Judgment of $1.1 million ordered for homebuyer clients after Houston jury found builder violated Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

Two homebuyers signed contracts with Fisher Homes for houses that were represented by a model home with two bedrooms, 2½ baths and a view of downtown Houston. After failing to commence construction for months, Fisher Homes said the lots were too small for houses with 2½ baths and the city would not allow the dwellings to face downtown. Firm partners Dennis Barrow and Eileen O’Neill and associate Margaret Bryant won a Harris County jury verdict awarding the homebuyers $948,417 after a four-day trial. The jury found that Fisher Homes knew it was misleading the homebuyers and breached their contracts. The final judgment including expenses, interest and attorneys’ fees was $1.1 million.