I heard a rumor last week that Columbia based homebuilder Altieri Homes had closed shop. I decided to try and check it out .I visited the offices at 9017 Red Branch Road. At 10 AM on a Wednesday morning no one answered the door at the second floor corporate offices or the design center downstairs. The next day I dropped by the sales trailer at their Hebron Manor project in Ellicott City. Though the sign said that the sales trailer should have been opened at that time it wasn’t. I left a phone message for the sales agent but I never received a call back. Judging from this limited bit of research I’d have to conclude that the rumors of Altieri Homes demise appear to be true.
Anytime a business closes it is painful. When a home builder closes the pain is a little more widespread. Consider those folks who bought homes from Altieri in the past year. The chances of getting the builder back to fix any problems are pretty slim. That may be a moot point anyway. Judging from these comments, Altieri wasn’t doing a very good job on the following up thing even before this rumor started circulating.
Of course it is not just the customers that are affected by the sudden closing. Contractors and vendors often get stiffed too. When I stopped by the Hebron Manor project there was one subcontractor on site doing concrete work. I couldn't help but wonder if these poor bastards would ever see a dime for that day’s labor.
70 comments:
Just an observation from someone that worked for Altieri for years, they are still operating.
The girl at Hebron Manor is notorious for never being at work.
They're struggling, hard, but they're apparently still trying.
If locking your doors, drawing the blinds, owing millions of dollars to subcontractors, not returning thousands of dollars in customer deposits and being investigated by the Pennsylvania (http://www.whptv.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=e89ed46a-abd0-4293-8c98-70e2f16ab23d), Maryland and Delaware Attorney Generals office constitute "still operating" then I guess you are correct.
Maybe they should "still try" with their own money instead of everyone elses (subcontractors, consumers, etc...)
These guys are in court more than Wapner!
I AM correct because I know what I'm talking about. You just came here so you could leave with your Wapner joke.
ummmm. I think that they are done....their web-site is shut down...none of their sales offices are open anywhere and no phones or messages have been returned for weeks. They put themselves into this mess with their lack of ethics and dishonest business practices.
Wapner Joke? I wasn't joking.
Go to http://casesearch.courts.state.md.us/inquiry/inquiry-index.jsp
Type in Altieri.
There are about 170 individual case numbers (Court cases liens, contracts, etc...) Almost 50 of these have been filed in just the last 8 months. That's JUST IN MARYLAND!!!! (Doesn't include Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York and North Carolina)
I'm glad YOU know what you are talking about.
ME? I'll just let the facts do the talking for me.
Altieri Home Builders are the most unethical builders I have ever encountered. Most of the the residents in my neighborhood have filed grievances against Altieri at the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office. Additionally, a little girl that lives in my development lost 4 teeth recently while riding her bike on unfinished roads in the development that should have been completed 2 YEARS ago. I hope Altieri Home Builders have a good enough lawyer to defend them when a child get KILLED in the development due to their neglience and shoddy work ethics. School buses will not enter the development since the roads are not completed so the children have to wait on the heavily traveled main drag in order to get on the buses. They're pathetic. The economy is hurting most everyone, not just them, so I don't want to hear they're "struggling". Maybe they shouldn't have bought off more than they could chew and also not been so greedy.
Maybe Daren Altieri should sell 5 of his 6 homes that he owns across the country and the 10 vehicles that he owns. Amazing how they are struggling but personal own so much.
Yes!This builder stinks and does really awful work!!! It is horrible! And yes, they are still operating! Our home and others that are not completed yet are a mess!! The contractors that are working on the homes are drinking beer during working hours and while they are working! I am currently waiting for my home to be completed, I have all kinds of problems and am now just trying to limit them one by one as much as I can.From a cracked foundation and much more! For obvious reasons I cannot discribe all the problems here.Their are NO porta pots on the sites and guess where the workers are going to the bathroom? This builder should NOT get away with this! It's funny how i've sent notices to my mortgage bank,the county, the state of md, the attorney generals office and have yet to receive any help at all!This builder has not lived up to their contract at all! I am SHOCKED that no one has stepped in to stop this guy from screwing the consumers!!! Has anyone sent a letter of complaint to the Real Estate commission? All builders must now have a real estate brokers lic. and fall under the same requirements and regulations as agents in MD. Also, call the news media, force this guy to clean up his act!Part of the problem is that no supers are at the sites keeping an eye on anything that is done! The uncompleted homes are getting beat up, new floors are getting beat up, walls are getting beat up,cracked tiles, craked trim,and much more!Customers that have paid Altieri money for upgrades are not and did not get the upgrades at all! Your bank has the legal power to stop all draws at your, the buyers request until the problems are fixed by the builder! Call your mortgage company and have the draws stopped! There is standing water in the basements along with mud and mold! This is a travisty!!!
Lets be serious for a minute.
They were lucky in good times. Now you can see what weak people they are. Greig Altieri is a waste and he should have stuck to selling copiers. Daren flat out lies to anyone "in the name of business." And they don't care at all about homeowners because they rob and steal from every single one.
We gave up calling Alteiri as they do not return your calls!! And what do you do when the bank will not return your calls? !! Also bank rep. is not aceepting any emails. What a way to treat someone after they have gotten your money. Wouldn't you think they would try to keep the customer informed. The lies and not knowing the progress of your home is the worst. I feel for everyone that is affected with this builder and banker. Your lives are put on hold, temporarily stationed in PURGATORY!! Both the bank and Altieri could benefit from a class in COMMUNICATION!!!I am so sorry I have to conduct business with them. Hopefully, the VP of Presidential bank has been terminated. She is nasty, rude and one %#$@*&!! threatening -itch I have ever spoken to. How she and the Alteiri builders are still breathing is amazing to me. Now I know why people end up in the river. I only hope I don't see either of them in the Bush River as it is polluted enough!!!!!
All these comments express the same experience I have had with these crooks. I couldn't agree more that they were lucky in good times, they still had plenty of complaints from consumers, but so many buyers were available, it didn't much matter. Well, when the water is low, all the crud shines through, and there are not two bigger piles of crud then Darren and Greig Altieri. They are part of the economic problem, get your developments 100% financed, sell a few homes, pocket the profit, rip a few people off by taking deposits on homes you have zero intention of building, and oh yea, don't pay any of your contractors. Then politely walk away from the mess, leaving the bank holding the bag and trying to sell your lots at a sheriff sale.
It's never the people who are happy who ever have anything to say, it is so easy to point out the negatives. Having worked for Altieri as well for several years I know many happy homeowners, incl myself. Yes, things have slowed down, mainly due to the economy but they are still operating, b/c the have cut the staff significantly, they had no need for the 2 large offices in MD.
It's never good when someone owes someone money, but the subcontractors could have easily stopped working for Altieri instead allowing so much debt to pile up. Altieri is not responsible for everything. I feel for those you have been displaced by Altieri, but do know they have been trying and have sold off personal items such as homes and moved into smaller homes to help the company. Don't be so quick to judge until you are in their shoes.
Sooo, Mr. Anonymous,
How do we get in touch with them? Since they didn't need the 2 large offices, where are they working now? If they are still operating, then shouldn't we be able to have contact with them if needed? Why are no phone calls, emails, or letters ever answered? You seem to have so many answers, so give us some information we can use!
Anonymous posted above "Altieri is not responsible for everything." I guess that is up to a judge and jury. I understand, through public record, that criminal charges have been recently filed against the two owners. We shall see.
I worked for Altieri in 2003 and 2004. It was a nightmare! They lie to everyone, not in the name of business, but in the name of God! Within the first 5 minutes of my interview I was point blank informed they were "Christians". Anyone who dared to say anything they did not agree with had hell to pay. My experience with them literally ruined my health, the price of which I'm still paying for today. My consolation is witnessing what they alone have done TO THEMSELVES and finally having to pay for THEIR sins! They were the most horrible people I've ever encountered and I am gaining some peace knowing that natural justice is being served. How's it feel Darin and Greg? And then there's Scott Clattenberg who's name should be known as well. There's a whole clan of them that need recognition!!!
http://yorkdispatch.inyork.com/yd/local/ci_11958226
look at this article.
Greg Altieri is the reason for this massive failure.
In the case anyone really cares about their future, they just had a fire sale of all their model homes furniture and design studio stuff over the weekend. I was there and bought 3 paintings. Not much good can come after that. Their done!
...if you are looking for the brothers they are at Grace Community Church in Columbia every Sunday... they look fine to me ?? diamonds and cars man... other peoplese money i guess?
This is Melissa Harris at The Sun. We are working on a story on this company. If the former employees/victims on here could please contact me, I would appreciate it. 410-332-6396.
I attended Mt Hebron High School and knew the Altieri's quite well.Even as far back as their high school days they let everyone know that Christ was their inspiration.I always had an uneasy feeling about these folks as they seemed too perfect.They were quick to judge those who they felt didnt live the Christian life.I sensed they were hypocrits but never,ever thought they would evolve into such notorious theives.They have used their Christian identity to swindle millions from trusting souls.They are no different than the lying,decietful Tv preachers who without conscience steal from the desperate.
To all those at Columbia Trinity Church,shun these evil low life despicable parasites just as they did at Trinity in Timmonium.
If there is such a thing as Hell,let us here on earth give them a preview of the suffering they have awaiting their entry
Note to Darren,Grieg and Wendy.Ask yourselves you despicable vermin,WWJD?You prance around town,in your spiffy imported cars, tellling all that you are 'born again christians'Well I have news for you D,G&W,if there is a god and if that god is a vengeful god (as you proclaimed many years ago @Bible study-Trinity)you are on his s$^t list!You scum will get what you deserve either in this life or the life that you proclaim begins @death.
I only can hope that the DOJ and the civil courts catch up with you soon to take your freedom away first and then to recoup all the money you have stolen from innocent hardworking families.When you pass by me in church the stench of rotting garbage smells like perfume compared to the evil,hypocracy that emminates from your souls.
the brothers alteiri have left town and headed to dallas tx this week !
wow - dont they still hang people in that state ?
and where do the destitude brothers altieri get the money for these cross country jaunts?the rescession smicken,christian professing scum have found another way to insult those who they have so sytemically stolen from
and for the record their hypocritical shameful behavior is not typical of those who profess to be of the christian faith.these folks use their so called faith for their own selfish gain.
to fly around the country while claiming to be destitude shows the real character of these brothers.they are self serving lying,decietful people who are going to continue to lie and steal until our courts shut them down and imprison them for their crimes.madoff meet the brothers altieri.
not sure if this is current but as of 5/2009,brother daren was residing in Woodbine,Md.You can get his exact address by going to maryland judiciary case search.enter his name,scroll through 30 -40 cases until you see a case labled "traffic".little daren doesnt know that its the law in md to buckle up.
Anons 9:53 AM & 11:56 AM,
I hear ya but I gotta warn ya, your last comments had me reaching for the delete button. As bad as these actors may be they still have families.
-wb
the info at mjcs is a matter of public record.
and since when have these folks ever,ever shown any care for the families that they have ruined.have you ever been forced to pay a mortage on a home that has no marketable value?how many $500,000 debts have you just written off?have you or your family members ever been forced to live in an unsafe structure?its not that easy to just pick up and move when you are obligated to pay a monthly stipend of close to 4g a month.again when have these unscrupulous,decietful self serving liars ever given any consideration to the many many families that will never recover because of their practices.
the intent was not to bring any harm to these vermin but to provide an additional avenue to make contact.simple as at that .
Oh there is such a place as hell, your words have been set ablaze there. With our tongues we bless and praise God our Father and curse men. Brothers and sisters this should not be so!
at least give proper credit to those words lest everyone that reads thee thinks they are yours,Dear Brothers.
James 3:8
I like this quote by a poster - "who profess to be of the christian faith" Why do Christians have to profess to others? What are you try to sell people on? That you are a good person? If you are truly a good person your deeds and ACTIONS will make it more than obvious that you are a good person - why do you have to sell people on it?
Moved to Texas? Cowboy hats and horses?
Maryland was like the "Alamo" only the Altieri's were surrounded by creditors, Attorney Generals, irate customers and newspaper reporters.
Maybe Grieg is breaking in his "assless" chaps to get ready for his prison stint!
Those professing to be Christians at least in my life expierience ,do in fact want you to believe that they are good people.Its their conscience screaming at them.
Have you ever asked a question and had it answered beginning with,"TO BE TOTALLY HONEST"? I wonder how many times the the soon to be 'butt raided'prisoners altieri began their honest response with those words.
This family is so obnoxious – and does all in the name of Jesus!!!
Altieri Home Builders are the most unethical builders I have ever encountered. Wendy Altieri Taylor would talk about her brothers like a dog to her friends. She would tell her friends how unethical her brother’s were. I feel sorry for Frank the father, he is a good man. I just don’t understand how he allows these boys and destroy is reputation.
Ditto on annon @116pm comments.Frank is a good man.His boys inherited none of the character of the father.What a disgrace these boys have been to their family
wendys husband ,does anyone know if his name is charles?
Wendy is divorced and you people are crazy. I agree that the Altieris are crazy and criminals but you're all so hateful and evil. Please don't do that in the name of Jesus. It makes you worse than them.
Oh really and it makes me worse than them????No one here is posting in the name of jesus but posting simply to vent.Sorry that Wendy and the criminal brothers are dear to you.The words may be harsh but from my expierence all true.
Grow up and stop passing judgement on others (in the name of jesus).You lower yourself to the level of the despicable brothers themselves when you do so.
A/ I couldn't give a shit what you think.
B/ I don't hold those arrogant assholes dear, I just think it's funny to come on here and tell everyone what a good christian you are and then spend time saying how these idiots belong in hell and should be in hell on earth. I'm pretty sure the God you hold so dear would feel differently.
So, shut your mouth and realize that I know a lot more about the Altieris than you do. I watched them for years and they are criminals. They belong in jail and I hope they end up there. Wendy is on the outside of that loop and Mr. Frank isn't as innocent as you'd believe.
747PM
WEAK EXTREMELY WEAK
ANON 735PM
Since you have watched them for years and have concluded they are criminals,I can only surmise that you have witnessed criminal activity.
Local,state and federal law enforcement are awaiting your call.Its your civic duty and legal obligation to bring your first hand knowledge to light.
The criminal brothers lives have changed.Today instead of stealing from an unsuspecting prosective homeowner they will be answering to a court of law.
Another hearing, another day for the Altieri criminal enterprise.
May you both stew in the misery you have created for us all.
The entire family is so bad-mannered. The mother is quick to judge other people children. “I wonder what she is saying to her boy’s today”?????? They are all guilty. When Wendy Altieir Taylor was selling these homes she knew that her brothers were up to no good and she still collected the deposit and overprice these homes. I am sure she was paid a good commission these home. I remember a friend working for them and they paid her very little money when they were taking home big checks and taking vacations to Aruba!!! What a shame!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ADDITIONALLY, THE WIFES DID NOT WORK AND STILL they Collected A PAY CHECK!!!!! They did this in the name of Jesus!!! I wander what the ministers of Trinity and Grace is saying!!!!!! Grieg Altieri is the worst of the two brothers!!
324PM YOU'RE CHARACTERIZATION IS RIGHT ON!!NOTHING IN THAT FAMILY HAS CHANGED OVER THE PAST 30YRS AS THEY WERE HYPOCRITS THEN AND HYPOCRITS EVOLVED INTO THIEVES AT THE PRESENT.
THIS FAMILY INCLUDING THE PARENTS HAVE ALL BENFITTED FROM THE UNSCRUPULOUS AND CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR OF GREIG AND DAREN.THEY USE THEIR CHRISTIANITY AS A SHIELD AGAINTS THOSE THAT CALL THEM ON THEIR ILLEGAL AND UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY REELING IN UNSUSPECTING ,TRUSTING PEOPLE WILLING TO GIVE THEM THEIR HARD EARNED MONEY.HOPEFULLY THEIR DAYS OF STEALING FROM THOSE WHO ONLY DESIRED "THE AMERICAN DREAM" HAVE ENDED.
THERE WAS SOME SORT OF HEARING TODAY..CAN ANYONE SHED ANY LIGHT ON WHAT HAPPENDED OR THE NATURE OF THE HEARING?
Okay everybody.
We get the point about false morals. Let's try and refrain from dragging religion through this. Every faith has bad actors so there is really no need to belabor that point.
Also, fair warning, I hate comments posted in ALL CAPS. Next one up gets zapped.
-wb
Word Bones - Religion has to be drug into this. Don't you see? Religion was the main tool / integral part these people used to convince and connive unsuspecting individuals into their little ponzi scheme.
People thought
"They must be really good people, they are so deeply religious" - That is why they USED religion.
Puhleeze!!!
I think their religious touting is why you have over 40 posts (mostly angry) concerning the Altieri's.
Major Hypocrites really stir up and anger people.
934PM
Excellent post.Their religion,rather their use of religion ,their hypocracy etc etc etc is what makes them doubly bad.Its one thing for a scoundral with a past to hoodwink ya its quite another to be decieved by someone who professes to lead a life based on the principles of a religion,,,be it christian or any other faith.The one constant in their lives ,excluding the years of theivery is their,wear it on their shoulders,so the world will see,I'M A CHRISTIAN YOU CAN TRUST ME!!!!
They have moved to Texas to escape the punishment they deserve. Will it find them? Do you think they have had any feelings of remorse? Judging from the article where Greg Altieri blames the government and attorney general for his troubles - I think not. It was always someone else fault and he was always above it all. Now he has been chased out of the state by his own idiocy and arrogance.
Who says there is no such thing as Karma?
I have to admit that watching Daren and Greig spiral in does provide me a bit of satisfaction.
My wife and I count ourselves among their earliest victims, having had our house built by them in 1992. We still look back on it as our biggest mistake and biggest life lesson. On the surface compared to their peers the package they offered stood out. They we're offering more features and higher grade materials than their competition.
What we failed to see was the trade-off we would have to accept.
All of their subcontractors we're sub par and provided shoddy work. The site supervisor had no experience and all of the subs laughed at him behind his back. As others have mentioned, there were never any portable toilets on site, so our closets became the toilets. 17 years later we are still repairing and replacing everything that they screwed up in our house. In the end we learned that good materials does not mean you are going to get a well built house. We learned that the Altieri's we're nothing more than a pair of shyster builders. And yes, there may be such a thing as karma. So boys, enjoy your ride down. I know I'll enjoy watching it all unfold!
I am not a Religious (for this exact reason) person but I guarantee they are right now sifting through the Bible for a Bible passage or two that they can cling on to and use for comfort to combat all of you evil people.
Something like "Forgive them for what they do, thou don't understand" or "God only gives the most grief and stress to the individuals who can most handle the pressure". Like they are God chosen! How special. How idiotic.
They will use these passages (in their minds) to spin it around so it looks like all of the disgruntled homeowners and the Attorney Generals are the misguided and terrible individuals in Gods eyes!
That's the beauty of the Bible you can interpret it and spin it for whatever situation you are in.
Why do you think all of these guys in prison turn to religion?
Nothing would make me happier than to hear that the brothers were leading a prisioner prayer group in western Maryland.Divine justice.
These people are so unethical. When they were selling homes they would have promise to give the client money towards closing. Instead they had the bank give the client a higher interest rate and the bank would give Altieri back money on every loan. This is a known fact!!!!!! They all knew about this arrangement. And they had no problem spending the money!!!!! That information came from the mouth of the Altieri’s!!!! These are unscrupulous people!!
If in fact these dirtballs have left town and moved to Texas something must be done to make their new neighbors aware of their history.
If a sexual molester were granted the liberty to move from one state to another a requirement would be for them to register with the local police.If a physcian's medical license was revoked he/she would not be granted the priveldge to practice in the new state without at minimum a hearing before the local medical board.If an atty.were disbarred same thing...one could go on and on with examples.They are going to do what they do best,steal and decieve unsuspecting clients.A leapards spots will not change nor will the crimnal brothers.
If a court of law does not mandate sanctions that include among other things,the prohibtion of them conducting any sort of homw improvement,general contracting etc. that in itself would be a crime!Oh almost forgot ,Praise Jesus said the travelling hucksters
More than anything I feel betrayed by them. Foolish enough to have believed their charade and stupid enough to have supported them. What I can't understand is how they can just leave the state and not face their consequences like the men they pretended to be. In fact, they aren't men but cowards who were dressed in sheeps clothing. They stole, cheated, and lied under the name of Jesus. And now they have moved away to escape justice. There is certainly going to be idiots who will still befriend them and look past their criminal actions not thinking for a second of the hundreds who were robbed, coerced and deceieved, but I will not be one of them. I've seen their true colors and I am ashmamed I ever believed in them.
As one who was betrayed and victimized by these now travelling con men I am very motivated to expose their true nature to those in Texas.If anyone knows what city they have moved to please advise.I will personally gather all the legal papers,from my case and others(if possible)any news clippings,video news recodings and send it to the following1)the atty general/consumer protection division in Texas,2)TV news stations in their new locale and 3)contact a young ambitious newspaper reporter who's looking to do a real indepth story on the new crooks in town.They must be exposed.They can't just leave and face no consequences.They have money to pay an atty to get them out of this mess but as far as i'm concerned thats not enough.This story of their serial theivery must follow them.Please whooever knows where they are hiding,name the city.I'LL CALL THE PRESS,THE NEWS THE LAW!!!!
Try Dallas
Operation inform Texas has commenced.
It has only been a week and the swirl has died down. These guys are more clever than us all - they will get away with their crimes and not pay a penny, while they develop new reputations in georgia, texas, virginia or wherever they are.
Any update?
anyone know if gansler is going to issue arrest warrants for these 2 thugs?
The new court date in MD is set for Sept. 28th according to the MD states attorney's office. I'm curious as to why the real estate agents who represented the Altieri's Hebron Manor community in Howard County haven't been faced with any repercussions. I know for a fact that the real estate agent knew that the Altieri's were not returning buyers deposits after a year of waiting for their new homes to be built but this real estate agent continued to market this community in the multiple list system to unsuspecting buyers. This went on for months after the real estate agent was made aware that the Altieri's refused to pay back the buyers deposits and that the subs on the job hadn't been paid either. What needs to be done to see that this real estate agent is fined and or loses license to sell real estate?
Depends on who the agent was. No one can enforce law on the particular people.
File a complaint with the Maryland Real Estate commission against the Guaranty Fund, up to $25,000, against the agent you feel like you were wronged by. Easy to do.
i have the street name and city in Texas. May I post it?
Anon 12:56 PM,
I'm a little uncomfortable with that. I'm not defending the Altieri's but I am more than a little leery of encouraging vigilante justice, particularly when the source of information comes from an anonymous poster.
How about instead you post an email address or phone number on how someone can get in touch with you if they interested in obtaining that info?
-wb
I did not even think about the possibility of vigilanty justice. I suppose that could happen. I was thinking more along the lines of legal avenues. They can find it on their own if they really need it.
They're in Frisco Texas
what a con man...his schtick follows him wherever he goes....is anyone surprised?
from keithcraftblog.com
greig altieri
November 17th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Pastor Keith,
Thank you for not backing away from the truth. As I read your blog my mind thought back to the Ultimate Warrior Conference in October, 500 men in a city of 90,000 people. The question is How did our Nation get to this point? The answer is that the men of America stopped protecting and leading their families. If the men of the great nation had protected their families the way that our founding fathers protected the nation we would not be in the situation that this nation finds itself in. I will stand with you that the men of Celebration begin to stand up and lead our families, thereby changing the nation and the world for Christ. Lets win Frisco the State and then the nation. Pastor Keith you lead the charge and the men of Celbration will hold up your arms.
In His Service,
greig altieri
btw Keith is the pastor of Celebration Covenant Church in Frisco,Tx.It can be assumed that the con man will do as he does best and decieve others while masquerading as the 2nd coming (GA THAT IS).
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