4 steps to vet property developers for first-time homebuyers

So you're finally ready to buy your first home; congrats! But with this decision comes a slew of new questions and worries. Which real estate development should you look at? Is it going to be built on time? Will the house look like the prototype in the showroom? Is there a method to ensure that the property developer is trustworthy and will not steal your money?

These are all reasonable questions, especially for first-time homebuyers. As a result, here are four strategies to help you feel more confidence when making one of your most crucial adult decisions.

The real estate market can be a daunting landscape for first-time homebuyers. With property prices soaring and the ever-present risk of unscrupulous developers, it's crucial to approach this significant investment with caution and thorough research. Recent studies have shown that nearly 15% of first-time homebuyers experience some form of disappointment or financial loss due to inadequate due diligence. This underscores the importance of being well-informed and vigilant throughout the home-buying process.

Go to their website or headquarters in person

This is an obvious first step you should do after visiting a showroom or discovering a property online that piques your attention.

Legitimate developers will have a website that contains detailed information about their previous, present, and possibly prospective projects. Check the project data and photographs using Google, or pay them a visit in person.

You might also get the phone number and address of the developer's headquarters and call or visit. This is a fantastic technique to confirm that there are real employees and that it is not a shell corporation.

Another technique to verify legitimacy is to see if the company is publicly traded. Such companies have greater credibility since they are audited and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

It's worth noting that in today's digital age, a developer's online presence extends beyond their official website. Social media platforms and online forums can provide valuable insights into a developer's reputation and customer satisfaction levels. Look for reviews, comments, and discussions about the developer on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and specialized real estate forums. While individual reviews should be taken with a grain of salt, patterns of positive or negative feedback can be telling indicators of a developer's reliability and quality of work.

Check the housing department's blacklists

JPN, Malaysia's housing agency, has numerous blacklists you could check, including:

• Developers without a license
• Developers with abandoned projects
• Developers in default of homebuyer claims tribunal awards
• Developers who have not paid compounds.

If the developer is on any of these lists, be cautious and explore for other properties.

Those without licenses typically lack the essential knowledge to provide high-quality homes. Even if they did, the property you purchased may not be considered legitimate by the authorities.

Developers participating in abandoned projects are considerably more difficult to deal with. They frequently register a new name with the government to begin another development, only to abandon it after receiving sufficient funds from homeowners. As a result, you must confirm the authenticity of these developers with the authorities before committing to the property.

Obtain and analyze financials

If the developer is a publicly traded corporation, these should be quite easy to access. Download the annual and quarterly reports from their website's investor relations section.

If it is a private firm, you can obtain reports on it through the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) website. This will include financial and profit-and-loss statements that you may find valuable.

With these documents in hand, look for the following.

To determine a developer's long-term viability, consider the following criteria: a minimum of five years of operation, consistent profits, and a balance sheet with "cash and short-term investments" section. Ensure that it is adequate. A developer with only RM10,000 in their account will most likely struggle to pay their contractors.

While analyzing financials is crucial, it's equally important to understand the broader economic context in which the developer operates. Keep an eye on market trends, interest rates, and government policies that might affect the real estate sector. For instance, a sudden economic downturn or changes in housing regulations could impact even financially stable developers. Additionally, consider seeking the advice of a financial expert or real estate professional who can help interpret complex financial statements and provide insights into the developer's financial health relative to industry standards.

Check out past projects

Legitimate property developers will not hesitate to allow you to visit one of their previous projects, so contact them or their agents to schedule a viewing. If they are unwilling, be wary.

Alternatively, you might arrange to tour one of their previous developments through a real estate agent. Simply state you are a possible homebuyer, which would not be a lie.

Things to watch out for during your inspection include:

• Is the property in good shape given its age?
• Do the lifts and other facilities still work?
• Is the security and surroundings satisfactory, or has the atmosphere deteriorated?
• Do any of the residents have complaints about defects?

Unfortunately, some developers only supply enough to avoid legal ramifications. If you're dissatisfied with how their previous projects have turned out, you should search elsewhere.

Beyond physical inspections, it's advisable to engage with the local community and current residents of the developer's past projects. Their firsthand experiences can provide invaluable insights into the developer's post-sale service, responsiveness to maintenance issues, and overall satisfaction levels. Consider joining local community groups or online forums where residents discuss their living experiences. This grassroots information can often reveal aspects of the developer's performance that may not be immediately apparent during a brief visit or through official channels.