Your question is interesting and quite common for people looking to hire a freelance developer for their projects.

After researching online and talking with developer friends, I’ve put together a list of things to keep in mind when hiring a freelance developer:

1. Experience Matters: Look for someone with real-world problem-solving experience, not just memorized programming knowledge. Be cautious of those who only know how to use AI tools to build software—it can cause issues down the road.
2. Problem Understanding: A good developer will understand the business problem first and then create software to solve it. Make sure they get what you’re trying to achieve.
3. No Language Barrier: Clear communication is key. Ensure there are no language barriers that could distract from the real needs of the project.
4. Payment Quotes: Be aware of those who quote a price before fully understanding your needs and project details. It’s a sign of inexperience.
5. Finished Projects: Portfolios are nice, but ask to see actual completed projects that are live. If a project isn’t live, ask why.
6. Agreeing to Everything: Some developers might agree to everything you say. This often shows their inexperience. You want someone who can give you honest feedback and realistic timelines.

If anyone has more points to add, feel free to share!