Mountain View, CA asked in Real Estate Law and Construction Law for Florida

Q: I paid cash July 2021 a real estate construction in Oaklawaha near Ocala, FL, till today it's not nearly done. Need help

What can I do, with this cash purchase of this new construction, which dragged two years long and is still not nearly done? There're two liens on it, too, that are unpaid. Realtor said she is finding a new builder to finish the house, but new builder wouldn't give a finishing date. 90% funds are paid, but not nearly 90% of the house is done. Negligence from the realtor to the escrow office. Need help!

2 Lawyer Answers
Jane Kim
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Answered
  • Naples, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: You have to be careful how you terminate the contract with the initial general contractor. Construction/lien laws are pretty strict. I bet this GC will claim he is owed money too. I'd highly recommend retaining a lawyer in order to move on to the new builder. In fact, some builders may not take on this project unless the ties are properly severed with the old builder.

Good luck.

Barbara Billiot Stage agrees with this answer

A: I'm sorry to hear about your troubles. This is just one example of why everyone should have a real estate lawyer to represent them in any purchase. You will need to hire a real estate litigator to investigate the facts and advise you what can be done.

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