Farmwell Hunt - Ashburn, Virginia

Abby Seals

My unanswered email to Greg, president of the HOA regarding the predatory towing contract the HOA has with Road Runner Towing:

Hi Greg,

I wanted to share my experience with you that I had when my car was removed from the neighborhood. I was out of the country and came back to find my car was gone. First, I will be the first to admit fault for not having the proper “2024” sticker due to the DMV not sending it with my registration after I paid the fees for renewal. This happened while my father was in hospice before he died and it was the least of my worries. That aside, my experience with Road Wrecker services was terrible and there was absolutely no professionalism in my interactions. The first lady I spoke with on the phone told me and insisted that car registration and car tags are separate and it was my fault for not going through the proper process to get a sticker. Not only was she rude, but this is not accurate and the police confirmed that when I involved the Loudoun Country Sheriff’s office. I also was notified that on Wednesday (after the car was towed) that my car door was open and unlocked, after my car was locked when I left it. There would have been no reason for anyone to be going through my car. I asked if they had cameras and they said yes but didn’t want to check footage until I could prove something was missing. A sheriff met me at the entrance of the lot and I spoke with her before I entered and was met by Henry, one of their drivers (the officer already left). He was nice but gave very delayed responses and seemed “off” to not only myself but also my friend with me. He seemed to be under the influence of something. He even mentioned that maybe the "hoa from where it was towed from would reimburse me” which makes no sense because I wasn’t paying the almost $700 fine to the HOA, but to his employer. After leaving the lot with my car and paying the high fee, I called the sheriff’s office back to request they evaluate the driver but it was already 30 minutes by the time my call was returned by the officer who initially came out and she said she would go back although it was likely too late. I spoke with management today and the gentleman of course was unwilling to do anything about it. I stated I would file a complaint and he said he would be hanging up on me due to me “threatening a lawsuit.” Between the rudeness of the first lady on the phone, my car unjustly being broken into/opened days after it was brought to the lot, and the driver that appeared under the influence that shouldn’t have been driving, I am extremely upset.

I understand and appreciate regulations through HOA’s to keep the community nice for everyone who resides there and I appreciate you and everyone else on the board who insures that. However, a tow truck driving around looking for infractions so they can charge people large amounts of money when they are unable verify if something is truly invalid or out of date, is not helpful for anyone, other than the tow company who makes large amounts of money from it.

If this is explicitly stated in the bylaws of the community, I’m asking for this to be addressed. If such a drastic measure is going to be taken due to a sticker, could the LCSO be called first to come out and verify that it in fact invalid before they tow the car and charge hundreds of dollars for something that potentially legally someone would not be at fault for? Unfortunately, I did not have an extra $700 to spare and will be facing unfortunate financial repercussions. Hopefully my situation is a “one-off”, and if that’s the case, I am asking out of kindness that the company be asked to take that into account and reduce what they unjustly charged me, in addition to my experience being documented for future occurrences with homeowners.

I appreciate your time and understanding.

Sincerely,

Abby

Jonathan Berman

I see below by Abby's review that predatory Road Wrecker (touche Abby, we both know it is Runner) also caused her a similar problem. Even if Greg does not review these, maybe Abby or a friend of her does. Abby, if you are considering a class action lawsuit let me know, I can give you more fodder - nothing asked in return. As I said below there is a right and wrong way to attend to this. I truly hope that the HOA will take note and adjust.

Third review - see history below. Back to a 3 with a shift to one or five highly dependent on responses in 2024.
1) For the second time ($200 + ransom) had my car towed by Roadrunner the company hired by the HOA. Both times a few days after expiration, this last Easter Sunday! When I went to Roadrunner had a great talk woth the team on duty. Seems as if many HOAs have a policy whete they first write a ticket then if ignored, TOW! Strong suggwstion to HOA that if they want to keep up with owner cars but alsp provide a service they adopt this approach. If the goal is lower cost or sharing in ransom fees that is undrtstood (and deserving of a "1"). Seems HOAs shoukd certainly keep an eye out on compliance but also serve owners with a friendly reminder.
2) As stated below HOA forced me late 2023 to remove a garden (which I did) that I had only planted to cover the weeds, mud and blight in this common area (well beyond theclosest piece I planted. The promise (as required by contract) was they were going to replant all the wasteland sod/grass. It is now April and not a peep as to progress. One more month without action, another "1". Jury still out but attending. Uodate as to what happens and review/rating by the end of the summer. Hoping the HOA reads their reviews and attends, as lack of action is unacceptable and can be enforced via myriad actions beyond lousy reviews. Let us see!

This is my second review of this HOA and raising my score from 3 to 5. Went with a property owner to a hearing today. The HOA has brought in a new property management company, (Great news given my earlier review) Cardinal Management Group, and James Hawkins was leading the landscaping meeting for the property company. Three issues were raised and photos of them being addressed were provided. Some discussion of follow up were agreed and the property owner looks forward to working with James to finalize any outstanding items. As an investor in many large residential communites I am aware of the key role of property managers and (C Suite take notice) under James' leadership, is on the ball and a welcome improvement. Keep up.the good work. Potential property purchaders be aware that a professional investor can say your community is in good hands and its property manager is on the ball. Keep up the good work.

Original review: 5

Finally getting act together to get pool open. Compared to other area HOAs they are still learning but new management company may help. They seem to be focusing on remedying awful common space housekeeping in the multifamily areas.

N8 Bull

Great community - great people.

Ravi Bhave

Great location for a small gathering.

Qasim Hasan

Jose Sanchez

Wilder Caicedo