Landlocked Homes Catching a Falling Knife

In March 2008, a group of investors considered purchasing 8,300 residential lots in 11 states from one of the largest U.S. homebuilders, at a price of 10 cents on the dollar. The deal would also involve purchasing a partially-built condominium complex, also at a substantial mark-down from the amount already invested. This case describes the residential real estate development business and the role of land in homebuilding. It describes the excesses leading to the housing crisis in 2008. The case is based on a real situation, but company names and some details have been changed.