Questions for a potential development partner

Clarify contributions and commitments

For each answer, record the supporting document, responsible person and unresolved point. Separate what a party expects to contribute from what it is obligated and able to deliver. An introduction to a lender is not a funding commitment.

• Who contributes land, cash, services or other rights, and on what basis are those contributions valued?
• When is each contribution due, and what conditions must be satisfied first?
• Who signs guarantees, funds overruns and provides liquidity if the original plan changes?
• Which fees, reimbursements and related-party arrangements require explicit disclosure and approval?

Clarify authority and reporting

For example, “we decide together” does not explain what happens when one party supports a redesign and the other will not fund it. Ask for the decision mechanism before relying on the relationship.

• Who can approve budgets, borrowing, major contracts, changes in scope and asset sales?
• What information will each party receive, how often and from whom?
• How will conflicts, related-party decisions, deadlock and a failure to contribute be addressed?
• Who is responsible for operations, compliance coordination and maintaining the decision record?

Clarify distributions and endings

Ask how available cash is defined, which reserves and obligations come first, how capital is returned and how any preference or residual split works. Do not assume a developer always receives payment last; approved fees and agreements can differ.

Discuss hold, sale, refinance, withdrawal and dispute scenarios with qualified counsel. This list is an educational preparation aid, not a partnership agreement, securities offer or invitation to supply passive investment capital.