We get mail . . . from a reader who’s considering renting one of the many available condos in Montrose’s famed Tremont Tower:
I am moving to Houston in June and when I was looking around for housing I found an ad for a rental at Tremont Towers. I went to look at the place and liked it but something seemed odd to me. If this place is as nice as it looks, it is in Montrose (apparently a desirable area to live) why is is so silent and why does one man own at least 5 separate units and even more odd, why are they so cheap when last year they were valued at >300K (odd even in this real estate market). So, I plugged them into Google and started following a trail. I read about Jordan Fogle and Heather Mickelson.
I talked to my possible future landlord and he told me a story that Jordan Fogle confused the builder of Tremont with the ones who built her home. In addition he offered a story that the Heather Mickelson had purchased the property and then not long after moving in decided to move out with her boyfriend. Since they would not purchase the property back from her she sabotaged the apartment by opening her windows through all weather which then lead to some horrible development of mold.
My issue is that since the coverage in 2005-2006 I haven’t been able to find much information and I cannot verify either side of this tale. I was wondering if any readers had passed on more information about the Towers or if anything had been done in this building that had nearly 100% foreclosure. I am concerned because I would prefer to avoid paying nearly a thousand a month just so I can get sick and not be able to work.
A little more below, plus: your chance to help!
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I just want to make sure that I am not walking into the wrong situation. I forgot to mention that he said the place was built by Turner Construction which is supposedly world renowned and recognized for excellent building. But everything else online links Tremont with Juliet homes and etc.
What do you say, readers? Any words of wisdom for a Houston newcomer?
- 3311 Yupon 604 [HAR]
- Previously in Swamplot: Tremont Tower Video: How Construction Problems Attract Foreclosure Pileups, The Dirty Little Secret Behind the Montrose Foreclosure Hump, The Lemon Lady Goes to Washington
Photo of Tremont Tower: HAR
13 Comments
I certainly wouldn’t take the chance. You know what they say…where there’s smoke, there’s fire. I probably put an inordinate amount of trust in the Houston Press and their journalists, but I’d be far more willing to trust them than a “future landlord” who’s going to blow smoke up your ass because he wants your rent money.
I mean, think about it. Which one of those two parties is less likely to have your best interests at heart? And if you don’t want to think about it that way, then just remember that if it looks like a future bad decision and quacks like a future bad decision, then it’s probably a future bad decision.
Don’t do it; there are far better places to live in Houston.
Do a search under the forums section at http://www.houstonarchitecture.info. Tons of information. You be the judge.
There’s not much risk in renting. Go for it. Just make sure you have the option to cancel the lease and move out at any time with 30 days notice. DO NOT commit to a year or more. Given the history of the building, the landlord should be happy to accomodate this request. If the building is what he says it is, he’ll get his money. Make him back up his words with a contract that makes sense for BOTH parties. If he won’t give you an out, go ahead and assume he’s blowing smoke up your ass.
Four years ago, I bought what I thought was the home of my dreams at Tremont Tower. Within six months of living there, I got sick: fatigue, naseau, bloody noses, to name a few. My doctor recommend I move out. None of the windows at Tremont open up for fresh air. The developer, Tremont Homes and marketing company Juliet Homes (now bankrupt), refused to make necessary repairs. I moved out to regain my health, not because I wanted to lose my dream of home ownership. Since, I declared bankruptcy, and have watched my unit foreclose four times over four years. What I purchased for $229,000 went to auction for $49,000. Who has done any repairs over the past four years since I moved out? If your landlord is spending so much time trying to discredit my story, rather than show you proof of repairs or quality construction, one can only assume the building still is defective. You get what you pay for and if you do decide to move in to save a buck, all I can say is, I told you so.
http://www.chron.com/CDA/archi.....08_4557059
Above is an article from the Houston Chronicle on some Tremont Homes/Stature Construction fiscos.
If you would like to visualize their quality construction for yourself ride by Hyde Park Cresent off Waugh Dr. My house # 34 has just been completely redone: walls torn out on all three floors, sub flooring, stucco removal on two sides of the house, and of course the roof work and new carpet.They were painting the outside yesterday. Next door look at the entire back off of #33 you can see the scaffolding covering all three floors. You can go into the gate and look at the backs of these two and judge for yourself. #30, #35 #36 and several others have already completed the correct reconstruction of their homes. Do do not believe me or the mounds of tremont spins go see for yourself. Or you can go to public records at the court house and see Statue Vs Astec roofers..where they sued their own roofers and of course lost.
If you google my name you can read my sworn testimoney to congress on the defects to our home and our subdivison and see pictures of Tremont/Statue’s pattern of behavior. Also you can read my appearance before the city council describing their shadow companies mentioned in the Better Business Bureau article and Mother Jones Magazine. One might also note in the Mother Jones article the tremont lawyer who has a problem with the truth as proven by the reporter.
You were wise to do research before signing a lease. Don’t ignore the outstanding available information about these properties.
Unfortunately in TX and across the nation substandard construction is rampant and there are few remedies in any state for the unfortunate homeowner who has been HADD. The homeowners in Houston who were able to get their story out to warn others should be congratulated. Often it is impossible to learn the truth about new and existing homes for sale as so much is hidden in secret arbitration agreements and out of court settlements. The homebuilding industry and their political action committees have been able to get legislation passed to protect themselves from their victims. Money talks in state capitals and Washington, DC. So much for government OF the PEOPLE, BY the PEOPLE, and FOR the PEOPLE.
Jordan and Heather are telling the truth and have the documentation to prove it. Don’t ignore what they are saying, and when looking for another rental pray that there is adequate information available for you to make a wise decision. I would not sign a years lease anywhere today without an opt out clause. If the owner won’t do that RUN!
I’ve seen enough proof of serious problems in new construction to feel that most internet complaints like this are true. No happy homeowner would get online and bash their builder, their house. They don’t destroy what’s left of their property value for any other reason than severe problems. When people buy a house they often do not realize that building codes and laws are not widely enforced. Once you close, there is very little legal recourse. If the homeowner isn’t shackled by an arbitration clause that takes away their legal rights, then they usually find it’s just too expensive to sue or lawyers aren’t interested in cases that aren’t worth enough to the law firm. Sadly, some people do sell these houses without a word of complaint, and without disclosures. Their problems become someone else’s. Until a person has a big consumer problem they often don’t know just how much of an uphill battle it is. Thank God some at least warn others and do not just let their nightmare be for nothing.
Heather and Fogal have been through a lot. Protect yourself and do not listen to empty promises from ones who will benefit from taking your money. Unfortunately we did not research our builder when we bought our home. You can read about our horror stories at http://www.searchhutto.com/huttoparke/index.html Please make an educated decision and be aware that sometimes it ends up costing you more just trying to save a buck. Take it from those who speak from experience.
Hi,
I bought my unit at Treemont Towers in February and I have had no problems. I love it and it is very comfortable. Whatever the issues were years ago must have been resolved. Occupancy is picking up. The initial prices were inflated but I was able to buy mine at a very reasonable price. My unit was in almost new condition with granite counter tops and very well constructed. My a/c costs have been surprisingly low(less than 80. a month @ over 1200 sq feet) and many many windows.I personally feel it is the greatest “bang for the buck” in the Montrose area. I would highly recommend it.
Just see for yourself about the history of problems at Tremont tower and now add morgage fraud to the list.
Mortgage fraud scheme lands 6 in jail - KHOU.com
http://www.khou.com/topstories.....93ade.html
I wonder if Miachael Edwards feels the same since this made the news.
id be interested to know who your landlord is and his contact information. im investigating several other fraud schemes surrounding this building.
i am also discussing renting out a unit at the treemont location. i just recently came across them and a good friend of mine called me today and told me to google them. since then, i’ve come across some pretty interesting information. i found their information on har.com. i would imagine har wouldn’t post properties for lease if they were in question? but then again i could be wrong. the unit was really nice and the price is good. although, i wish i knew whether mold remains a problem. hmmm….
Dear Emily,
Welcome to Houston!