Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: RFPs and developers

[Sharon Villines (sharon]

On Nov 29, 2007, at 11:04 AM, Tom Hammer wrote:

> We have 3 potential developers interested in partnering with us, and
> we are considering the RFP model for choosing one.  Below are some
> thoughts we  have.

I'm not experienced with RFPs but I personally would not comfortable  
trying to layout everything in advance in a document. Perhaps you have  
already done this step, but I would first make a list of topics and  
questions (like the one you included in the email) that you just  
discuss with the developer.

Once you talk with each developer you will have a good idea of which  
one you like and feel more comfortable with. Then you can begin  
writing a contract -- in consultation with a lawyer.

Building a real estate project is a long and complex process and  
things will change daily all down the road. Costs change. Some  
materials will not be available and you will have to switch. When you  
dig the foundations you will find boulders or something. Aside from  
any contractual issues, you will have to feel comfortable that your  
developer is advising you wisely.

> - Compensation for Sweat Equity Hours.

Write this in formally to the contract as a budget item. Our developer  
did two wonderful things. First, he hired Ann Zabaldo as the marketing  
person. She initiated and planned all the outreach and helped the  
group form itself. She was paid out of the budget for project.

Second, and this is down the road for you, he included most of the  
furnishings for the commonhouse in the budget so we started right out  
with tables and chairs; pans, dishes, and cutlery; furniture in the  
living and kids rooms; and a budget for tools in the workshop.

Thus marketing and furnishings were paid for in our mortgages and not  
scraped together from our condo fees over the next year -- or probably  
over 5 years.

Sharon
----
Sharon Villines
Takoma Village Cohousing,Washington DC
http://www.takomavillage.org