Unlocking Wealth in 2026: The Power of Entitlement in Real Estate

## Details

There is a cover fee of $10 at the door. Seating is limited, so please reserve your spot.
Free pizza and networking start at 6:30 PM
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TOPIC:
Unlocking Wealth in 2026: The Power of Entitlement in Real Estate Development - With Joe Velasco

WHEN and WHERE:
May 21 (Thursday) at 6:30 PM. Aloft Mountain View (Address: 840 E El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94040)
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Event:
Unlocking Wealth in 2026: The Power of Entitlement in Real Estate Development
Entitlement in real estate development is a game-changer, allowing investors to significantly increase property value with minimal capital investment. By strategically acquiring properties with delayed closings, negotiating structured release payments, and securing approvals for higher-density developments, developers can generate substantial returns without heavy carrying costs. In today’s 2026 market—where construction costs remain high and timelines are longer—this strategy has become even more powerful. It proves that knowledge, relationships, and timing in entitlement can create wealth far beyond traditional flipping or ground-up construction, often creating real value without ever having to build.
We at SJRENC are proud to present Joe Velasco, top Bay Area Realtor and developer, alongside Kevin DeNardi, a leading land entitlement expert from DeNardi Homes, known for a long track record of unlocking value through land development across the Peninsula.
Joe Velasco is a distinguished real estate professional, developer, and team leader of the Joe Velasco Group at Coldwell Banker, based in Los Gatos, California. With over two decades of experience and a career sales volume exceeding $2.4 billion, Joe has consistently ranked among the top Realtors nationwide, recognized by RealTrends and The Wall Street Journal. He specializes in luxury real estate, high-end new construction, and real estate development throughout Silicon Valley and the Peninsula, bringing a unique combination of sales, construction knowledge, and entitlement strategy to every deal.
Joe offers a dedicated sales team that specializes in multi-residential new construction and development projects. His portfolio includes projects such as Carroll Commons (sold out in 2025) and Woodside Oaks in Redwood City (now down to its final remaining units). One of his premier coastal projects is Pacifica Heights, a 24-unit ultra-modern condominium community in Pacifica just steps from the beach, where only five ocean-view units remain. In addition, Joe is currently marketing a shovel-ready entitlement project in Cupertino consisting of approximately one acre approved for 19 townhomes and one single-family home—acquired for around $6 million and now positioned for sale at approximately $17.9 million. He also has an off-market Sunnyvale development opportunity consisting of a 5-unit project with T-Map approval, offered under $3.8 million.
Beyond these active listings, Joe and Kevin are currently working on multiple high-level subdivision and entitlement projects throughout Atherton and the Peninsula, focused on large-lot splits and multi–single-family developments. These projects are expected to be available within the next 12 to 15 months and represent significant off-market opportunities for builders and investors looking to get in early.
Kevin DeNardi, founder of DeNardi Homes, leads a land development and consulting firm based in the heart of Silicon Valley. His team specializes in helping landowners unlock the full potential of their properties by identifying the highest and best use for each site. With deep expertise in navigating California’s evolving housing policies—including SB 9, SB 330, and state density bonus laws—DeNardi Homes streamlines the entitlement process, reduces risk, and accelerates timelines. Their mission is to deliver practical, value-driven solutions that transform land into opportunity.
Joe Velasco and Kevin DeNardi have partnered on multiple successful projects, including a standout case study in Mountain View where they acquired a one-acre property at 773 Cuesta Drive for approximately $4 million, entitled the site, and sold it for nearly $8.2 million—creating over $4 million in value without vertical construction. This is the power of entitlement, and it’s exactly what we’ll be diving into at this upcoming meetup.
If you’re looking to understand where the real opportunities are in today’s market, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
Why This Matters Right Now (2026)
The game has changed.
The developers winning today are:

• Controlling land instead of overbuilding
• Creating value through approvals
• Exiting with massive spreads before construction risk

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## Who Should Attend

• Realtors looking to level up
• Investors & developers
• Builders & landowners
• Anyone who wants to understand where the real money is being made right now

Agenda:

• Introduction
• Inventory report
• Host Presentation
• Presentation by Joe Velasco
• Q & A session

PS: The organizers Nitin, Vicky & Sid are all experienced real estate investors, who are flipping properties locally. We are still buying properties in the area, remodel them, add value and sell for top dollar. If you are a Realtor, Wholesaler or a Private lender, please talk to us, let's do some business together. We are open to partnering with newer investors for a win-win.