A client builds a state-of-the-art condominium building that quickly sells out to buyers who seem to consume units as soon as they are released for sale. Then, “buyers’ remorse”, an industry phenomenon, all too often sets in and complaints begin. Whether they are well founded or not, often a condominium board hires an all-too-eager engineering firm to, in effect, foment inflated defect claims against developer. The board then uses these claims to try to coerce a settlement from the perceived “deep pocketed” sponsor. The situation becomes a direct confrontation between the sponsor, who may still hold seats on the board, while owners are putting their planned attack into action. Emotions overtake the boards and unit owners’ reasoning ability. The litigation can go on for years. Repeatedly, the attorneys at Schumann Hanlon have dealt with variations on the above theme. Our goal is to solve our client’s problem in a way that makes the most business sense. We act to stay on top of sponsor-board-owner relations and communications. We are experienced in taking steps to end the dispute quickly and efficiently. We negotiate with the board, defend the litigation or arbitration, handle any state investigations, and deal with publicity issues.
