Woman finally finds closure with home builders
Jeryl Bennett ended her 4-year battle with Lennar Homes, Inc. Jan. 21 with an agreement Bennett said she “could live with.” Bennett was dissatisfied with the home she bought brand-new from Lennar in 2004, citing structural defects and poor repairs as the main reasons. According to Bennett, having to go through Texas Residential Construction Commission (TRCC), the company she was required to contact about her complaints initially, was no picnic either.  Bennett said she would like to buy another home, but would have trouble trusting another builder after the issues she had with Lennar.

Woman finally finds closure with home builders
By VALERIE JONES

One Spring homeowner can now breathe a sigh of relief.

Jeryl Bennett ended her 4-year battle with Lennar Homes, Inc. Jan. 21 with an agreement Bennett said she “could live with.”

Bennett was dissatisfied with the home she bought brand-new from Lennar in 2004, citing structural defects and poor repairs as the main reasons. According to Bennett, having to go through Texas Residential Construction Commission (TRCC), the company she was required to contact about her complaints initially, was no picnic either.

But Bennett never gave up her fight and said she’s now ready to move forward with her life.

“I am satisfied and proud of myself because I worked this case without an attorney,” Bennett said. “If you stay persistent and put God first, anything is possible.”

Bennett said she would like to buy another home, but would have trouble trusting another builder after the issues she had with Lennar.

“Interest rates are so low right now that I am tempted to buy another home, but I would have a realtor and engineer inspect it before I even think about purchasing it,” she said.

Regional customer care manager for Lennar Daris Horn said Lennar and Bennett have continued to discuss issues with Bennett’s home and feel that an amicable resolution will be forthcoming.

“Lennar strives to always maintain an amicable relationship with our homeowners,” Horn said.

Whether that ends up being the case or not, Bennett said even though her issue is resolved, she won’t stop fighting for home builders to be held accountable.

“I want to make sure all these builders are regulated and licensed,” Bennett said. “By fighting this company, I let them know where consumers stand.”

Bennett offered some words of advice and encouragement to those that may be in the same situation she was in regarding their home.

“I know it’s not an easy task, but just continue to fight,” she said. “Look at my story and understand you can win a fight with any builder. It’s been a tremendous battle standing up to a big company, but in the end, I did win my case.”

http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2009/01/29/champions_sun/news/012809_lennar.txt