Home Dealership Has More Than One Problem

The lien controversy surrounding Stratford Northwest Building Systems isn’t the only problem the beleaguered modular home dealership is facing.

Last June, the Opportunity Limited Liability Co., owned by Post Falls developer Ed Stocklen, sued the distributor for breach of contract and fraud. The case is set to be heard in court on Nov. 17, 1997.

Stocklen ordered 12 homes from Stratford Northwest last year, ranging in price from $60,000 to $90,000. He alleges the company failed to provide homes “as ordered and contracted for,” that they altered invoices, and that he was charged for items that weren’t supplied.

“I don’t think it’s the factory. They make a marvelous home,” said Stocklen, who recently struck a deal - this time through the manufacturer, Stratford Building Corp. - for another six homes. “I think it’s the dealership.”

Samuel Eismann, Stocklen’s lawyer, declined to elaborate on the case.

Meanwhile, the lawyer for Stratford Northwest, Denny Davis, flatly denied any wrongdoing by his clients.

“There’s been nothing to establish any of the allegations in this case,” Davis said. “The public sees the claim made and maybe assumes that there’s truth in it, when in fact, we don’t think there is.”

, DataTimes MEMO: See related story under headline: Liens on area homes explained as ‘mix-up’