36 Understanding Market Cycles39:15 The Value of Local Development41:08 Incremental Development Strategies42:09 Advice for Aspiring Developers49:06 Community-Driven Development Explained52:07 Current and Future Projects#localrealestatedeveloper #realestateinvesting #womeninrealestate #mindsetmatters #communitydevelopment #realestatejourney #propertyinvestor #infilldevelopment #therealestatedeveloper #partnerships #elevateswfl