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Stephanie Erickson
Jan 5, 2022
Beware of bait and switch tactics, as well as very spotty and unprofessional communication. Attempting to get clear information on how the home buying process works is nearly impossible, as is getting itemized and detailed estimates.
We were initially given a quote to complete a home in November with a 30x40 attached garage for $463,000, but just prior to signing a real estate contract this week, the price increased by $80,000 to $543,000 with no explanation. The only items we requested be added were a covered porch and rear patio, which added up to about $20,000 per the actual contractor quote we were sent. There is no reason the price should have jumped by $80,000. The sales person did not bother to reach out to us to follow up. Instead I had to contact both her and the new office manager myself. I have received conflicting explanations on the reasoning for this dramatic increase. The sales person told me the corporate office and new management has mandated “new pricing”, and the new office manager stated all utilities including septic, electric, and water hookups were somehow “missed” in the initial estimate, even though they are clearly listed. My husband has requested a detailed breakdown of the new estimate to better understand where the number $543,000 came from, but he has received absolutely no response. The new office manager stated that if we wish to move forward we can do a standard size garage with no covered porch or rear patio, but the price would be $515,000, which is still over $50,000 more than what we were initially quoted for a home with a large garage. Needless to say, we will not be moving forward with this company. We have bought and sold multiple homes previously, and this is by far the most unprofessional company we have ever encountered. Avoid Clayton Homes as they clearly lack ethics and integrity.