Real estate development is rarely a straight path.
For Jodi Funke, President of Funke Real Estate Group, the journey has been built on persistence, creativity, and a willingness to learn every aspect of the industry from the ground up.
Funke has been involved in real estate development since the late 1990s and has more than 20 years of experience as a general contractor. Over the years, she developed a reputation for taking on challenging projects that others overlooked—vacant land, stalled developments, and underutilized properties—and transforming them into thriving communities.
One of the keys to her success has been understanding both the construction and financial sides of development. Early in her career, Funke realized that developers who truly understand building methods, site development, and cost structures have a significant advantage. By researching materials, construction techniques, and engineering solutions, she has consistently found ways to build efficiently while maintaining quality.
“Development is really about solving problems,” Funke says. “Every project presents different challenges—zoning, site conditions, financing, infrastructure—and your job is to figure out how to make the numbers work while creating something meaningful for the community.”
Funke also emphasizes the importance of relationships in the development process. Strong partnerships with lenders, contractors, architects, municipalities, and community organizations are essential to moving projects forward.
“Having a lender that understands development and believes in your vision can make all the difference,” she says. “Projects don’t move forward without strong financial partners who are willing to work through the complexities that come with development.”
Today, Funke Real Estate Group is involved in several transformative projects across the region. In Cincinnati’s West End, the company is working to complete a long-stalled development with the construction of 69 townhomes that will help bring new housing to the neighborhood. Spring Valley Bank is financing the first phase of this construction project. In Avondale, Funke is developing an 18-home subdivision designed to create new homeownership opportunities for families.
Across the river in Covington, Kentucky, Funke Real Estate Group is developing Covington Pointe, a project that will include 10 single-family homes and two mixed-use buildings that combine residential and commercial space. The company is also working on a lakefront subdivision near Lake Cumberland that will feature approximately 60 lots and is planned to evolve into a resort-style community over time.
Jodi’s most recent collaboration with Spring Valley Bank as a new construction project of 2 townhomes located at 3522-3524 Brotherton Rd, in Oakley which sold for $630,000 (November 2025) and $639,000 (March 2026).
With multiple projects underway and a growing portfolio of successful developments, Funke continues to focus on opportunities that transform underutilized properties into vibrant places to live, work, and gather.
Tips from the Property Flipper
For investors who are looking to enter the real estate development world, Funke offers several pieces of advice.
First, do your homework. Understanding zoning regulations, construction costs, financing structures, and market demand is essential before committing to a project.
Second, build the right team. Successful development requires experienced professionals—from architects and engineers to contractors and legal advisors—who understand how to navigate the process efficiently.
Third, be patient and persistent. Development projects can take years to complete, and obstacles are inevitable. Those who succeed are the ones who continue working through challenges rather than walking away when things become complicated.
Finally, focus on creating projects that add value to the community. When you build something that improves a neighborhood and creates opportunities for people, the project becomes about more than just the financial return, it becomes something you can truly be proud of.
The Financer
Jodi’s dedication to the craft, learning and networking has culminated in a successful career that is rewarding and impactful to the community at large. We have worked with Jodi several times over the years. Her tenacity to bring vision to reality is unmatched.
Spring Valley Bank is your local community bank offering our investors SOLUTIONS in 2026:
- Quick decisions with in-house underwriting
- Certainty to close on eligible loans
- Availability of real estate & banking experts to listen & stay connected
- Flexible financing options for flips, refis & income producing properties
- Dependability of an established banking institution
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