Q & A, part 1! 👋

#Q&A #FYI #part1 #moreaboutme #life

[@Maria-In-Motion]

Hey Melissa. I’m currently in Sevierville with the hubs and my dogs camping. We went shopping today and stopped in at TNF. I love The North Face. Didn’t see ya, but your kind colleague Diane was very helpful 😊. Hugs to you and Kody and never forget that the best lies ahead for all of you. Cheers 🥂☺️

[@italian_grl]

Hi there!!! I hope you guys have a great time up here! I'm sorry I missed you, I don't work Fridays. It would have been fun to meet in person. 😊 And, thank you for the kind words. I pray every day that the best really does lie ahead, cause it hasn't felt like it the past few years... but, I'm holding on to that hope. You guys have a great time! 😊🤗

[@Maria-In-Motion]

Thank you. We are.

[@tracylangford3798]

Thanks again. For this video. I was going to move Tennessee. Believed Randy and Amanda. You saved a lot of people for making a mistake.

[@sherrypoer347]

you did a great job melissa.having you mom talk about the unresolved issues that were not repaired is a good idea.

[@sandrap3047]

Yes, you & Mom should do a video and explain everything from the beginning! Grateful you shared your story! I was getting ready to buy not one, but two tiny homes from ITH. Was going to buy one for myself & one for my niece. You saved me a lot of money & heartache so thank you!!!

[@italian_grl]

I'm grateful I could help!! 🙏 I wish you the best!

[@laureenbenvenuti3033]

I would love to hear you and your mom’s experience with ITH. A video with the both of you is a great idea. 😊👍🏻❤️

[@ginacarnahan7448]

Yes on the video with your mom. I had been considering ITH but it worries me with all the stuff I've been hearing

[@pcthayer]

The one big red flag for me was knowing you have to sign a "Non-Disclosure Form" in order to rent a lot there. (Plus the "key money" is a turn-off too since you get nothing in return.)

[@cherylkruisheer3365]

It amazing the issue your mom has had to deal with. What a cluster…k her house turned out to be.

[@cherylkruisheer3365]

@@pcthayer that’s the truth.

[@hopegonzales4145]

Yes, I’d like to know more about ITH as well

[@cindylosey1089]

So sorry for what you have been through. I know the struggle. Prayers for continued strength.

[@italian_grl]

Thank you! 💙

[@handmadebyzionette4825]

Would love to hear a video on the ITH issue and court. I have removed myself from their community as a video watcher, no longer interested in the community because that could happen to any of us.

[@CatherineLeighe]

Same here. She may want to be careful of what she says about them for legal reasons. I do think it possible ith’s monitors channels like this one.

[@sandrap3047]

I unsubscribed from ITH too. Didn’t like the way they did Melissa. I haven’t missed ITH channel one bit especially that loud mouth Amanda! 😆

[@user-jv1kj9pv7l]

Yes Randy is a snake 🐍 in the grass! Cheated Wil & Becky out of there money, they worked hard for. 😢

[@CavMom2]

That explains a lot! I kept wondering what happened to Will & Becky because they worked in Sales and then all of sudden…they disappeared!!!

[@pbayer773]

What happened to Will and Becky ?

[@teresajarrell9092]

I wish you well and hope you and your mom find your happiness

[@kitty_s23456]

Hi Melissa. Thanks for the vid. Yes to a Q&A with your mom re: ITH & the court case. Another question: do you know of other ppl who were evicted/ lease not renewed? Do you know about the rent money (of other ppl) being held in escrow? In one of your vids from last summer, there were many houses for sale, including Ms Scotty's house. Do you know if some of those ppl were selling their house because their lease wasn't renewed? Also, if you're going to say something which isn't a personal anecdote, use the word "allegedly" to cover your bases (like the news outlets do). I'll respect it if you choose not to answer some of the questions. Take care & stay blessed. 💐

[@dawnpariseau4559]

Ms. Scotty passed away

[@kitty_s23456]

@@dawnpariseau4559 yes, Ms Scotty passed away late last year and her house has been sold. However, her house has been listed as for sale since last summer (based on Melissa's vid - it's toward the end of the vid). Then late last year (Oct or Nov), Rhinestones and Wrinkles channel interviewed Ms Scotty and showed/ advertised her house for sale. Then Ms Scotty died. Then R&A showed that same house in Dec or Jan.

[@laceknot1584]

Sound like its time to move to another state whenever the opportunity comes your way PRAYING from Michigan

[@geavonnashel9185]

This is the first video of yours, I have caught in a month or so. You look like you feel so much better and and happier. Praying life gets easier for you, sounds like you have had more than your share of difficulties in this life.

[@user-jv1kj9pv7l]

Yes please come on with your dear mother. I want to know, before I deal w/ITH. I trust U & your Mother. 😊

[@reynetallents]

Don't deal with them, unless you're ok with paying all the money before the build even starts, and having an open ended contract (meaning it could be a year+, you still don't have your house, and you can't take them to court for Breach of Contract because there was never a finish date in writing).

[@jimborer1524]

I would like to know more about ITH, the two tiny homes, the details of both your moms and your homes.

[@kalinamay]

I would love to hear the story of the ITH issue, good to hear your and your mom’s side

[@CavMom2]

I almost bought an ITH home last year. When I got the contract for the home & a lot on the mountain, it said I had to pay the FULL amount. And to top it off…they wouldn’t put anything in writing pertaining to a date that I would get my tiny house and the move-in date on the mountain! I had the cash, but I’ve never heard of any other builders that make you pay in full. Most require a 1/3rd down payment to start. So I passed on that. There were too many unknowns on their part! I have a house that I was going to sell, but I wasn’t going to do that if I had no definitive date to when I could move into my tiny home. That’s not a good deal if you have to rent somewhere or stay in a hotel until then! That’s very expensive & stressful! I really wanted to live on the mountain but not without all those unknowns plus $30,000 for a lot I wouldn’t even own??? 😳

[@tamra9124]

Oh! I'm so glad you didn't sell your home. We almost made that mistake. Thankfully our home didn't sell when we realized the Mountain would probably NEVER get finished. We bought a Tiny from another resident (really upset Randy) because we didn't give him the opportunity to take our money and put it into another persons home, then build ours 3-4 yrs later after we paid full----Nope! We don't have stupid written on our foreheads. He treated us horribly as soon as he found out we bought a home from a resident. It was a blessing we were able to sell our Tiny & Mountain lot. No way could I live there after the things I experienced. Most of the residents are amazing people----there's a handful that are in Randy & Amanda's Jr High snob-bully clique, fake & phony group. No thanks. I like real people.

[@judith3774]

@@tamra9124So you had indeed “purchased” the $30K lot and bought the already built Tiny? If so you were very blessed to sell them both!😃

[@tamra9124]

Oh no, no...This was way before they started the money greed grab called "KEY MONEY". We had a Mountain lot and sold it back to ITH. Sold it back for the same amount we paid for it. Of course they jacked the price up when they resold it. We didn't care. We just wanted out. @@judith3774

[@CavMom2]

@@tamra9124 Wow! I’m glad that all worked out for you. I had forgotten to mention that they never even gave me a copy of the lease agreement. I’ve heard some rumors that it’s got some unusual things in it too! Also the salesperson talked to me kinda rude when I started questioning about the FULL PAYMENT UP FRONT and about the $30,000 “key money” for the lot. I totally get that it’s expensive to put in water, sewer & electric, but Randy owns the land so he should pay for all of that. He’d definitely get his money back over time from all the rent payments!

[@cheryljohnson1618]

Hi Melissa, I always felt there was something too good to be true about ITH and when i found your channel i stopped watching theirs. I also lost everything in my divorce but thankfully did have my job. Keep your head up. Sending all good vibes for you and Kody✨

[@MyGirlKenzie]

I left my ex at age 47. All I took was a suit case and my beautiful choc. lab, Brownie who was about a year old at the time. I believe that is how old Kody was when you left since he is four now. Things were really tough at first, but now I am happier than ever! Unfortunely, Brownie was diagnosed with bone cancer at age 12 and is now on the bridge. I love watching you and Kody because it reminds me of myself and my Beloved Brownie. Randy and Amanda are now being referred to as Jim and Tammy Baker. :)

[@deebee153]

You are one brave lady with all that you have been through Melissa.🤗❤ Interesting video and looking forward to the next one.

[@italian_grl]

Awww thank you. I don't feel brave. I've felt like giving up so many times, but here I am! Smh... the health issues definitely takes its toll on me, not just physically but mentally.

[@debbiejordan7167]

Yes! Would love to see a video with you & your Mom!

[@conniefeltman4561]

Yes … to a video on ITH! 😁

[@sandrap3047]

Would love to hear more about why ITH evicted you! I assume it’s because you were posting incredible tiny homes for sale. I’ve noticed the other lady that use to post incredible tiny homes for sale doesn’t post anymore either. They don’t want all their subscribers to know people are moving out. They want everybody to think it’s all one big happy family at ITH but we all know better! I wouldn’t move into an apartment without sweet Kody either! ❤

[@Life-Is-Short23]

Rhinestones & Wrinkles just posted a ITH house for sale & has been. She was sick for a while, per recent video, which has delayed her move back to family. She doesn't spread any negativity about ITH, so...

[@judith3774]

@@Life-Is-Short23Unfortunately the Truth is sometimes negative!🤷‍♀️,

[@chriscesafsky7498]

Yes, please do a video with your MOther ! :) Ty and ty for doing the Q and A. :) You are awesome and don't forget that.

[@Chunkybutterfly]

Thank you for the video. Who is Lola?

[@kitty_s23456]

Lola is the owner of the tiny house community where she's living now.

[@corbly123]

There is no service dog registry.

[@anniejaneSINY]

Have you looked into properties to put Tinys on ? To buy a lot just for you ?

[@pcthayer]

The lot of land and the cost to put water,sewage, and power there can be expensive. Since Melissa can only work part-time I think it is out of reach financially.

[@Chirita008]

I was looking at ITH at one point, but when doing my research, I had read not so good things about the owners and decided to move on. Negative publicity is everything these days! I would love to see a video of you and your mom. Not for all the personal reasons you've mentioned, but just to meet her as you mention her often. So, it would be nice to see who this lovely person is. Sorry to hear about your Indiana situation, I only found your channel about week before your ITH eviction, so I didn't know anything before that. I've had my share of bad relationships, so I get it. You have to look after you and lovely Kody too!! Stay strong and I look forward to meeting your mom. Hugs all around! 💜

[@damedebonsens]

Hi Melissa! Can you explain what do you mean by saying that Cody is in the service dog registry? As far as I know there’s no such thing. Have you read the ADA laws regarding service dogs? I think that can help you navigate through the issues you have with regard to accommodations with Cody.

[@Sarahdrybones]

Service dogs are registered and are federally registered. My German Shepherd is also on this registery

[@damedebonsens]

⁠@@Sarahdrybonesthere is no registry. Per ADA a service animal is considered medical equipment and it’s been trained to perform a specific task to mitigate a person’s disability. That’s it. Employers, landlords, stores, hotels etc can only ask 2 questions by law: 1. Is the animal a service dog (yes/no) 2. What task is the dog trained to mitigate your disability. You do not say what the disability is. That’s private information. So, it’s either medical, or mobility. Emotional supports animals are not considered service dogs under federal laws. And those registries they say you can go on online are all a scam to get people’s money. That’s all they are. It takes years to train a service dogs. You can look this all up under www.ada.gov/topics/service-animals/ It is clearly states what are service animals Service animals are: Dogs Any breed and any size of dog Trained to perform a task directly related to a person’s disability Service animals are not: Required to be certified or go through a professional training program Required to wear a vest or other ID that indicates they’re a service dog Emotional support or comfort dogs, because providing emotional support or comfort is NOT a task related to a person’s disability More about the difference between emotional support animals and service animals see ADA.gov service animals

[@Life-Is-Short23]

What training did Kody go through to provide an actual service (or services) for you? Seems odd there is a weight restriction for a service animal.

[@thistwoshallpass]

Would love to hear about ITH and the court case. Also, why would you have to move back to Indiana for insurance? Can’t you get insurance through Obamacare (multi plan)? If that’s what you had all you have to do it call and change the state in which you live.

[@marywood2865]

I think that Obama care is different depending on the state. Some states have blocked parts of it, so there could be a difference between the two states.

[@user-ns3tt5xi8r]

Definitely a video with Mom.

[@bernadettemchugh7975]

Hi Melissa. Yes please to a video on ith and the court with your Mom. Thank you

[@sandrawyrick]

Thanks!

[@lindayaya59]

❤❤yes please let us know about the ith story. At your mom's. Take care of yourself. And your momma too.

[@CavMom2]

Hi Melissa & Kody 👋🏼 My question is…where did you get that adorable picture of Kody that’s on the wall behind you in this video??? It’s so darn cute! 😁🫶🏼

[@italian_grl]

Lol my mom got it for me, from hobby lobby!!! She said she saw it and knew she had to get it for me. I love it!! 🥰😊

[@emilyeubanks1719]

Could you explain what was wrong with the house? You’ve said something about the stairs, but I didn’t really follow it. Did your mom have to pay the full price before she saw the final product?

[@kitty_s23456]

Hi. I suggest to watch the house tour of her mom's house. It was uploaded around summer last year. As for payment, based on the contract that I've seen, the client is supposed to pay 1/2 of the house payment upon signing the contract then the other half around 6 weeks before they start the build. So the client has paid 100% prior to the build start. I don't know if they've changed the terms. But based on a vid that I saw Jan or Feb, R & A said that they require full payment before the build - that it's their business model.

[@CavMom2]

I almost bought an ITH home last year. When I got the contract for the home & a lot on the mountain, it said I had to pay the FULL amount. And to top it off…they wouldn’t put anything in writing pertaining to a date that I would get my tiny house and the move-in date on the mountain! I had the cash, but I’ve never heard of any other builders that make you pay in full. Most require a 1/3rd down payment to start. So I passed on that. There were too many unknowns on their part! I have a house that I was going to sell, but I wasn’t going to do that if I had no definitive date to when I could move into my tiny home. That’s not a good deal if you have to rent somewhere or stay in a hotel until then! That’s very expensive & stressful! I really wanted to live on the mountain but not without all those unknowns plus $30,000 for a lot I wouldn’t even own??? 😳

[@kitty_s23456]

@@CavMom2thnx for the info. I'm glad that you didn't take the bait. I've seen a post from a lady on the ITH channel that her build hasn't been started. She paid last July & her house was slated for BC. I've also seen (I think from comments in a live show) that another lady asked when the Mountain would be ready. She sold her house to pay ITH and has been living in Airbnb's while waiting for the house/ lot. Another lady said that she was homeless & living in her van while waiting. I'm sure it's stressful for them - no assurance on when M or BC will be finished. ITH said "Autumn 2023" but it's still not ready now. Also, some posters said that ITH only filed the plan/ permit for M last autumn and they haven't submitted a plan for BC. Don't know if it's true, but I assume that the ones who wrote it know ppl from Newport or the county. Maybe that's why the company had the cease & desist order & they had to submit papers last month. Yet they had vids selling BC lots/ leases since summer last year. SMH.

[@italian_grl]

No,I do know she had to pay for the houses up front. I'm sure ith is still making people do this as well.

[@user-jv1kj9pv7l]

Melissa, did your tiny house have mice? Lot’s of residents at ITH stated there homes were invested w/them. 😮 And the drinking water 💦 stinks awful could not even shower or drink it. Is that true? I trust U to tell the truth? Can not believe, what Randy say’s, don’t have any trust in him anymore. 😢

[@hmmm2564]

Where did you hear that

[@tamra9124]

ITH is Gag Order happy.

[@maryannecarvale1480]

Yes Mellisa another Q&A.

[@pbayer773]

YES, I would like to hear about your mom’s small house problems with ITH and going to court. Thanks for sharing your life with us. ❤

[@Colleeniee02]

Hi Melissa!😊 ITH is trying to get people to buy stock in their company 😂

[@pcthayer]

wow....I am surprised. I just saw they have a video up about it (March 15th). The description says: "‘We are offering the public to own a part of our company, investment opportunity of a life time 🤩 ‘Get in on the ground floor of the fastest growing Tiny Home Company and own stock 😉🇺🇸🤩" My guess is they are in dire financial difficulty to have to offer stock. (I went to the link and it says they raised $380K so far.)

[@lesialepleyfail9361]

​@@pcthayer the stock option video I saw is your only investing only in the actual factory building part not the lots or homes sold. ??? Not sure how investors make money on it being that way???

[@pcthayer]

@@lesialepleyfail9361 If you go to the stock option page, someone asked what percentage is being offered and it was abougt 1% of the 20,000,000 shares (I believe it said). The question was: "what percent of ownership of ITH does this entire crowdfunding round of 238,416 shares represent?" and Randy's answer was: "Hello Raymond, We have 20,000,000 shares so this round should be around 1.19%"

[@kitty_s23456]

​@@lesialepleyfail9361yes, they're "selling shares" in the factory (ITH) not the land (Incredible Properties). The money is in the land, not the factory. The site that they use, Start Engine, is more like a crowdfunding/ donation. Someone likened it to Kickstarter. The shares aren't publicly traded. Someone else explained it better.

[@catherinebiggs8162]

Great video. Thank you for the historical info. Helps me put the pieces together. Also, a video with your mom would be great. I still watch the ITH video because I now watch to check for signs of issues. There are many. I did not know about the non disclosure thing but that is a huge red flag. What I am picking up from the videos is that they are having trouble hanging on to employees even though Randy insists that employees never want to leave. Also, they keep raising their prices and then running “unbelievable” specials. The grove still seems to be flooding when it rains. I have noticed that interestingly enough they have changed their building of some parts of their houses specifically things you have mentioned were wrong with your mom’s house/houses. Hummmmm… I wonder why?! They ARE now selling shares in the company. I don’t think they know what they are doing but this is an easy way for them to get the millions of dollars they are spending on the never ending “mountain” property. And lastly, there have been a number of videos in the last week that seem to be focused on the growing number of people who are leaving negative comments. Hummmm…

[@sandrab9686]

Melissa, LOTS of dog-friendly apartments in NC

[@italian_grl]

But, many have weight limits. Even though kody is registered on the service dog registry, he still isn't allowed cause he's not under 40lbs. Never heard of that, if he's a service dog, it does not matter how much he weighs or what breed he is!!! But, people do what they want, I guess. Smh.

[@debbietice2937]

​@@italian_grlthat seems so silly For so many years seeing eye dogs/service dogs use to be German Shepherds or breeds that size. They were all way beyond 40 pounds. Too many dumb rules

[@Liz_0531]

Can you put your tiny house where your moms tiny house is right now?

[@italian_grl]

If I had money to move both houses, and that's just not possible. I have too many other things to worry about, like all new tires smh.

[@vix58]

You should be able to get state health insurance and/or "Obamacare" for no cost. I know as a single person with no dependents living with you, cash/food assistance probably isn't given, but Insurance is a basic necessity (I know things change from state to state). I learned some things about you. Good job just sharing the facts.

[@KatieAllison77]

At Melissa’s age, she would have to have a qualifying disability to have state insurance- as far as I know from Oklahoma. Obamacare on the other hand is a joke. Most plans have such ridiculous deductible and OPM costs as well as premium cost for a lower Deductible/OPM.

[@carriehutton9053]

No idea what her personal situation is but Tennessee is one of the 10 remaining states that has not expanded Medicaid. And the ACA plans are expensive with big deductibles. I know because my son is trying to get insurance right now.

[@vix58]

@@carriehutton9053 I hate that every state is different, everyone should be able to get low cost insurance.

[@luanneriffle616]

I did follow Randy but after seeing your Moms problems and yours. I quit watching anything to do with ITH. He’s two faced and not to be ever trusted. They lye. In regards to your situation with a place for you and Kotee have you looked out of the state of Tennessee. Their are places in Missouri. And even where we have a trailer in Holister near Branson which has several different types of places to own and rent to put your tiny home. But I can understand not wanting to leave your Mom.

[@raysun2be]

I had asked about the Haven series. I am a scifi fan, but I agree, the last season was weird and the ending was disappointing. Not sd bad as the Lost ending though.

[@judith3774]

Oh no, all I have left to watch in “Lost “ is the 1 or 2 part finale! Have to wait till my daughter visits mid April to watch it!

[@KatieAllison77]

Hi Melissa, I think you should do a Q&A with your Mom to get some viewers more clarity. Personally, I don’t care whether or not you do and watch for you and Cody, nothing more ❤

[@brendaelk110]

Karma maybe?

[@user-jv1kj9pv7l]

I don’t trust ITH & Randy, after what they did to U & your poor Mother. So sad 😢because I did believe in what Randy was doing. But not anymore. He is just lining his own pockets. If he was honest & up front, he would have corrected the issues w/your Mothers house. And what happened to Will & Becky at ITH, they both worked for Randy?

[@kitty_s23456]

Re: Will and Becky, they still live in Tiny Town but they no longer work for ITH as they've had a falling out with RJ. Allegedly, RJ sold their lot in the Mountain to another couple (the one with the big custom house). Also allegedly, R refused yo pay Will's commission on the houses that he'd sold. (This was done to others too - them not paying commission of their sales people, allegedly). W & B now work at a hardware store in town.

[@user-jv1kj9pv7l]

Thxs for the truth. Sounds like Randy Jones, cheating the help. If Randy screws the hired help, he is cheating the Customer’s too.

[@kitty_s23456]

​@@user-jv1kj9pv7l according to another former resident, other clients have incorrect titles/ certificates (to their houses) too. You can see her post if you read the comments. There's also another lady who posted on the ITH channel that she's had leaks in her ESP panel house and she can't get them to repair it. She's a current resident. I've heard of other issues - residents/ clients having problems with their houses & not getting help from the company.

[@AbbyD_TN]

Hi, Melissa, TY for the Q&A. I can't imagine not having regular contact with a child, but no judgment here! That's private and good for you for keeping that boundary...A Q&A with your mom would be good! Two people talking in a video is generally more interesting, ha, plus everyone loves your mom...Very sorry about having not only lost your daughter but your dog. That stings, I'm sure...Was glad to hear that someone asked about why your mom took possession of her home initially bc I've been curious, too. And, as far as renting out the one you're in, just my opinion, but I would imagine those crazy stairs would be a liability issue. (It still boggles my mind that the obvious error wasn't fixed!)...Sorry this is so long. Looking forward to your next video.

[@italian_grl]

Yes, I talk to my daughter on the phone, and I've visited her in Indiana when Ican. We are closer than she is with her dad, and all I'll say is now that she's almost an adult, she's seeing him for what he really is!!! She also knows my struggles down here and that I'm barely making it. I'm just glad she's being taken care of up there for now. I think about her every single day, and get really down, but in the end, she's just fine, and I have to take care of myself! I've felt like giving up so many times, but here I am, still trying.....smh.

[@AbbyD_TN]

@@italian_grl that's got to be hard. 💜 I've gotta say, you look much younger than your age! I deal with PTSD & depression and my belief in God is the only reason I haven't given up. This is a valley in your life - starting over is hard! But there will be better days. I'm glad you haven't given up. You've got a good group of followers here to cheer you on. (Thank you for expanding a bit about your daughter.) 🪻🌷🪻🌷

[@sandrab9686]

I would also love to hear about ITH. Just be careful that none of the docs you and your Mom previously signed prevent this, so you don't suffer any legal consequences.

[@virginiagalceran1809]

Yes do it ,

[@virginiagalceran1809]

Im starting to see things in a different way

[@Sarahdrybones]

Teenage girl's will take fathers side. Its sad but hopefully she will want a relationship with you when she grows up.

[@hmmm2564]

Lol , it depends if the mother is fit or not

[@joanndaprile9076]

Melissa still has a relationship with her daughter, which she mentioned during this video.

[@italian_grl]

I'm not going to answer much more than this cause it's really none of your business but.... sometimes the dad buys the kids love. Manipulates them. So before you want to judge you need to get the whole story first, just saying!! My ex also left me with nothing, no house, no money, no spousal support.. usually woman walk away with it all and leave the men with nothing. Not the case for me.

[@italian_grl]

Yes, I sure do. More than she has with her dad.

[@italian_grl]

Very true. Dad's can also manipulate their child to stay with them by buying them whatever they want, so then he wouldn't have to pay child support to me. My daughter, now that she's older, is seeing the truth about her dad. We have talked all the time. We have more of a relationship than she has with her dad. She knows he left me with nothing and I'm struggling to even survive, with my health issues making it hard to work part time.

[@Sarahdrybones]

Id moderate for you. I have experience in moderation