To many, Donald Trump is just the new president of the United States whose first tenure in office was filled with numerous controversies, lost reelection, and then staged a comeback to become a president for the second time.
However, many people don’t know that before Trump’s entry into politics, he was highly -successful, real estate businessman.
According to Forbes magazine, real estate is Donald Trump’s most successful business venture and it is worth $1.1 Billion. His real estate portfolio includes the Trump World Tower, Trump Tower, Trump Palace, and Trump International Hotel.
He is reported to have made a profit of $173 million from one property sale.
Whether you like him or you do not, there is a lot of business advice and real estate lessons Donald Trump has to offer.
In this blog post, we’ll explore six essential lessons that every real estate investor should know. By following these strategies, you can set yourself for a successful and profitable career in the real estate industry.
- Think Big, Take Bold But Calculated Risk
.
Donald Trump is a big thinker. A good example of his think-big potential is his development of Trump Tower in Manhattan in the 1980s, a project that redefined luxury living and sealed Trump’s reputation as a real estate magnate.
Donald Trump’s vision to construct a skyscraper at that was seen as a bold risk given the economic situation and the super-high construction cost at that time. Many developers were unwilling to take on such projects at the time and he was even criticized but Donald Trump pressed on, and the result is a 58-story skyscraper worth millions of dollars today.
Donald Trump has many times proved that ambitious ideas backed by strategic planning could thrive even in a difficult market. His success with Trump’s Tower demonstrates the importance of having a clear vision, conducting market research, and positioning your project as unique and desirable. Whether you are flipping property or building a multi-unit property, bold yet calculated risks can set you apart in the competitive real estate world.
2. Always Look out for the Future Potential and Not the Current State.
Seeing property in a not-too-good state is enough to discourage most real estate investors. However, there could be a huge potential if the investors look beyond the present state of a property and do all they can to improve the value of the property.
One of the most striking examples of Donald Trump’s ability to transform neglected real estate into high-value assets is his acquisition and redevelopment of Mar-a-Lago, a historic estate in Palm Beach, Florida. He saw an opportunity many others missed by unlocking the hidden potential of the property.
Donald Trump was able to remarkably improve the value of the estate in such a way that appealed to high-end clients. He demonstrated his ability to identify potential in what others saw as a no-go area.
The lesson here is clear: even seemingly outdated or high-maintenance properties can be reimagined into something extraordinary with the right vision and execution, there could be potential where others see risk or neglect.
3. Build Strong Networks
Trump is well known for leveraging connections to secure deals, funding, and partnerships. He understood that real estate is not just about properties—it’s about relationships. From lenders to contractors to business partners, a strong network has been key to his success.
Networking is crucial in real estate, as a real estate investor, never shy away from networking. Networking with other professionals, potential investors, and decision-makers can help you uncover opportunities, gain insights, and close deals more effectively.
For example, in Nigeria, you can join professional associations like the Association of Real Estate Agents of Nigeria (AREAN) and, the Nigerian Property Development Association (NIPAD) e.t.c. You can also attend real estate events and conferences like the REDA(Real Estate Discussions and Awards), a yearly event hosted by Thinkmint Nigeria, or leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook to build networks.
- Diversify Your Portfolio
Trump’s real estate portfolio is a perfect case study of diversifying a real estate portfolio. While he started with residential properties, he expanded into commercial real estate, luxury hotels, golf courses, and even international markets. This diversification helped him create multiple streams of income and mitigate risks in volatile markets.
Diversify your real estate investments to reduce dependency on a single sector. Don’t be fixated on only one property type, consider other property types like commercial, or industrial, or explore opportunities in different geographic locations.
- The Power of Branding
One of Trump’s greatest strengths in real estate has been his ability to turn his name into a brand. The “Trump” name is synonymous with luxury, opulence, and success, adding value to his properties. Whether it was a high-rise in New York or a golf resort in Scotland, Trump understood that buyers and investors weren’t just purchasing property—they were buying into a lifestyle.
The takeaway from this is that you should invest heavily in building your personal or company brand. A strong brand creates trust, attracts buyers, and positions you as an authority in the market. Whether you specialize in luxury homes or affordable housing, a recognizable and respected name can make all the difference.
6. Prime Location is Everything!
Of course, many real estate investors know this already. It is however noteworthy that Donald Trump is a master of this school of thought. Trump built much of his empire by focusing on prime locations. His properties are often located in prestigious or high-demand areas, such as Manhattan, Las Vegas, Florida, and Miami. He well understood that desirable locations command premium prices and ensure long-term value.
When investing in real estate, you should prioritize location. Look for properties in areas with growth potential, strong infrastructure, and high demand. Even if it means paying a huge amount upfront, a prime location will often yield greater returns in the long run.
At Thinkmint Nigeria, we always give this a priority by ensuring that a great number of our properties are located in prime locations across Nigeria so investors will get a high ROI.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s real estate journey offers valuable lessons for investors at all levels. From transforming neglected properties into high-value assets to taking calculated risks on ambitious projects, his strategies highlight the importance of vision, boldness, and adaptability in real estate.