10 Ways to Spot a Developer You Can Trust
These are wild times. Before you invest in a community, look for signs that the developer will stay true to his vision and his word.
Is the land’s owner the sole developer, or will the land be parcelled out to various parties with differing interests?
Does the developer have strong connections to the community’s location? (Local connections tend to translate into doing what’s best for the community and the town in which it resides.)
Does the developer have a strong emotional connection to the land (a fact that helps ensure caring stewardship)?
To deliver on a promise of excellence, has the developer assembled and properly invested in a team that shares his vision and passion?
Does the developer have a solid reputation in the industry, not only for delivering quality but for standing behind what he says?
Does the developer have a long and successful track record in developing communities and the relationships needed to make them thrive?
How does the developer show his care for the broader community? (Clues reside in such things as event sponsorships, support of local businesses, and philanthropic activities.)
Has the developer demonstrated his care for the community’s long-term viability by establishing a Property Owner’s Association and implementing high design standards?
Is the developer able and willing to financially support the community vision until it is finished properly, without compromise?
And most importantly…does the developer live in his own development? (This is one of the surest signs of ‘walking the talk’.)
