M/I Homes vs Westport Homes

Purchase agreement comparison

Overview

M/I Homes and Westport Homes are both homebuilders that compete in multiple U.S. markets. Buyers in states where both builders operate — including Ohio, Indiana — may find themselves comparing the two when choosing a new construction home.

Both builders use standardized purchase agreements that contain clauses affecting buyer rights and remedies. This comparison examines documented contract patterns, legal history, and key differences based on publicly available information.

The presence of a contract clause does not mean it appears in every agreement from that builder. Contract terms may vary by state, community, and transaction. This comparison is intended to help buyers ask informed questions, not to recommend one builder over the other.

At a Glance

M/I HomesWestport Homes
Market PositionNational homebuilder with strong Midwest and Southeast presenceRegional homebuilder in the Midwest
TickerNYSE: MHOPrivate
HeadquartersColumbus, OhioColumbus, Ohio
Affiliated LenderM/I FinancialNone identified
Documented Clauses98
Documented Cases42

Contract Clause Comparison

The following comparison shows documented contract patterns for each builder. A check mark indicates the clause type has been documented; it does not mean it appears in every contract.

M/I Homes:
Westport Homes:

Both M/I Homes and Westport Homes include implied warranty of habitability waiver language in their documented contract patterns. Buyers considering either builder should be aware that this clause type has been identified in purchase agreements from both companies.

M/I Homes:
Westport Homes:

Both M/I Homes and Westport Homes include mandatory binding arbitration language in their documented contract patterns. Buyers considering either builder should be aware that this clause type has been identified in purchase agreements from both companies.

M/I Homes:
Westport Homes:

Both M/I Homes and Westport Homes include class action lawsuit waiver language in their documented contract patterns. Buyers considering either builder should be aware that this clause type has been identified in purchase agreements from both companies.

M/I Homes:
Westport Homes:

Both M/I Homes and Westport Homes include deposit forfeiture / earnest money trap language in their documented contract patterns. Buyers considering either builder should be aware that this clause type has been identified in purchase agreements from both companies.

M/I Homes:
Westport Homes:

Both M/I Homes and Westport Homes include daily closing penalty language in their documented contract patterns. Buyers considering either builder should be aware that this clause type has been identified in purchase agreements from both companies.

M/I Homes:
Westport Homes:

Both M/I Homes and Westport Homes include independent inspection restriction language in their documented contract patterns. Buyers considering either builder should be aware that this clause type has been identified in purchase agreements from both companies.

M/I Homes:
Westport Homes:

Both M/I Homes and Westport Homes include material substitution without consent language in their documented contract patterns. Buyers considering either builder should be aware that this clause type has been identified in purchase agreements from both companies.

M/I Homes:
Westport Homes:

Both M/I Homes and Westport Homes include restrictive limited warranty language in their documented contract patterns. Buyers considering either builder should be aware that this clause type has been identified in purchase agreements from both companies.

Legal History Comparison

Both builders have documented litigation histories. M/I Homes has 4 documented cases and investigations; Westport Homes has 2. The nature and focus of litigation differs between the two builders.

M/I Homes

  • Construction defect litigation in Ohio and North Carolina
  • Consumer complaints regarding warranty processing
  • Contract dispute cases in Midwest courts
  • Building code compliance issues

Westport Homes

  • Construction defect claims in Ohio communities
  • Consumer complaints regarding build quality

Both M/I Homes and Westport Homes have faced litigation related to construction practices and contract terms. Buyers should review the full builder profiles for detailed case information and consider how each builder's legal history may reflect patterns relevant to current purchase agreements.

States Where Both Builders Operate

Ohio
Indiana

Key Differences

Market Position

M/I Homes is positioned as national homebuilder with strong midwest and southeast presence. Westport Homes is positioned as regional homebuilder in the midwest.

Documented Contract Patterns

M/I Homes has 9 documented clause types in our analysis; Westport Homes has 8. M/I Homes has a broader set of documented contract patterns, though this does not necessarily indicate greater risk — it may reflect more extensive public documentation.

Affiliated Lender

M/I Homes uses M/I Financial as its affiliated lender. Westport Homes does not have an identified captive lender. Buyers should compare financing options independently regardless.

Geographic Overlap

M/I Homes operates in 6 states; Westport Homes operates in 2 states. They share 2 states where buyers may be choosing between the two.

Litigation History

M/I Homes has 4 documented cases and investigations; Westport Homes has 2. The nature and severity of litigation differs between the two builders — review the legal history section for details.

What Buyers Should Consider

Both contracts require careful review.

Whether you are buying from M/I Homes or Westport Homes, the purchase agreement contains clauses that may limit your rights. Both builders use standardized contracts that favor the builder.

Check your state's specific protections.

The enforceability of many contract clauses depends on state law. A clause that was struck down in one state may be enforceable in another. Review the state-specific analysis for your location.

Review lender incentives carefully.

M/I Homes has an affiliated lender and may offer incentives tied to using it. Get independent quotes from at least two outside lenders before committing, and verify that all quoted payments include taxes, insurance, and HOA fees.

Do not assume one builder's contract is inherently safer.

Both builders use similar clause types. The differences are in specific language and implementation. An independent contract review can identify the specific risks in whichever agreement you are considering.

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This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state before making legal decisions.