DISHONEST: Alex Ross, the real estate agent/builder, misrepresented the property I bought saying a neighboring lot was HOA property and would never be built on, thus guaranteeing a view. This turned out to be false.
UNETHICAL: It took the real estate agent/builder just shy of two years to build the home. Unusual for this builder? No, it's just standard operating practice. Others in the community have had to wait longer for a finished house.
Once building started on my house (after a delay of approximately six to eight months), the house was not framed according to plan. Original framing had to be ripped out, and the house had to be reframed. The plumbing was a disaster; the HVAC system was inadequately planned for. Site preparation was lacking. There were billings for changes that were never requested and charges for things that were standard (included) on other houses in the development.
UNPROFESSIONAL: In dealing with the client, the people who employ him, Mr. Ross needs a course in Customer Interaction 101. Prior to signing the contract, he was accommodating enough. After signing the contract, however, his attitude toward this client (and to most others in the development) changed 180-degrees, to adversarial when he bothered to communicate, but mostly he didn't bother to communicate at all.
I am disappointed in the quality of the house. Granted, Mr. Ross has offered to buy it back at the same price I paid at signing, but this (1) doesn't take into consideration the out-of-pocket expenses I had in the interim or the better use I could have put my money to and (2) appears to be a pattern with him. With just about every home he has built in the development, he has offered to buy back the contract when the clients express frustration with construction delays or the end product. Then he resells the house at a higher price. Some of the brand new houses in this development that are being occupied for the first time are second - and third-owner houses. Whether improper or not, whether intentional or not, this practice has the appearance of being unethical and improper.
It is clear to those who have contracted with him that Mr. Ross would be better suited to another line of work. He seemingly lacks expertise and takes no pride in the houses he builds, takes no pride in customer satisfaction. Others reading this would do well to avoid him as a builder and if he is chosen as a builder, it would be wise to get everything in writing and in detail because what he says verbally cannot be relied on.
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