Consumption and Real Estate
New Home broken into 2 weeks before close date?
Question : New Home broken into 2 weeks before close date?
We have been waiting for our home to be built for 6 months and two weeks before we were scheduled to close we find out that the home was burglarized. Windows broken, new appliances stolen, police reports. Odd thing is that this happened overnight but when the construction foremand called me at around 10:00am he first didn’t mention the break-in … he said he was offering a free epoxy garage floor since he “didn’t like the look of the garage floor” all we had to do is come down there today to pick the color. About 3 hours later he called again and told me about the break-in. He said he needed to check with the builder’s policy about break-ins.
Anyway … I am feeling very rotten about moving into this gated community now … its a “resort” community for active adults with inflated prices because of all the ammenities it offers. I’m sure that before long ALL the 40 or so residents will be informed about the break-in and who’s house it was.
My question is do we have a right to our earnest money back if we decide we do not want the house …. or at least shouldn’t the builder compensate us in some way like provide us a free home security system along with the epoxy garage floor?
Gee. I guess everyone missing the implication of my question … who wants to live where break ins occur?
active adult resort
Best answer:
Answer by teran_realtor
Don’t let it stress you. Probably one of the subcontractors broke in at night and stole the appliances to sell them (or take them home) and broke the windows to make it look like it was not an inside job. Sometimes the A/C guys will steal the A/C units – you know it’s them because they unscrew all the fittings carefully instead of cutting the copper tubes – because they don’t want extra work the next day when they have to install a new unit.
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#2 written by dawnb 1 year ago
Break ins like this occur in all new construction communities. It is why so many have started putting in security cameras. Your builder already knows they are responsible for the safety and security of the homes while they are building. This comes out of their pocket for all replacement and repair but I would move the closing until you see this done. And no, they don’t have to offer you anything extra. It would be most unlikely any builder would allow you to back out of your deal without severe monetary complications to you so work with them. This is a loss to them not to you. Their property should be better monitored during construction and their contractors should be bonded and licensed.
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#3 written by goldshire1 1 year ago
As long as the builder replaces the stolen appliances and replaces the broken window, the break-in will not effect your closing nor does not give you the right to back out and get your earnest money deposit back.
I agree with what the previous posters have said. Sounds like it was an inside job (one of the subcontractors). This happens quite a bit in new construction.
Who cares what all your neighbors think. How do you know that their homes weren’t “broken into” by subcontractors too?
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Milbo, Nearly 3 years ago I had someone try to break into my condo. It was in the evening and the I had the lights off, but I wasn’t yet asleep. I heard a noise at the back door. I sneaked into the living room and switched on the outside lights. It scared the burgler and I saw him high tail it out of there. (I assume it was a him). I then called a couple burgler alarm service in my city and they all came out to give a quote and explained to me the installation and monthly fees. I recommend you call a local burglar alarm system installer to get your questions answered. http://www.homesecuritysystemratings.com Most companies run a free installation special, so inquire about that too.