Golden Homes, client settle in mediation


March 15, 2013 · Updated 2:31 PM 

POULSBO — Golden Homes of Poulsbo and a former client who sought return of her $20,000 deposit have resolved their dispute in mediation.

Golden Homes owner Kelly Rohr and Juanita DeLuna of Poulsbo settled Feb. 22 in a mediation conducted by the Dispute Resolution Center in Silverdale.

While the terms of the resolution cannot be disclosed, DeLuna’s lawyer, Ryan Vancil of Bainbridge Island, said his client was happy with the outcome.

“Both parties shook hands and have gone their separate ways,” Vancil said.

DeLuna gave Golden Homes $20,000 down for a manufactured home and lot in spring 2012. But when she didn’t qualify for a mortgage, she went back to Golden Homes to get her deposit back.

Rohr pointed to contract provisions that state the buyer has to “actively seek financing” or he could keep a portion of the down payment to cover losses from taking the home off the market. DeLuna claimed she was not given a copy of the contract.

Vancil said that, in this case, dispute resolution “served its purpose.”

“I am a huge proponent of the dispute resolution process,” he said. “At the Dispute Resolution Center, it costs $300 per party. If you look at the high costs of litigation, it’s the least amount of money and time that you could spend to get a quality resolution to a dispute.”

 

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.

So keep your comments:

  • Civil
  • Smart
  • On-topic
  • Free of profanity

We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters. We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please refer to our Terms of Use for full detail on participating on our site.