I can actually contribute. I’m in the construction industry and last year I was a part of the mass lay-offs from the Tier 1 builders. I am still in the industry, just now I work on the other side of the fence (sub-contractor of the Tier 1 builders). I worked in operations, and I worked at the time with the sales department. You can get your deposit back if your close of escrow is more than a month away and you have a valid reason (job loss, can’t find financing, family emergency etc..) The sales agents job is to give you the most resistance that you cannot get your deposit back. The strong and the “squeeky wheel” will always prevail. You can do this by bypassing the first line of defense, the agents, and go to their regional managers on up to the Daily Units Processed dept, sales director, to the President of the division. I’ve seen it plenty of times, they give in even if it is under 1 month to COE. I’ve seen one guy deny that was the house he was shown, when it was ready for the first walk. Good luck, be tough, and be prepared to work for that 20k back.

Side note: This is a great site for my market conditions reports, and I use any information about builders slashing prices to generate sales. Gives me a heads up to call and start scheduling work.