Editorials

An audit by the Joint Legislative Audit & Review Commission (JLARC) presented to the governor and state assembly in 2018 states, “DPOR staff do not investigate all potential violations committed by regulants, even when they are aware of the violations.” I mean, finally, a little honesty.

I assumed Virginia protected consumer rights, especially when it came to something as critical as homeownership, the cornerstone of the American Dream. But that assumption was very wrong. The goodwill built by Virginia’s people has been exhausted by its donor-backed political and regulatory system.

We sent certified letters, emails, and made phone calls. Sometimes we got a response, sometimes we didn’t. The builder made promises but rarely followed through. Crews would start jobs and leave without explanation. Then, a neighbor posted on our community website asking if anyone else was struggling to get our particular builder to finish their home. That was when I knew we were in trouble. We weren’t alone. Before you say it, Virginia has no class-action lawsuits.