"Home closing"

[Threnody]

I have my preliminary "home closing" tomorrow. This isn't the final hoohah "here's your keys and we expect payment on xxx" closing though, but to authorize them to take the house out and set it up, etc. What should I expect? My brother told me "you'll only sign 50 papers instead of 150", but I was looking for something a little more in detail.

[r murray]

I have never heard of the term..."preliminary home closing"...Is this some sort of construction loan???

[Threnody]

I ended up watching the Homestead owners manual video (which really didn't tell me anything I didn't already know, except for what kind of plug I need for a dryer), and signing releases saying I knew what they were installing, what they were installing, authorizations to perform work, picking out brick etc.

And that's when everything went to hades.....

Then I got hit with I needed to get a sewer & electrical permit, which was the first I ever heard of it, even though my salesman swore (in front of his boss, mind you) that he had given it to me, then he gave it to my husband when he came in by himself one day (BALD FACED LIE, mind you). Okay, so the sales guy is incompetant (did I mention my last name was wrong on most of the documents because he confused me with another customer?). He screwed up and is trying to save his rear end, that's not MY problem. My husband will deal with this issue, I just want to get in the house.

Then I go up to the municpal bldg to get said permits. I can't have them without an address, so they send me upstairs to addressing. They don't have the addresses because the home is located in the town we're moving to. (town limits, that is...) She gives me the # for the town hall. Clerk at town hall says "We don't have them addressed yet" puts me on hold for eternity, then comes back and says "We'll call you as soon as we get them addressed.".

I go back to the dealership and inform them of this. They call landowner who was informed by someone at the town hall all this had been done, who isn't in and so they leave a message and I get told they will call me back when they know something.

I'm highly irritated. Not irritated enough to walk, because I place the blame with the town hall, but this has been a REALLY bad day, and this just topped it off.

[rmurray]

Unfortunately you are dealing with a new sales person..These are thiongs he should have handled a long time ago..It is tradition in the SE for the landowner to aqquire the permits..If only because they have different prices in different areas..

You will have to get your permit from the city...not the county..but only after you have a septic permit..which requires a 911 address...Some smaller cities are really remiss at taking care of this...You might want to talk to the city about other requirements for the building permit..We have 2 in our area that require all permits to to through the city council for approval...This takes 6 weeks...

I am glad you knew all the info in the video..I assume that is because of your extensive research...Just remember the part about cosmetic items..Homestead (all of Cavalier) is very strict about this..They will ONLY run 1 service call on these items...and only those items on the form you should have gotten with your warranty...That form must be turned in to Homestead with in 60 days of the first day the home is moved to your lot..They are very strict about the timing..

Some models they REQUIRE the dealer to take care of all cosmetic service...If you have a Signature series..the plant will do the work...if you have a Power House, LSK, MSK, Sun Valley or American Pride..the dealer is responsible for all work..

Sorry you have had these problems..

[Threnody]

Actually I should clarify, the salesman swore he gave us a *list* of permits we needed to get. I have actually been wondering why I've had to do so little on my end up until this point. This may not be the case, but the way I understand things so far, the town has to address the lots and register them with the county, and then the county issues the sewer & electrical permits. I will definitely look into this now though.

I do know that we are having a prayer meeting with the dealership after the holiday, because I am really angry about the way things went yesterday. I also forgot to mention that most of the paperwork, including the sales contract, had the WRONG last name on them. He apparently confused us with another customer, who probably has our list of permits instead of us.

You know, they didn't even mention that Homestead do the ONE courtesy call for cosmetic items. I should have pointed this out, but I wasn't feeling all that snarky yet. They did tell me that Homestead will do any work on the interior trim if any needs to be done, as they have requested dealers not do it.

We are getting the Powerhouse, btw. I actually like it better than the Lexington, and the upgrades are GREAT.

[r murray]

The Powerhouse IS one of the homes that Homestead WILL NOT do any of the cosmetic work...The dealer has agreed to offer the home..that he will do this work..Our dealership averages about $ 700 repair costs labor and parts per home..

Homestead will not adjust any trim on your home...Now..most set up crews are supposed to do this when the home is set...

You have bought one of the best values on the market today...Do not let me scare you....just understand the program and you will not be frustrated and you will be much happier...

Good Luck