Choosing the right developer for your land is a major decision, and there’s a whole checklist of things to take into account before deciding. Though it may seem a daunting task, putting in the initial effort to find the right match in the beginning, will prove absolutely worth it in the end.
There’s a lot of misleading and deceptive real estate advertising out there, so it’s a good idea to find your developer first, before putting down a cent. The main qualities to look for in a developer are a record of customer satisfaction, an understanding of the ins-and-outs of the law, high-quality previous projects, and maybe most importantly, someone willing to clearly communicate with you throughout the process.
Here are some tips to help you optimize your search for the right developer:
Do preliminary research
Step one is to research the top developers in your area. Compile a list and find out as much as you can about each potential development company. What sorts of projects have they previously worked on? What packages do they offer? Do their prices match your budgets?
A good starting point to find this information are on their websites. But don’t stop there; Websites like Google, LinkedIn, and BBB for example, are also all extremely useful tools.
Read reviews and talk with former clients
Next, search for reviews from previous customers. Try to look for patterns in the reviews. For example, are there multiple negative reviews claiming the developer mismanaged the funds or didn’t meet the agreed-upon timeline? Finding out things like this early on can save you a lot of hassle down the road.
If possible, reach out to former clients and ask them if the company met their expectations. If not, why? It’s even possible the customer may be able to point you in the direction of a better developer they found down the line.
In-person consultations
Now that you’ve whittled down the list of potentials, it’s time to get out and meet them face-to-face. Here you can introduce yourself and your project, and gauge the professionalism and attitude of the developer. If they seem hesitant or evasive when asked about assurances they have listed on their websites, that’s a definite red flag.
Plan around your budget
A good developer will be able to work with you and come up with a payment plan within your budget. Additionally, many developers provide financial support and are linked up with major banks. Have them clarify whether or not they provide this service.
Timeline
Discuss your timeline expectations with the developers to figure out if their schedule complements your own. There are many factors that can delay development projects, from bureaucracy to unexpected weather conditions. An experienced developer will take these possibilities into consideration during the initial planning stages, and be prepared for the worst.
Communication
There are a lot of nuts and bolts that go into the development process, so it’s vital that there be clear communication between you and your developer to make sure you’re on the same page. A reputable developer will inform potential clients of what to expect going in, and keep them in the loop throughout with regards to any pertinent information affecting their project. Likewise, you as a client should be as upfront with your expectations as possible from the get-go.
Choose your developer
As you work your way down this list, ultimately you’ll likely be left with a few remaining potential candidates. Now is the time to carefully compare and contrast all of the above information. Which has the highest customer satisfaction rating? Which seems best able to work within your budget? Which can offer the fastest results, if time is your main deciding factor?
Purchasing and developing a piece of property is a landmark event in most people’s lives. Putting in the work to choose the right developer is the best thing you can do to make your project as smooth and painless as possible.
About APX West
APX West is a relationship-focused land developer with a passion for creating opportunities that mutually benefit our clients and our communities. We combine our collective wealth of experience in real estate development, management, and investment with our values of respect, accountability, and integrity, to achieve outstanding results for our clients and shape Arizonan communities for the better.
