Complaint Review: DR Horton

Prior to signing a contract with DR Horton Cambridge homes in Illinois we spoke at length to our salesman about the association fencing restrictions in Cambridge Lakes in Pingree Grove. He noted that our lot was designated for a 4 foot cedar picket fence which we let him know we did not want. We explained to him that we wanted an aluminum picket fence which is much nicer and never needs to be replaced or maintained. He then said to us on numerous occasions when we were still deciding whether or not to sign a contract that if we had the unanimous approval of those on our cul-de-sac we would be able to have the fencing restriction amended and build the fence that we wanted. With that assurance we signed a contract with DR Horton Cambridge in Sept. 2007. In April 2008 we placed 3 phone calls to the homeowners association liaison to start working on amending the restriction prior to our closing date at the end of June. After speaking to all the neighbors on our street and finding out that they were all in favor of amending the fencing restriction they also said that they had been told the same thing by the salesman. Our calls were never returned. Two months went by and we again tried to contact the liaison but this time through another contact person of the association who then began forwarding our questions and concerns. We were told that the liaison was getting all of our information and would respond as soon as possible. This never happened. We then got our attorney involved and she wrote a letter to the liaison stating our position and asking for fair treatment and for them to honor what our salesman told us prior to signing the contract. After a few weeks we received an email that our request had been denied. This without never speaking to the liaison directly once. We then attended an association meeting led by the liaison by chance and let her know how displeased we were with the decision. She said that she would get back to us with possible dates and times that we and our neighbors could meet with the association board. The board consisting of 3 people, all employed by DR Horton Cambridge. Not one resident is on the board. After not hearing anything for 3 weeks, our attorney drafted another letter requesting a meeting with the board and send it to all 3 board members. Another week passed and we received a short letter from the legal counsel board member stating that our request had been rejected and that we knew about the fencing restriction prior to signing the contract. I do not deny that we knew there was a restriction but I am outraged that our salesman knowing what he knew, led us to believe it would not be a problem to modify the restriction and build the fence we wanted to build. It is important to note here that the fence we want to build IS allowed on some of the lots in our neighborhood and that we are not asking to build a fence that has not been approved by the association. We never were allowed to meet with the board to discuss the issue even after being told that a meeting would be set up. Our latest attempt to speak to someone who would see the bigger picture, one of the Vice Presidents of DR Horton Cambridge in Libertyville met with a short email response that the decision had been made by the people who were in position to make the decision. Our salesman has been strangely absent from all discussions this entire time and for all we know continues to misrepresent the truth to try and get customers to sign a contract with DR Horton Cambridge.

Be very careful when dealing with this company. They will tell you one thing prior to signing a contract and once you've paid them the money they will tell you another. I strongly suggest you find another builder.

Kevin
Pingree Grove, Illinois
U.S.A.

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