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Homebuyer urges City of Lake Wales to intervene after alleged defects in new, city-funded house
Summary
A Lake Wales resident told the CRA that a new home purchased through a city-funded program has multiple defects, that the builder did not honor a one-year maintenance agreement and that she spent about $1,300 on roof repairs; city staff said they will review and that action depends on whether code violations or CRA project status apply.
Yvette Patillo, who identified her address as 119 D Street in the CRA district, told the Community Redevelopment Agency she purchased a newly built home from Sheree Homes through a city-funded program for low-income first-time buyers and has experienced multiple construction and warranty problems.
Patillo described electrical problems in which lights and fans blinked or failed, persistent air-conditioning and plumbing problems, a poorly sealed front door and roof damage she said cost about $1,300 to repair after Hurricane Idalia (referred to in testimony as "Hurricane Milton"). She told the board the builder, Sheree Homes, did not respond to warranty requests during the first year and that a contractor sent by the builder replaced a broken shower tile with a lower-quality tile without discussion. "I'm asking that someone would speak to Sherry Holmes and have him to satisfy my home. If not, he should not be able to build in the community anymore or get funded by the city of Lake Wales," Patillo said, and said she has receipts, photos and emails documenting the issues.
Agency members said city administration is aware of the matter and that staff would need more details to determine the city's role. A staff member identified as "Chuck" said the purchase appeared to be a private property sale and that "if there are any violations of a city ordinance or something like that, then we would have a role." Commissioners and staff observed that the city's role depends on whether the property is a CRA-sponsored project and whether there are code-enforcement violations.
Patillo told the agency she has attempted to contact the builder and the warranty company without satisfactory resolution and asked the CRA to follow up. City staff acknowledged receiving her communications and said they would review the information Patillo provided.
