Builder Abandons Homes
In Charlotte, North Carolina, multiple homeowners have been left with unfinished homes after a builder, Mario Condo, and his companies, Blackmon Custom Builders and Distinctive Homes and Development Group, took significant amounts of money and failed to complete construction. The situation has turned several neighborhoods into ghost towns.
Homeowners’ Struggles
Homeowners like Lisa Labelle, who purchased a lot and paid $150,000 for land and a deposit, have seen little to no progress on their homes. Labelle discovered numerous properties with unfinished constructions dating back to 2019. Despite multiple complaints to state and federal agencies, including the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, no substantial action has been taken against Mario Condo.
Financial Losses
Labelle has paid $300,000 and is facing foreclosure on a mortgage for a home that remains uninhabitable. Other homeowners, like Jim and Dana Butnot, have similarly been left in limbo with substantial financial losses. The Butnots, who expected their home to be completed in 2021, found themselves stuck with only a partially built structure.
Bank and Contractor Failures
Several construction loans issued by Citizens Bank and Reliant Federal Credit Union were mismanaged, allowing Mario Condo to withdraw funds without completing work. This has led to homeowners facing lawsuits from subcontractors who were never paid. The banks have denied responsibility, stating that homeowners are responsible for monitoring construction progress.
Legal Actions and Investigations
Labelle and other affected homeowners have filed multiple complaints and lawsuits. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney are now involved in a criminal investigation. However, the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office closed its investigation due to a lack of response from Mario Condo.
Continued Deception
Barbara Norman, who briefly partnered with Mario Condo as a general contractor, claims she was unaware of the extent of his fraudulent activities. Despite her involvement, she has since surrendered her contractor’s license and distanced herself from Condo.
Public and Media Attention
The story has garnered significant media attention, highlighting the ongoing struggles of homeowners and the need for stricter oversight in the construction industry. Homeowners are calling for justice and accountability for the financial and emotional distress caused by Mario Condo and his associates.
Conclusion
The unresolved issues have left many homeowners with incomplete homes, financial burdens, and little hope for restitution. As investigations continue, affected families seek closure and compensation for their losses, urging authorities to take more decisive action against fraudulent builders.