Blueprint Begins: Terry Bruner on HUD, Legal Power Plays, and Why Mission Still Matters

Episode Summary
In this kickoff episode of Blueprint to Billions, HUD attorney and multifamily housing strategist Terry Bruner shares his journey from government lawyer to legal strategist driving complex HUD-backed real estate deals. Terry breaks down what makes these projects succeed, stall, or scale, highlighting the intersection of housing policy, community development, and sustainable investment. From mentorship shaping his early career to the critical role HUD plays beyond Section 8, Terry reveals why purpose still matters in the world of multifamily housing and affordable development.

Key Timestamps

01:20 – How mentorship at HUD shaped Terry’s purpose-driven legal career
03:45 – HUD explained: what it really does beyond affordable housing stereotypes
05:10 – The personal mission behind serving in housing law and policy
07:00 – Balancing community impact with profitable affordable housing development
09:00 – Why developers often underestimate HUD timelines and processes
11:30 – Navigating human dynamics that can delay deals even after HUD approval
13:10 – The importance of soft skills in real estate negotiations and transactions
17:10 – Debunking Section 8 myths and understanding HUD’s broader role in housing
19:00 – How investors should align HUD deals with long-term portfolio and community goals

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.

 

Resources and Links

• Learn more about Terry Bruner’s work: terrybrunerlaw.com
• Subscribe to Blueprint to Billions for more expert insights on real estate law and strategy