Valley Family Wants Contractor to Refund $5,000 Down Payment
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EDINBURG – A Rio Grande Valley family says their contractor ran off with their $5,000 down payment after a disagreement.
They say their home is built but the contractor is ready to sell it to another family. Now, they just want their money back.
Matthew Huffman says after visiting an open house, Huffman knew that building his wife a custom home was the way to go.
“My wife and I were looking for a new home. We got in contact with Carlos Carranza with Newmark Homes,” he says.
Huffman made the deal. He says construction was scheduled to start in July but did not start until November.
“They wouldn't even call and let us know. They started the construction in November, when we were supposed to have already been moved in,” he says.
Huffman says there were a number of design errors.
Then, he noticed the home he thought was theirs was listed for sale.
Now, he wants his down payment back but says he cannot get a hold of the contractor.
Carranza spoke with CHANNEL 5 NEWS over the phone.
When asked about Huffman's down payment, he said, “Well, I've invested in the home. I can't just give you your money back if I've invested into this. Until I sell it, then things might change.”
Carranza also offered this suggestion:
“If they want their home, it's still there. So, I'd be willing to get it under contract and get it going.”
Huffman says he just wants his money back and will not be signing another contract with Carranza.
He adds the couple will take the matter to a Justice of the Peace judge. He hopes that will guarantee he will get his $5,000 back.
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