Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

Commitments and Contingencies

At December 31, 2011, the Company had outstanding approximately $63.7 million of completion bonds and standby letters of credit, some of which were issued to various local governmental entities that expire at various times through December 2016. Included in this total are: (1) $21.3 million of performance and maintenance bonds and $24.4 million of performance letters of credit that serve as completion bonds for land development work in progress; (2) $11.4 million of financial letters of credit, of which $3.8 million represent deposits on land and lot purchase agreements; and (3) $6.6 million of financial bonds.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company has identified 93 homes that have been confirmed as having defective drywall installed by our subcontractors.  All of these homes are located in Florida.  While we are continuing to investigate whether other homes are affected, the number of additional affected homes newly identified each quarter has declined significantly since 2009 to a nominal amount. As of December 31, 2011, we have completed the repair of 80 homes, are in the process of repairing nine homes, and are continuing to seek the authorization of the remaining homeowners to repair their homes. In consideration for performing these repairs, we received from the homeowner a full release of claims (excluding, in nearly all cases, personal injury claims) arising from the defective drywall. Since 2009, the Company has accrued approximately $13.0 million for the repair of these 93 homes. The remaining balance in this accrual is $1.2 million, which is included in Other liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Based on our investigation to date and our evaluation of the defective drywall issue, we believe our existing accrual is sufficient to cover costs and claims associated with the repair of these homes. However, if we identify additional homes with defective drywall, we may increase the accrual for costs of repair attributable to defective drywall. During the third quarter of 2010, the Company received a $2.4 million settlement for claims attributed to the defective drywall. The Company has made demand for additional reimbursement from manufacturers, suppliers, insurers and others for costs the Company has incurred and may incur in the future in connection with the defective drywall. Please refer to Note 11 for further information on this matter.

At December 31, 2011, the Company also had options and contingent purchase agreements to acquire land and developed lots with an aggregate purchase price of approximately $145.8 million. Purchase of properties under these agreements is contingent upon satisfaction of certain requirements by the Company and the sellers.