I, too, am a single parent. Here a brief on my experience with them.

I came into this opportunity... to lease a home. I explained to the sales rep that I was having some problems deciding on a home and wanted to lease with option to buy due to being to find the amenities I wanted in a home. I was required to put down $2000 earnest money, which the rep explained I would lose if I decided not to purchase the home. She also explained that although I was not sure I was going to purchase the home, there was a separate purchase agreement that I would need to sign. I was hesitant because I told her I wasn't sure if I wanted to buy the home and I work in sales and know how companies can mislead you. She reassured me that if I didn't want to purchase the home, I would lose the $2000 only. She stated that I had 2 years to purchase the home at the price stated in the agreement and then there was an extended period of up to an additional 5 years. I am not well-versed in the real estate industry. I don't know what the formalities are in this industry. The way she explained the reasoning for me signing two agreements made sense. I casually called into Crowne Management for another issue today. However, when I casually mentioned that I would not be purchasing the home, the receptionist stated that I may want to speak with the property manager, Jamie (3rd property manager that I know of in the last year). When I called in about 3 months ago, another property manager advised me that if I broke my rental agreement, I would have to pay a 7% sales commission and other fees if I did not purchase the home. This was not in the agreement I signed. And I was mislead as to the reason I needed to sign the purchase agreement.

Latest, now they're trying to charge me $25,000. Most of the fees are from move-out fees. It's basically the same situation as the other experienced.