What to do when your developer doesn't communicate

It seems that quite a few developers are ducking buyer questions and leaving their customers in a staff of uncertainty. Share your developer stories here - and help each other out by suggesting ways to solve the "failure to communicate" issue.

Tags: developer communication

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Permalink Reply by L. Maria Mastrodimos on June 8, 2009 at 8:56pm: I have a sales contract with the Roosevelt Collection (Centrum Properties) and have received MINIMAL communication from them. The last communication said that closings would happen in June - we are not, site is still under construction. I called the project manager and he said now August-late August but there has been no written communication at all. Word on the street is that it could go rental. I feel like my living situation is "hanging in the balance" and I would at least like to know what is going on!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Joe Zekas on June 8, 2009 at 9:36pm: If you're working with a real estate agent, insist that your agent earn the commission by following up effectively to learn when your closing is likely to occur.

Real estate offices should have substantial influence with a developer. They can steer buyers away from developers who are unresponsive. And, they have a substantial interest in not writing contract with developers who may be taking their projects rental.

I'd also suggest calling Centrum and asking to speak to the CEO or the general counsel of the company. Not communicating accurate information to buyers is wrong, wrong, wrong.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by L. Maria Mastrodimos on June 9, 2009 at 12:02am: I'm not working with an agent. I walked in to the sales center in January 2007 and put my 5% deposit down later that month. I did speak directly with the project manager at Centrum, Larry Powers, and he said he was sorry the sales office has not followed up with buyers. He also said that they submitted paperwork to Bank of America recently and are waiting...for what, I'm assuming more funding? I agree that not communicating to buyers is wrong, wrong, wrong, but what is someone like me to do? My attorney has called Centrum's attorney several times and all their attorney says is to "wait". FRUSTRATING!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Joe Zekas on June 9, 2009 at 12:42am: I'll attempt to contact Centrum and report what, if anything, I learn.

The South Loop is the most competitive market in the city right now. Buyers and renters have a lot of options and search the Web to learn about those options. Developers need to be aware that they're building a permanent record on the Web of how they treat their consumers.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Joe Zekas on June 10, 2009 at 3:15pm: I've had no response to a number of calls to Centrum staff. Details at this YoChicago post.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by L. Maria Mastrodimos on June 25, 2009 at 8:24am: Any idea now that this "rumor" has been in Crain's when Centrum or the lenders will make a decision? Could the lenders take months to decide? I'm beyond frustrated and would like to know if my contract is being cancelled and when I will get my 5% deposit back! Not knowing or having to scour the web for any inkling of news is irresponsible on Centrum's part. I thought this was a respected developer - is this how they treat their buyers, leaving them in the dark with not so much as a letter or email to let us know what is going on? If it weren't for this site, I wouldn't have a clue about the status of the project up until Crain's "broke" the news last week.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Rebecca Hawkinson on June 25, 2009 at 12:02pm: If you are a buyer at the Roosevelt Collection and have concerns or questions regarding your contract, please send your contact information to Rebecca Hawkinson at rhawkinson@centrumproperties.com and the appropriate person will respond.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Joe Zekas on June 25, 2009 at 1:36pm: Rebecca,

Centrum would do the right thing by giving buyers and prospective buyers an update on the status of the project. People's frustration is that, when they do call Centrum, they don't feel they're getting a straight answer.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by L. Maria Mastrodimos on June 25, 2009 at 4:04pm: While I am happy to see that someone from Centrum is reading this site and welcoming calls, I have already spoken to the project manager, Larry Powers, and have no more information from him than I can find on the web. It is not MY responsibility to seek out communication - I am the customer. What ever happened to trying to please customers? Have they no clue, that a simple email or 1 paragraph letter mailed to the homes of contract holders would suffice in placating their buyers? I undertand we are in unprecedented economic times, I am not stupid. Even if Centrum is in a holding patter, a simple HONEST explantion of what is going on, expected timeline of a decision on going rental or not, etc. would help ease the upset stomach I've had wondering if I am going to have a condo or not. Enough is enough. I will NEVER buy any new construction in this city. There are PLENTY of condos less than 5 years old in the South Loop that many of us can pick from. So, to sum up - thanks Ms. Hawkinson for "reaching out" but it's a little too late and not enough, in my opinion.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Peter Tournis on August 15, 2009 at 8:44am: I am having the same problem with Museum Park Place 2. They keep sending out literature about walk throughs and the dates they will be conducted but that has come and gone. The building looks like it is still under construction. I read a Crain's article stating they may convert them to apartments.; ▶ Reply to This