One thing I’ve come to appreciate in property is that finding a good deal is only part of the job. Having the right person beside you matters just as much. A promising opportunity can quickly become stressful when communication is poor, responsibilities aren't clear or people have different expectations. Before agreeing to a JV, I like to get a few things clear:
- Roles: Who is sourcing, funding, negotiating and managing the deal?
- Money: How will fees, costs and profits be shared?
- Experience: Can each person deliver what they're bringing to the table?
- Communication: How often will updates be shared?
- Paperwork: Are all responsibilities and agreements documented?
- Exit plan: What happens if the deal doesn't go as expected?
Taking time to agree on these details at the beginning can prevent a lot of frustration later. A good deal with the wrong partner can become a difficult experience. What's the one thing you always check before entering a JV.