UPDATE: According to an article posted by KCTV5 Aug 18, 2022, Max Howell faced 56 counts in a federal indictment. Howell was charged with numerous counts of bank fraud, money laundering, and making false statements to a financial institution. The article also reported that If he’s convicted of the charges, he faces up to 30 years in prison. On May 22, 2024 KCTV5 reported that Howell had pleaded guilty to federal charges of bank fraud and money laundering, and faces up to 40 years in prison. Sentencing takes place "in September". They also reported "The civil lawsuits remain ongoing. Just earlier this month, a Clay County judge granted a summary judgment of $75,000 against Max Howell. Other civil lawsuits remain ongoing."
I use to help prosecute people fro money laundering. One Man in New Jersey got 75 years and he was out in 18 months, so these white collar crimes, they don’t really do the time. There were several I did and it was the same thing over and over. Sometimes I spent more time on the investigation than they did in jail.
Refund from whom? the builder probably has nothing but a junk pickup truck, a ladder, some hand tools and a bunch of debt, they'll never see 10% of their money out of this clown. No doubt he bought materials on credit too and owes Home Depot and others for stuff he put in this house.
I guarantee you will there will be a litany of other businesses he creates fresh from scratch. It takes about half a day to create an unlicensed business/LLC. Scammers stay scammin.
What corruption? All it takes is an application and a check to get a business license. What they need to do is change the process to include a background check to see WHO they're giving licenses to.
@@johndoe-lm7ji Nahhhh, there's little to no human interaction in forming a corporation. It's all just forms you filled out online, maybe mail in, and pay a fee online. That's literally it. Builder licenses aren't much harder either. Generally need 2 licensed contractors to sign for you, then you take the state test. Again, with little to no oversight. I think the first test, or at least you used to, you have to take in person. The rest are continuing education online every year. There is no "person approving" the licenses and what not.
I worked with construction loans and this happened time and time again. We used to inspect work done before payment to prevent it. Poor people look like they tried to but scumbags persist.
@@NoNORADon911racist pig. My ancestors breast fed your croaking ass granddaddy! You are the scum of the earth! Trust me as much you don’t like us blacks, we don’t like your pasty ass either!
Why is no one checking credentials?! When I hired a contractor to build a stamped patio, I worked with my credit union to set up a special type of account that would only release funds to this contractor once the inspector had okayed each and every step. It was beneficial for all parties. My credit union praised me for doing this. I guess I just don’t understand why more people don’t have it set up this way.
Mostly because it's a service not offered by every financial institution, the builder may demand (and buyer agrees to) other payment schedules, or may not know this option is available.
@@raygunsforronnie847 actually no. It was some thing that I thought on my own and presented it to my credit union. They were delighted that I came up with such an idea. It’s all about self preservation.
I came back to add that I also called the registry of plastic surgeons when my girlfriend wanted a breast reduction. I called for her, but let her speak with the agent and he told her that no one ever does this and he was impressed. So there you go.
@@raygunsforronnie847 How would you know this is a service unavailable to you? This service has you call it, it was something that I made up. I wanted to wait to protect myself and get the best outcome for all.
Otherwise known as a salesman, he was just bad at the business part. I am impressed that he convinced so many to give him money. I had to switch to flipping houses because finding clients was too tuff. Theres always someone who can do it cheaper.
Change the laws! Homeowners should not be on the hook for unpaid bills by the contractor when they paid him up front. Go after these crooked construction contractors!
Agreed! There is a way to do that by requiring LIEN RELEASES at the time of any payment by the owner. For example, your contractor comes to get paid for electrical and plumbing, you have him bring Lien Releases signed and dated by the electrician and plumber, otherwise if the contractor is a crook and doesn't pay them, the electr and plumb will place liens against your house. Look up "lien release" form online for your state.
I can't help but wonder if laws were changed during Covid and just haven't been changed back. Hell, I could quote a price to build a deck during the middle of Covid, and in less than a week would struggle to even get all the materials needed for the project. And what I could get was 10 - 20% more than I estimated for. I knew HVAC installers who were out of work simply because of lack of materials to complete installation jobs. I had a shed built. The manufacturer filtered in an extra 10% to the cost to cover price increases on materials. But even then 10% might still not have been enough. Now mind you this was Covid problems. Not current problems. But still I suspect the laws were either modified or just ignored because hyper inflation within the builders industry was a legitimate problem a few years ago. The contract price might not even be accurate 24 hours after signing it.
You're correct. As of May 2024, Max Howell has pleaded guilty to federal charges of bank fraud and money laundering. And is awaiting sentencing in September 2024.
@@mayberrysranch5156 I'm saving up as fast as I can. Your wife only brings in 15 bucks a pop for those BJ's she gives down at 36th and Prospect. And I only get 80% of that.
@@Look_What_You_Did I am in the construction field and the realistate field. We often get called evil or that we are taking advantage of people by some people who are more left leaning politically all the time. Especially by women and they use people like this as an example because of people like this, ignorant people have fuel to attack an industry and group of people they know nothing about. He is also black (if i remember correctly i haven’t watched the video in 6 months) Which makes black men look bad in the business place. But yea you are correct it makes only this guy look bad to people with common sense and logic who don’t lump people in groups and categories. Unfortunately most of society likes to do exactly that..
Wait till you're out 400 thousand dollars and can't live in what you paid for and agreed upon. Bet you'd cry like a little girl while you slept on a park bench.
on the other hand what if the owners kept asking for new features or better materials? Obviously change orders needed to be done. I wonder if this had a factor. I know a lot of building professionals like to over promise and under deliver just to get the business. This is the frustrating part of the building trade there are no real standardized rates for how much it should take to actually get something done since every project is technically a one off.
the home is still built and the LAND they bought is still there too, the house is just not FINISHED, it didn't look like it would take all that much to make it at least liveable, even if the tile in the bathroom isnt in and the walls are still unfinished drywall, and the finished flooring not done in every room. They may have to rough it a few years and do work themselves, but they'd have a roof over their heads and a place to sleep. I bought my 1930 farmhouse with a full basement on 1/2 acre in 1999 it was in bad shape, clapboard's paint was mostly gone to grey wood. I paid $7,900 for it and roughed it out for a few years while I did repairs, the roof, electric, plumbing, floors etc etc. it only had a gas space heater, no cabinets in the kitchen, and old sheet metal andcast iron sink/cabinet, an old fridge and range, but I had a roof over my head and a place to sleep at night, and it was cheap living- taxes are still under $200 a year on the place. I wouldnt trade all this for a new built like this couple went for
@@GoingtoHecq Its not the victim's fault that the guy frauded them, but they should've gotten an understanding of how construction financing works and how to properly work with a contractor. They didn't do that. It sounds like they took on an entire construction loan without any safeguards.
So sorry for this couple. Builders have been adding clauses for supply hike charges the past few years. Coupled with the fact that skilled craftsmen are retired now and few young people were willing to learn the construction trade from them while they were still working. Locally a new community is faced with multiple homes with the walls falling away from the foundations due to poor construction. I'd not buy a new house and I don't see any of this changing any time soon.
This is why you have to hire people that have been in the home construction business for years w a great track record. Unfortunately they won’t see a good outcome…
Happens more than we know..... I'm living in a nightmare home after complete remodel.... But immediately after the contractors walk out our door and finish line. We changed every lock on our home
As a painter of 30yrs I’ve seen more and more pretend builders, home flippers and weekend warriors then I can count. It’s sad some of the house I’ve seen. Hacks building and renovation companies are crazy
feel so bad for the couple - they can sue, they can win a judgement, but "nothin' from nothin' is still nothin'. And they still have a construction loan AND mortgage to pay off.
Where is the lender in all this? Usually lenders won't sign off on construction loan withdrawls until they know each part of the work was done properly.
When I was an electrician I got ripped off twice in a similar situation. Except 1 of those times the guy had been a close friend for over a decade. He decided to burn all his friends to finish a house and keep the money.
We had a contractor redo a lot on our house. He charged for labor only. He of course would get the material because we got a military discount at many of the places, which was higher than the contractors percent. Even when we did landscape. The guys gave us all the receipts of materials that were purchased. Labor & materials are always separate, and if they messed up it was on their dime not on ours.
This is the problem when you don't or can't do it yourself and you are not rich. I am 81 and learned how to build and maintain everything I own when I was a teenager. At 17 I rebuilt the engine and transmissionon my 54 ford convertible. I did the same on my first home and business. Today my wife and I live on SS and get by just fine. I still repair and replace anything in the home and live very comfortable. The world is filled with crooks, therefore I don't trust anyone. I do it all myself, when I no longer can, it is time to checkout.
Very good and I'm proud of you. I do same at my home. But there are times when one is not properly equipped nor able to do some tasks which may require professional help. In these cases, you must do due diligence and choose wisely.
Some of us can't do that. But I do think nowadays it's best to buy an existing house complete. Anyone who chooses to build do need to know a LOT. Select a good reputable builder.and a lawyer. Watch every step. So for most of us, buy an existing house
That’s not practical or efficient. I can repair things around the house, but I cannot build a brand new house. It would be foolish and costly to try and do something so out of my expertise, especially if my time can be spend elsewhere. There’s a reason professional exists and it’s not just to rip you off. Learn to fight your battles. Also good luck fixing things when your bones and muscles don’t work anymore. Instead, learn how to spend money safely.
You’re better off being your own contractor by sourcing your own materials and hiring subcontractors! I did this and better believe I was able to stay on budget!
It’s so traumatizing when you trust an “expert” to do work on your home & they betray you. I’ve lost all faith in people after having several bad floor installers.
This is why it's important to properly screen your builder, have your own inspector, and if possible, even have the bank manage the loan so the builder only gets the money they need depending on phase, and confirm that the money spent is actually going to your property. If the deal sounds to good to be true, it likely is.
lmao 🤣gonna hurt some feelings with that one, the best was the reporter calling all the subs and its all these guys, "cello mr. george where you have money yet?"
Sounds like Max Howe is a con man. Maybe when he shows up to court there should be some police waiting to take him into custody. Showed him a good time in a jail cell
We got ripped off by a builder. We went to the authorities, and, lo and behold, the attorney representing the jurisdiction was also the builder's attorney. The builder, among other misdeeds, committed a felony during our permitting process. The attorney for the jurisdiction shut down the criminal investigation on the secind say. Public corruption is alive and well. Fortunately, we discovered the misdeeds early enough into the build that we were able to finish the house ourselves. We lost nearly $100K, however, in the process.
IN AMERICA we need a new Federal Law that any and all home builders MUST have a full background check, finger printing and Photos on file with the state license system. Then states can share that from state to state.
I'm curious.....why is it that when you see a story from a tv station on FB, that will end with a lead that they will continue with a follow-up of the story....NOBODY EVER SEEMS TO PUT A LINK TO THE REST OF THE STORY!?!?!?!
I know of a few people who refer to themselves as entrepreneurs, but the only ones I agree with are the ones who run a legitimate business and maybe do freelance photography or are also realtors on the side. Textbook workaholics. The ones I don't agree with are very vague on what they actually do for a living/are always switching it up every few months - a year or are part of an MLM. Supposed "entrepreneurs" but they're always lounging around and are constantly on social media 😂
I thought most construction contracts were 25% down, and then 25%/25% as benchmark are reached during construction and the final 25% when the Occupancy Permit is done.
They won’t collect a dime. I bought 8 houses from a well know builder where I live. He didn’t pay many of the subcontractors and didn’t finish 4 of the houses. I had to pay off more than $250 k in mechanic’s liens and pay another contractor to finish building the incomplete homes. He did this to many other people. We sued him and had his personal residence auctioned off and his business license revoked, but only recovered $2900 of the money he ripped us off for. It takes money to put these scumbags out of business and few people can afford to go after them. After our builder stole every penny a couple in their late 70’s had, my late husband and I decided that we had to stop him, even if we lost money doing it.
UPDATE: According to an article posted by KCTV5 Aug 18, 2022, Max Howell faced 56 counts in a federal indictment. Howell was charged with numerous counts of bank fraud, money laundering, and making false statements to a financial institution. The article also reported that If he’s convicted of the charges, he faces up to 30 years in prison.
On May 22, 2024 KCTV5 reported that Howell had pleaded guilty to federal charges of bank fraud and money laundering, and faces up to 40 years in prison. Sentencing takes place "in September". They also reported "The civil lawsuits remain ongoing. Just earlier this month, a Clay County judge granted a summary judgment of $75,000 against Max Howell. Other civil lawsuits remain ongoing."
Thank you SOO much for this update 👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks!! I hope they pin ur comment!
May you receive many blessings. Thank you for the update
I use to help prosecute people fro money laundering. One Man in New Jersey got 75 years and he was out in 18 months, so these white collar crimes, they don’t really do the time. There were several I did and it was the same thing over and over. Sometimes I spent more time on the investigation than they did in jail.
@@SophiecjpIn the end it's a victimless crime.
Sounds like the builder is a thief. The couple should be awarded a full refund and have a different builder.
I’m sure the actual money is gone. Go after his Mercedes, bling, and house. And that’s not going to be easy, fast, or cheap.
Refund from whom? the builder probably has nothing but a junk pickup truck, a ladder, some hand tools and a bunch of debt, they'll never see 10% of their money out of this clown. No doubt he bought materials on credit too and owes Home Depot and others for stuff he put in this house.
@@HobbyOrganistso where’s the money? he just took 375k from their bank and it disappeared into a black hole
Full refund. I'll take things that will never happen for 300 Alex
He should go so no one else will go through this.
he was found guilty to federal charges and face up to 40 years
Would've never happened to a white man
That doesn't mean anything. Trump was convicted on 34 felony charges and now he is president. The American justice system is a joke.
Is anyone looking into the corruption behind public officials continuing to grant this man business licenses?
Most likely all electronic and automated now, including the fees!
I guarantee you will there will be a litany of other businesses he creates fresh from scratch. It takes about half a day to create an unlicensed business/LLC. Scammers stay scammin.
That’s what I was thinking! Someone is being paid to turn a blind eye!
What corruption? All it takes is an application and a check to get a business license. What they need to do is change the process to include a background check to see WHO they're giving licenses to.
@@johndoe-lm7ji Nahhhh, there's little to no human interaction in forming a corporation. It's all just forms you filled out online, maybe mail in, and pay a fee online. That's literally it. Builder licenses aren't much harder either. Generally need 2 licensed contractors to sign for you, then you take the state test. Again, with little to no oversight. I think the first test, or at least you used to, you have to take in person. The rest are continuing education online every year. There is no "person approving" the licenses and what not.
I worked with construction loans and this happened time and time again. We used to inspect work done before payment to prevent it. Poor people look like they tried to but scumbags persist.
Thanks for the info
The bank should have been more diligent and not released all of those funds. The bank should take accountability too.
Where are the itemized lists? I want to know exactly where every penny went.
right into his wallet.
@@NoNORADon911spent on your missing momma. You racist bastard
@@NoNORADon911racist pig. My ancestors breast fed your croaking ass granddaddy! You are the scum of the earth! Trust me as much you don’t like us blacks, we don’t like your pasty ass either!
It’s not your house. That information would only be public if the homeowners wanted it to be.
@@koriko88okay mr smart guy that is not the point. The point is he should have provided them with the itemized list in the first place
Why is no one checking credentials?! When I hired a contractor to build a stamped patio, I worked with my credit union to set up a special type of account that would only release funds to this contractor once the inspector had okayed each and every step. It was beneficial for all parties. My credit union praised me for doing this. I guess I just don’t understand why more people don’t have it set up this way.
Mostly because it's a service not offered by every financial institution, the builder may demand (and buyer agrees to) other payment schedules, or may not know this option is available.
@@raygunsforronnie847 actually no. It was some thing that I thought on my own and presented it to my credit union. They were delighted that I came up with such an idea. It’s all about self preservation.
I came back to add that I also called the registry of plastic surgeons when my girlfriend wanted a breast reduction. I called for her, but let her speak with the agent and he told her that no one ever does this and he was impressed. So there you go.
@Ciesiam Thank you for sharing this information. That's so smart! ❤
@@raygunsforronnie847 How would you know this is a service unavailable to you? This service has you call it, it was something that I made up. I wanted to wait to protect myself and get the best outcome for all.
Max How is a scammer. This is a perfect show for American Greed.
🎯👍
Otherwise known as a salesman, he was just bad at the business part. I am impressed that he convinced so many to give him money. I had to switch to flipping houses because finding clients was too tuff. Theres always someone who can do it cheaper.
Yup, con man
Max who is a scammer?
Too small and petty.
Change the laws! Homeowners should not be on the hook for unpaid bills by the contractor when they paid him up front. Go after these crooked construction contractors!
It's mindboggling that people can be on the hook for payments they already made to the contracting party. This crap does not happen in my country.
Agreed! There is a way to do that by requiring LIEN RELEASES at the time of any payment by the owner. For example, your contractor comes to get paid for electrical and plumbing, you have him bring Lien Releases signed and dated by the electrician and plumber, otherwise if the contractor is a crook and doesn't pay them, the electr and plumb will place liens against your house. Look up "lien release" form online for your state.
Never EVER pay a contractor in advance
I can't help but wonder if laws were changed during Covid and just haven't been changed back. Hell, I could quote a price to build a deck during the middle of Covid, and in less than a week would struggle to even get all the materials needed for the project. And what I could get was 10 - 20% more than I estimated for. I knew HVAC installers who were out of work simply because of lack of materials to complete installation jobs. I had a shed built. The manufacturer filtered in an extra 10% to the cost to cover price increases on materials. But even then 10% might still not have been enough.
Now mind you this was Covid problems. Not current problems. But still I suspect the laws were either modified or just ignored because hyper inflation within the builders industry was a legitimate problem a few years ago. The contract price might not even be accurate 24 hours after signing it.
Its organized crime and these people are being robbed blind
I miss the days when professionals came with integrity.
Me too
Yeah, when the only thing that broke a handshake contract was death... now air tight contracts are not worth the paper they are printed on.
There was a guy in Michigan that did this and Rob wolchek got involved and he's doing time in prison. This guy is going to be the same way!
You're correct. As of May 2024, Max Howell has pleaded guilty to federal charges of bank fraud and money laundering. And is awaiting sentencing in September 2024.
People are doing that scamming azz sht every where just out here trying to get rich
Yeah, but in many cases nothing happens to them
@@jazziez6467 They but a judgement on them. So, if they get money, it is taken away and given to the people they screwed,
A con man for sure!
He votes democrat for sure
No he's a republican Pedo@@KansasColoradoFarmer
He's one of them
off topic, the design of the exterior of this house is really asinine.
On topic.
Its even Ass-In_ten-tional!
Agreed! “That’s their dream home!?” was my first thought!
For real, I can't understand why so many flippers do this with the windows
and the scale of those two really fits with existing homes in the neighborhood
These people make an LLC. Work until they mess up on purpose or accident and then just make a new LLC happens a lot here in Kansas great reporting btw
I am a landscaper and a sole proprietorship. I take responsibility for my work.
@@brockreynolds870so where tf is my $2500 for that job you fucked up 3 months ago? 🤔
@@mayberrysranch5156 I'm saving up as fast as I can. Your wife only brings in 15 bucks a pop for those BJ's she gives down at 36th and Prospect. And I only get 80% of that.
@@brockreynolds870 thank you for that sir. I know your clients appreciate you & your great work ethics ❤
@@mayberrysranch5156 Oh. you think yourt'e funny. I haven't done ANY jobs this year for people who aren't previous customers.
I’ve heard of this guy a few years ago,and automatically assumed he was a thief.
Dude is making us look bad. Put him in prison.
Nobody will hire small businesses with people like him screwing everyone. I think they had a valid point.
@@Look_What_You_DidThe world tends to look at Black people like one big group
Good news he's looking at 40 or so years.
@@Look_What_You_Did I am in the construction field and the realistate field. We often get called evil or that we are taking advantage of people by some people who are more left leaning politically all the time. Especially by women and they use people like this as an example because of people like this, ignorant people have fuel to attack an industry and group of people they know nothing about. He is also black (if i remember correctly i haven’t watched the video in 6 months) Which makes black men look bad in the business place. But yea you are correct it makes only this guy look bad to people with common sense and logic who don’t lump people in groups and categories. Unfortunately most of society likes to do exactly that..
@@SilvaDreams that is awesome! Thanks for the update!
Why didn't the bank lending this money for construction do due diligence in investigation? This guy has a nasty trail......
Wait till you're out 400 thousand dollars and can't live in what you paid for and agreed upon. Bet you'd cry like a little girl while you slept on a park bench.
Grifters will grift.
I think you mean Builders will build
@@BeeJayKSlay nope. Dude is a grifter scam artist. He's obviously been scamming for some time now. It's just finally catching up to him.
Builders will grift....
Sometimes? Ha!
Why not both?😣
You gave a price to build the house. You went over that price. You eat the difference.
on the other hand what if the owners kept asking for new features or better materials? Obviously change orders needed to be done. I wonder if this had a factor. I know a lot of building professionals like to over promise and under deliver just to get the business. This is the frustrating part of the building trade there are no real standardized rates for how much it should take to actually get something done since every project is technically a one off.
absolutely sad story.They just wanted to build a home and he stole that from them.
the home is still built and the LAND they bought is still there too, the house is just not FINISHED, it didn't look like it would take all that much to make it at least liveable, even if the tile in the bathroom isnt in and the walls are still unfinished drywall, and the finished flooring not done in every room.
They may have to rough it a few years and do work themselves, but they'd have a roof over their heads and a place to sleep.
I bought my 1930 farmhouse with a full basement on 1/2 acre in 1999 it was in bad shape, clapboard's paint was mostly gone to grey wood. I paid $7,900 for it and roughed it out for a few years while I did repairs, the roof, electric, plumbing, floors etc etc. it only had a gas space heater, no cabinets in the kitchen, and old sheet metal andcast iron sink/cabinet, an old fridge and range, but I had a roof over my head and a place to sleep at night, and it was cheap living- taxes are still under $200 a year on the place.
I wouldnt trade all this for a new built like this couple went for
Hes a scumbag, but its also on them for not checking public records, and allowing him access to 100% of the budget.
Yeah, why didn’t do the 1/3 at a time payment. 1/3 at start, 1/3 on completion and 1/3 after final inspection.
Totally the victim's fault yeah?
@GoingtoHecq On projects that large and expensive... Yeah, they were fools to not to do any research on him and his companies.
@@GoingtoHecq sometimes... yeah..
@@GoingtoHecq Its not the victim's fault that the guy frauded them, but they should've gotten an understanding of how construction financing works and how to properly work with a contractor. They didn't do that. It sounds like they took on an entire construction loan without any safeguards.
Crosses state lines. It's federal
he was found guilty of federal charges recently!
So sorry for this couple. Builders have been adding clauses for supply hike charges the past few years. Coupled with the fact that skilled craftsmen are retired now and few young people were willing to learn the construction trade from them while they were still working. Locally a new community is faced with multiple homes with the walls falling away from the foundations due to poor construction. I'd not buy a new house and I don't see any of this changing any time soon.
I remember when the laws we're enforced 🤡🤡🤡🤡
This is why you have to hire people that have been in the home construction business for years w a great track record. Unfortunately they won’t see a good outcome…
You're basically saying no new companies ever?
Even that is not a guarantee
They should of bought all there material they needed then paid out for each section of the house these days it’s hard to trust
Happens more than we know..... I'm living in a nightmare home after complete remodel.... But immediately after the contractors walk out our door and finish line. We changed every lock on our home
As a painter of 30yrs I’ve seen more and more pretend builders, home flippers and weekend warriors then I can count. It’s sad some of the house I’ve seen. Hacks building and renovation companies are crazy
Sounds like the state ag should get involved!!!
builder waits to claim the house, then he will finish it and sell it , very dishonest and deceptive.
Keep exposing this type of practice ,
feel so bad for the couple - they can sue, they can win a judgement, but "nothin' from nothin' is still nothin'. And they still have a construction loan AND mortgage to pay off.
Where is the lender in all this? Usually lenders won't sign off on construction loan withdrawls until they know each part of the work was done properly.
When I was an electrician I got ripped off twice in a similar situation. Except 1 of those times the guy had been a close friend for over a decade. He decided to burn all his friends to finish a house and keep the money.
Sue. Him. That. Bull. Crap
We had a contractor redo a lot on our house. He charged for labor only. He of course would get the material because we got a military discount at many of the places, which was higher than the contractors percent. Even when we did landscape. The guys gave us all the receipts of materials that were purchased. Labor & materials are always separate, and if they messed up it was on their dime not on ours.
So, what was the eventual outcome of this, seeing as how it was posted 3 years ago..?!
Can't help notice the difference between those who can and can not get compensation
Sue the builder for fraud and breach of contract. The builder should have insurance.
I need an update and if they live in the house now 😭
how is this not a criminal case against the builder. this is obviously fraud.
Never hire a contractor with soft hands or a contractor that has a soft handed Project Manger…
What a rip off!!!! I hope a judge sorts this out for this couple and others who were abused by this man.
So sorry for this family and others. In the past this man would have been tarred and feathered.
It obvious by looking at the builder he was the wrong choice.
What's that supposed to mean?
This is the problem when you don't or can't do it yourself and you are not rich. I am 81 and learned how to build and maintain everything I own when I was a teenager. At 17 I rebuilt the engine and transmissionon my 54 ford convertible. I did the same on my first home and business. Today my wife and I live on SS and get by just fine. I still repair and replace anything in the home and live very comfortable. The world is filled with crooks, therefore I don't trust anyone. I do it all myself, when I no longer can, it is time to checkout.
Play let's see George 4144 I bet you're not in Oklahoma because Oklahoma social security sucks
Very good and I'm proud of you. I do same at my home. But there are times when one is not properly equipped nor able to do some tasks which may require professional help. In these cases, you must do due diligence and choose wisely.
clown a 54 ford convertible can be fixed with a spoon and shovel . THINGS ARE 1000% more advanced. THEY STILL USED LEAD PAINT WHEN YOU WERE A TEENAGER
Some of us can't do that. But I do think nowadays it's best to buy an existing house complete. Anyone who chooses to build do need to know a LOT. Select a good reputable builder.and a lawyer. Watch every step. So for most of us, buy an existing house
That’s not practical or efficient. I can repair things around the house, but I cannot build a brand new house. It would be foolish and costly to try and do something so out of my expertise, especially if my time can be spend elsewhere. There’s a reason professional exists and it’s not just to rip you off. Learn to fight your battles. Also good luck fixing things when your bones and muscles don’t work anymore. Instead, learn how to spend money safely.
Seems like this the construction business and auto restoration have the largest concentration of scumbags.
Realtors are worse than drug addicts. Liars, moat of them.
I cant beleive they hired that guy.
Should have known.
People hide who they really are behind a smile. References are important!
@NH2024-cr9yc why are you so angry?
Obviously you do not hide your ignorance behind a smile.
Maybe YOU need some oxygen.
Ever think of that?
You’re better off being your own contractor by sourcing your own materials and hiring subcontractors! I did this and better believe I was able to stay on budget!
If the word entrepreneur appears in the name of the business - you don’t want to do business with them
It’s so traumatizing when you trust an “expert” to do work on your home & they betray you. I’ve lost all faith in people after having several bad floor installers.
He plead guilty to federal charges and is sentenced in sept 2024. Lots of civil cases pending.
What is “contractor” saying now? Sue contractor. Never pay contractor in advance
This is why it's important to properly screen your builder, have your own inspector, and if possible, even have the bank manage the loan so the builder only gets the money they need depending on phase, and confirm that the money spent is actually going to your property. If the deal sounds to good to be true, it likely is.
A black man named maximillian was a red flag lmao
This is an nightmare to the extreme, this is why a reputable track record is important, that and doing back round checks, no matter whom they are.
Update please
Appreciate ya. Thanks for sharing.
Good reporting!
Terrible must be heartbreaking
This guy is a scammer like many contractors. No way that renovation cost $375,000. And the nerve to want $180,000 more….
Well well well…and what do we have here? 😂😂😂
was not surprised in the least when I saw what the builder looked like. Shouldve been a massive red flag.
lmao 🤣gonna hurt some feelings with that one, the best was the reporter calling all the subs and its all these guys, "cello mr. george where you have money yet?"
Sounds like Max Howe is a con man. Maybe when he shows up to court there should be some police waiting to take him into custody. Showed him a good time in a jail cell
Lol I saw the problem at 1:20 mark.
Entre Manure Enterprises
If you builder has “Million” in his name he’s going to blow the budget 😅
Behind every crooked builder there’s a crooked politician.
There’s only 30 k in lumber there how the hell did 300 k get spent.
Am I the only one that’s confused as to why she keeps saying “ Max How” instead of Max HOWELL?
House is hideous. poor people, I hope they are doing better
Right?? I love modern architecture but this is just a straight up abomination..
We got ripped off by a builder. We went to the authorities, and, lo and behold, the attorney representing the jurisdiction was also the builder's attorney. The builder, among other misdeeds, committed a felony during our permitting process. The attorney for the jurisdiction shut down the criminal investigation on the secind say. Public corruption is alive and well. Fortunately, we discovered the misdeeds early enough into the build that we were able to finish the house ourselves. We lost nearly $100K, however, in the process.
Wow, what state was this in, by chance??
@@aggierowe9574 Maryland.
Builder blowing a budget? That is nothing new.
IN AMERICA we need a new Federal Law that any and all home builders MUST have a full background check, finger printing and Photos on file with the state license system. Then states can share that from state to state.
Thank you for getting this travesty out to us!!
So many independent contractors do this. It’s disgusting they live off the “payments” and do the work as cheap as possible if at all.
I'm surprised Max Howell never worked on constructing any pyramids as part of his schemes- such an attractive and classical structure to live in.
This is the new day laborers; Unskilled and working hard at messing up projects.
I'm curious.....why is it that when you see a story from a tv station on FB, that will end with a lead that they will continue with a follow-up of the story....NOBODY EVER SEEMS TO PUT A LINK TO THE REST OF THE STORY!?!?!?!
Clearly this builder sounds like a scammer
I would have took one look at him and been like NOPE. I’ll find someone else.
I hear so many stories about dirtbag contractors. They're everywhere. Background checks need to be done extensively on all of them. smh
Looks like builder is pocketing money...a lot of it. That's a hell of a big overrun, 184k
how do you do that?
*ANYONE who refers to themselves as an ENTREPRENEUR is a SCAMMER*
I know of a few people who refer to themselves as entrepreneurs, but the only ones I agree with are the ones who run a legitimate business and maybe do freelance photography or are also realtors on the side. Textbook workaholics.
The ones I don't agree with are very vague on what they actually do for a living/are always switching it up every few months - a year or are part of an MLM. Supposed "entrepreneurs" but they're always lounging around and are constantly on social media 😂
Would love an update on this!!!!!
He's a builder, he's a runner, he's a track star!
😂😂😂😂
Don’t they check him out before giving money
These builders are out of control! They like to blow that money and do horrible work! Then trying to hide money!
Never thought a builder can run a ponzi scheme.
😂 real builders don’t
What a nightmare. I feel so sorry for this family. Howell deserves to be in jail for scamming this couple.
HOW IS HE STILL ALLOWED TO DO THIS ?????????
THAT MAN SHOULD BE IN PRISON
I thought most construction contracts were 25% down, and then 25%/25% as benchmark are reached during construction and the final 25% when the Occupancy Permit is done.
Having a home isn't supposed to be this hard. I hope they can sue him for every dime that he stole.
They won’t collect a dime. I bought 8 houses from a well know builder where I live. He didn’t pay many of the subcontractors and didn’t finish 4 of the houses. I had to pay off more than $250 k in mechanic’s liens and pay another contractor to finish building the incomplete homes. He did this to many other people. We sued him and had his personal residence auctioned off and his business license revoked, but only recovered $2900 of the money he ripped us off for. It takes money to put these scumbags out of business and few people can afford to go after them. After our builder stole every penny a couple in their late 70’s had, my late husband and I decided that we had to stop him, even if we lost money doing it.
Well, seeing the "contractor", must say no surprise here. Don't people check who they are giving money to?
Sadly you have to be very cautious who you do business with nowadays. Most people are either scammers or incompetent/inexperienced.
i would not hire that guy
Hope the owners won their case. Send that crook to prison!
The reporters should say: Howell, not souding like: HOWE.
GILLIGAN'S ISLAND has the best examples of actors saying, "Howell."
Thanks little buddy.
I hope this couple gets the justice they deserve. Shame on him!
Judge should be able too vacate any liens on property.
Soo what would happen if by accident the house burned down accidentally?