I am one of many consumers that have fallen victim to Nationwide Pools and their fraudulent/deceptive practices. I have been mis-lead the entire way and now the owner (Keith Stuart) is trying to take my deposit and refuses to void the contract.
Facts:
On July 4th we signed a purchase order for a pool with Mike from Nationwide Pools. My wife and I made it clear to him we only wanted to move forward if we could get approved for a 30 thousand unsecured loan. We also made it clear we are not interested in securing the loan with our house. He agreed and mentioned nothing in the contract that would contradict that request. Mike indicated I would be hearing from Felicia (Loan Officer) shortly.
I heard nothing from her and I followed up 2 times on July 9th. Then I contacted Mike to find out what was going on. He said he would follow-up. Felicia did call and asked a series of questions and said she had everything she needed.
I had heard nothing in days, so I called back again. I talked with them on 7/13 and I was told I was approved. I followed up by asking, for the full amount? The answer was yes. Based on this information, I sent a text message to Mike and said we were approved for the full amount and we can move forward.
Weeks go by and permit/HOA and color selections are done. I follow-up with Felicia as Mike indicated we needed to close with her before we can start construction. I have not heard from her since 7/13. She indicated a loan package is in the mail from the lender. When I receive it to call her. I did receive correspondence in the mail, but it was only a request for financial information from her, not a lender. I immediately call her back to see what is going on. She asked I return those items, as that is the last step for the underwriter. I ask her again, am I approved for the full loan amount of 30K? Her answer is yes; we just need these last items. I return all items the same day. It is important to note, they asked for a great deal of financial information which you will later read there is no lender. I wonder if they had a right to see that based on privacy issues since the intent was clearly different.
Another week goes by and I assume all is done. I called the scheduler Cheryl to see when digging will commence and was told it was delayed due to financing. I called Felicia right away to understand what is going on. She indicated everything is in the mail and to call her when I receive it. I asked her if she could just send to me via email, but she stated it is not coming from her but from underwriting and she will not even get a copy until next Thursday. As you will read, this is was not true. She sent the letter.
The following Thursday comes and I get a letter from Felecia stating I am approved for 10K and the loan will require a second position on my property to secure interests. Clearly Iwas deceived the entire way. All along I was told I was approved for the entire 30K which I stated to Mike Cook was a requirement for us to move forward and then they want to secure it with my property. Which again, I said I did not want to do when I sat down with Mike on 7/4.
I called Felicia to understand what is going on and she keeps telling me I was "approved". Yes, true, but not for the full amount, which she stated on 2 occasions I was and on different terms that were never discussed with me. I asked to speak with the owner Keith Stuart. After a long conversation of how I felt I was completely mislead, I asked if we could just go our separate ways and refund me my deposit. Keith refused and indicated I would probably owe them money. Now this is all starting to come together after reading all the complaints online.in fact, I found one that is exactly the same situation as mine. Please see the link below. It seems the dispute was resolved with a full refund and that is what I am trying to accomplish.
Http://usacomplaints.com/pools-saunas/nationwide-pools-and/nationwide-pools-and-spa-nati-b04b9.htm
Since our phone conversation, Keith and I have been emailing back and forth to try and come to a resolution. This week I was informed my loan amount jumped from 10K to 14K. This seemed very odd to me as I have not even heard of the lender. I was considering moving forward, but Keith indicated I would have to pay 17K at closing before they do a single thing. My thought was the loan would cover the 1st part of payments and then I would come in after to finish up. I questioned this and Keith indicated it's a condition of the loan that it is not dispersed until the pool is complete.
You will read, there is no such condition as it is his money. I had never heard of such thing, so I sent numerous emails questioning the contact information for the lender only to have Keith ignore my questions. Finally today I received a straight answer that the loan was from him and there are additional conditions. The 14K will need to be secured by my home and there is a $1500 closing cost for him to loan me the money with a 15.99% interest rate.
At this point, my family and I have had it with all the deceptive practices Nationwide Pools exhibits. This entire process has been extremely stressful and no one deserves togo though this. I am going through what all of these other poor people are going through online.
I even offered to pay for the permit today and they only refund me the balance ($3600), which I viewed as reasonable as no construction at all has started. The response was a threatening letter to indicate I am in breach of contract. I think I have made every effort to remedy this situation and to be honest, after going through this and reading everyone else's horror stories I am frightened to do business with them.
I am hoping Keith has a change of heart and will do the right thing based on the facts described above. I will keep this post updated if a resolution is reached. It seems based on some posts that a resolution is reached. If it is, I will certainly give Keith credit for that if deserved.
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