I found an ad that read "$0 down. 2.5% interest rate. Bad credit ok." Skeptical, though in need of a new home after a divorce that left my credit less than perfect, I called and spoke with Peggy. She informed me that I would have to take a class 4 hours away and that the loan program was only for new homes using themselves as the builder. I decided to go to the class as I had nothing to lose. Upon returning from class I learned that the loan is a typical mortgage and the rate was so low because the builder was going to buy it down from the current market rate and roll that sum into my loan with them. I was excited about building a home for my daughters and I, so I agreed to allow Vasta Development to have me pre-approved for the loan. She required $1,000 in earnest money and had me sign a document stating that I had three days from speaking to the loan officer to cancel the contract. The loan officer informed me that the loan would take a minimum of 4 months to complete. I gave Vasta my deposit on March 28th. 10 days later my father suffered a heart attack and a massive stroke. I emailed Peggy at Vasta as I realized the mass expenses my family and I would incur due to this loss (in home care, medications, ect) I told Peggy that with deep regret, I would not be able to begin building as I was unsure where I would be in a year (my father resides in GA and I live in FL). Peggy asked me to send a letter from the hospital, a phone number to contact his nurse/doctor, and his name. I gathered these documents and sent them to Peggy. She told me that these documents were not enough and she would need his medical records and the doctors phone number and a letter explaining his condition. I explained to her that the hipaa laws protected him from her gathering his personal medical records and in his current state, I could not grant her this request, however, I had given her what I was able to provide.in my most recent conversations with her she told me she would not be refunding the earnest money of $1,000 to me and hung up the phone (although no costs were incurred by Vasta, I had not even met with the builder at this point to choose a house plan) Warning to all who are looking to build on the panhandle - Do not do business with this company. The homes are too expensive $125/sqft for builders grade material (laminate flooring throughout the home, ect) and they are not willing to work with you no matter your situation. I have managed to secure my father into a home that will be able to accommodate his condition and help him better than I could. I will be purchasing a home on the Panhandle, and WILL NOT be using Vasta Development as they are thiefs and liars.
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