Reviews for DR Horton Builders (lender, buying, law)

[molukai]

Originally Posted by Skyizdlimit

Molukai,

I am seriously considering the Tantallon on the Potomac subdivision and the DR Horton (Wilmington) model and I am sorry that this happened to you. This news is disturbing. Should I avoid them altogether? What could be done on the front end to prevent those issues from happening?

Sky, it *is* quite disturbing. It is even more disturbing that at least from my view, DR Horton is the best choice for the specific Fort Washington area as far as non-custom semi-luxury home builders are. Also, Tantallon on the Potomac is one of the nicest looking community that is within a ~45 minute commute (during rush hour) to Crystal City/Pentagon area. Because of that, I don't want to dissuade you from purchasing here. My honest advice is to use my (and many others that have already purchased) negative experiences as ammunition when dealing with DR Horton. And, regardless of who you go with, they will all try to ********* in the name of profit. It is just how the culture is in this particular DMV area.

Major tips:
Immediately (Right Now):
Anything that was promised to you by the sales manager must be written somewhere. If not, tell them you won't proceed unless they have it in writing. Anything they say is likely a BS lie. Things that are vague (that is, nothing is actually written about it), ask for them to spell it out. Don't feel ashamed if you even think it is an 'obvious' answer - because the reality may surprise what you intuitively think will happen. The furnace thing was a hard lesson learned for me. They promised me something verbally, although the actual sales agreement never actually specified how the furnace system worked. They 'chose' to screw me to save ~$20K. Bastards.

During First/Second Walkthroughs:
Do not let the project manager for the development - his name is Larry - to bully you. If he rushes you, just tell him that there are too many problems and if he had fewer then it wouldn't take so long. If he threatens to leave, tell him you will tell his boss that he is not cooperating with you. Do not let him make you believe lies (one blatant lie he tried feeding ME was 'don't look so close [at the wall], regulation is 3 feet'). If you see a problem during your inspection, tell him to write it down. He will naturally refuse. If he does, tell him 'fine, you won't sign the document', whether it is the purchase agreement contract or PISD list. Don't let him scare you into thinking that you will lose the house. Call up the sales manager - and demand to meet with Larry's boss. His boss is called 'Sparks'. Relay your concerns to him. Do not SIGN ANYTHING unless it outlines what they need to fix.

[bowian]

Originally Posted by molukai

bowian, inspectors mean nothing. I had a pre-drywall inspector tour the house and all of his suggestions he verbally stated to the project manager as well as wrote it down. He also overheard the sales lady admit that they screwed me on the two zone two furnace system, which he also wrote into a letter. It ended amounting to nothing: DR Horton said "fine, take it or leave it", knowing that we could not easily leave the deal after waiting for months by that point, were past the rent renewal deadline for our apartment, and were already damaging our credit from credit checks by potential mortgage companies.

Well, if your inspector puts the findings in writing and you can use that during arbitration, then it does mean something. It never hurts to have a third party document issues. What messes you up here are rush tactics and an arbitration clause. Builders count on customers' unwillingness to walk away. With required arbitration and no right to walk away (with your deposit) should an inspection turn up issues, builders have an advantage. Have you contacted the Maryland Atty. Gen.'s office?

[Aokme2720]

Originally Posted by pow_wow

We are interested in building a home with DR Horton specifically in the Birdlawn neighborhood. Does anyone in the area have experience with this builder, good or bad? Thanks in advance for you feedback!

My wife and I were in the Orlando fl area recently looking for an investment property and came upon a development that was being built by DR Horton . We went in and a gentleman met us to speak about the house. We were dressed for Florida weather and were not in semi-formal dress attire ! We were asking about the home and builder and what price range we were looking for. We were told to win the lottery if we were to afford one of their homes!! Not a smart move for him !! For you see we can afford the home and would pay CASH for the home!! Just because we didn't dress the part he wasn't interested in us!!! If this is what DR Horton sends to represent them them we will look elsewhere and give a respectful builder the business! Never judge a book by the cover!!!!

[molukai]

Originally Posted by Aokme2720

My wife and I were in the Orlando fl area recently looking for an investment property and came upon a development that was being built by DR Horton . We went in and a gentleman met us to speak about the house. We were dressed for Florida weather and were not in semi-formal dress attire ! We were asking about the home and builder and what price range we were looking for. We were told to win the lottery if we were to afford one of their homes!! Not a smart move for him !! For you see we can afford the home and would pay CASH for the home!! Just because we didn't dress the part he wasn't interested in us!!! If this is what DR Horton sends to represent them them we will look elsewhere and give a respectful builder the business! Never judge a book by the cover!!!!

What community was that in? My experience with DR Horton isn't snobbish attitude so much as bait-and-switch tactics and shoddy performance despite high cost.

Since this thread has been updated, I have some updates. I have given up talking to the subdivision project manager and now deal directly with the warranty manager, who is MUCH more understanding. He has attempted to address all major issues and has spent a great deal of time on filling out work orders to his subcontractors to fix issues with my house. Although it doesn't take away from the blatant mistreatement and flat-out lies made to me upon purchase, it does go a long way. And it does count for something to say that I absolutely love my house.

[jassypebbles]

Hi Molukai, my husband and I just purchased a lot in that subdivision and have been having all kinds of problems (especially with Karen), and the home is not even built yet! Can we speak to you offline? We would appreciate any help that you could provide.

[KCP_1980]

Originally Posted by molukai

I also looked at Khov as a possibility as well prior to purchasing. They are about the same as DR Horton from my personal viewpoint (in terms of quality, aesthetics, etc.). Khov had some nicer basic features than DR Horton, but it also looked like the base pricing was higher as well. I hope that you've had better luck in your new home than we have, KCP!

Just a small update on our situation, having chosen to build with K. Hov over DR Horton.

The house itself is coming up beautifully. We are really happy with the construction. The pre-drywall meeting was well done and we were never rushed. I adore the sales woman for our development and the construction manager is on top of things.

HOWEVER, and this is a huge issue now, they are rushing us to close 5 weeks earlier than had been discussed all along. Before we ever signed a purchase agreement, we said we could not close before September. At every single meeting, we reminded them that September 1 was the earliest we could close. Everyone was very agreeable every time we mentioned this and we were told "We know, we know... September 1 it is!" Well, lo and behold, we're getting seriously pressured to close the last week of JULY. We are really upset and it's kicked up our anxiety to the max.

So the jury is still out on whether or not I would consider this a positive experience. If they back us into a corner and force us to close early, I will be livid.

[molukai]

Originally Posted by jassypebbles

Hi Molukai, my husband and I just purchased a lot in that subdivision and have been having all kinds of problems (especially with Karen), and the home is not even built yet! Can we speak to you offline? We would appreciate any help that you could provide.

Hey jassy, I'll send you a PM with my phone number.

[Something not right]

My husband and I are currently in a contract now with DR Horton, and I am having issues with the loan, it seems like everything they are asking for we produce but they ask for something else. They are saying that the builder is going to cancel my contract as I am trying to go with their partner lenders but they don't want to wait. It kind of seems to me that something else is going on, like somebody offered more money, because I can't see how you will be willing to cancel that quick and easy.

[molukai]

Is your lender DHI?

[Something not right]

Yes.