Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: self-development vs. partnering with an outside developer

[Jim Snyder-Grant (jimsg]

New View (Acton MA) built without a developer, but I wouldn't advise it
unless absolutely necessary.

We tried partnering with a developer on an earlier site, but the necessary
trust relationships were not in place - he kicked us out after he figured he
could do better without us, after stalling on writing a more binding letter
of agreement.

On our own, we made many of the amateur mistakes that have been talked about
on this list, which cost us time & money. I believe we underpaid some of our
consultants, and so didn't get full service from them.

If we could have worked with a cohousing-experienced developer, we would
have jumped at the opportunity. But in the north east US, in the early
1990s, that was not an option.

The fixed profit the developer makes is usually a better bargain than the
variable punishment of amateur mistakes that could cost you big, or sink
your whole project.

Even if you have an in-house developer, what will make it worth their while
to dedicate the hours and dollars necessary to do the job right? Probably a
fixed profit...so you won't save much by going inside, or you will save up
front, but then not get the full service attention you need.

-Jim

New View, Acton MA, where the late fall has segued in to early spring
without an apparent winter. We saw robins last week. Trees are budding. Very
odd. Nice for the snow plowing budget, bad for the disappointed
cross-country skiiers, what does it mean for the planet?

We've still only had one house sale in our 6 years here. Out of 24 units, I
guess that's about a 1% turnover rate.  The average in Acton is more like 10
times that. Stable neighborhoods help build strong relationships.

Jim Snyder-Grant
jimsg [at] newview.org
18 Half Moon Hill
Acton MA 01720
New View Cohousing
http://www.newview.org




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