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A message from Janet Ahmad - YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!
A message from Janet Ahmad
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!
It only takes a few minutes of your time to make a big difference
HOBB and the Coalition for Consumer Rights have been busy and needs your help. As part of the announcement last week of the consumer coalition Texas Watch has launched a campaign to, “Tell Legislators to Hold Homebuilders Accountableâ€
The 80th Legislative Session began earlier this month and Texas Watch is ready to continue our fight. We are working to hold homebuilders accountable for building shoddy homes and to fix the Texas Residential Construction Commission so that it works for homeowners, not the homebuilding industry.
Your lawmakers need to hear what your priorities are for the legislative session. Send them a letter now demanding that they stand up for Texas homeowners, once and for all. Go to Texas Watch to learn more... It only takes a few minutes of your time to make a big difference.
As goes Texas so goes the nation.
Whether living in Texas or any other state your participation is vital as well and will provide invaluable experience to tackle the same issues that are destroying homeownership in all states. As I’ve said before, Texas is the playground for outrageous legislation that threatens to spread to every state in the nation. If the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has its way they will not stop with Texas. That’s why this is of national interest to all. We must stop this madness in Texas. This time with the help of other consumer groups and your help we will make a difference. The Texas legislature appears headed for a showdown from angry families stuck with defective homes and their determination should not be underestimated.
For those of you who would like to send additional comments to Texas Legislators you can copy the Texas Watch letter and send it to any or all legislators. For contact information see: Texas Legislature Online
Together we have and will continue to make a difference! Help us to help you.
Please take a few minutes to post your comments on the H O B B F o r u m and write you elected officials. Your participation is vital.
Thank you,
Janet Ahmad, President
Home Owners for Better Building
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NEWS UPDATES:
HOBB & Consumer Groups Form Coalition
Coalition: Insurance relief hasn't come
A coalition of consumer groups called on the Legislature on Tuesday to come to the aid of homeowners paying exorbitant insurance rates and those fighting a losing battle with their builders before a state agency that is supposed to mediate such disputes... "The TRCC is actually little more than a barrier protecting the building industry by preventing homeowners from taking legitimate legal action against incompetent and unscrupulous builders," he said, noting homeowners are forbidden to take legal action until they have completed a dispute resolution process at the agency "that is stacked decisively against the homeowner and in favor of the builder." See Photos HOBB News Update - Read more...
Homeowners tell City Council KB Homes falling apart
Families of HUD’s Hope 6 homes built by KB Homes Speak Out
League of United Latin American Citizens LULAC representatives, HomeOwners for
Better
Building
and numerous families currently participating in the San Antonio Housing Authority’s Lease-Purchase Program, and their supporters gathered in front of City Council Chambers. Unhappy homeowners voiced their concerns about the continued problems with the homes being marketed by the San Antonio Housing Authority under its Lease-Purchase program. Construction problems uncovered several years ago, which resulted in an audit ordered by Congressman Charles Gonzalez continue to this day. Residence addressed violations carried out by the housing authority and Kb Home before the city council. Kens 5 report "LULAC wants council to act on SAHA homes" - Related: See Karen Grace Reports... -Related photos - HUD/KB program, $48 Million HUD HOPE 6 Program gone bad: Repairs
Must see: Holmes on Homes
Discovery Home Channel
Construction and renovation expert Mike Holmes visits unlucky families who have been swindled or abandoned during their home improvement projects. Mike uncovers shoddy construction methods, improper techniques and down right rip-offs. You'll see Mike correct the problems, as well as explain how the homeowners could have safeguarded themselves from unscrupulous builders and dishonest contractors. Check for time and channel in your area. See more...
A Must Read: Developer, what makes them 'tick'
Why do the bad guys win? A psychiatrist looks for some answers
As a psychiatrist I can perhaps explain something about the psychology of bad people like our developer, what makes them 'tick'... This information may help you avoid the pain we endured. Although we didn't realize what we were up against until it was too late, you may find earlier clues in the people you deal with. Chances are you have run into this type, known in psychiatric jargon as the sociopath or "antisocial personality disorder." A personality disorder is a pathological (not normal) `equilibrium state' in which the individual displays both occupational and interpersonal dysfunction. The antisocial personality maintains his (or her) state of equilibrium by inflicting pain on others, and feels no pain while doing so. The most extreme examples are serial murderers, rapists, and chronic child or spouse abusers. See Lsakeside Press - Read more...
CBS 13: Outstanding Report on thousands of Defective Homes
Big Cost Homes Blown Apart
In a growing number of cases we're finding people who think the new homes they've worked a lifetime to afford are literaly being blown apart. And it doesn't appear the building industry has thought much about the problem. It's hard to believe a house that’s only three-years-old has a cracked wall makes it look like an ancient ruin. Damage to this nearby home is so widespread, the original owners left nearly everything behind to escape the sickness spreading here. See: Call Kurtis - Kustis Ming Reporting 02-02-07 - Read more...
Unhappy Homeowners in Medina, Ohio Begin Advertising Campaign
Drees Homes "Warning" Website featured on Fox 8 News in Cleveland, Ohio
One couple in Medina, OH who are fed up with leaks, cracks, and poor workmanship have launched their own website against their builder, Drees Homes, that is getting noticed by people all across the United States. Rob and Laura Hixenbaugh say they have "had enough," and set up the site to show and tell potential buyers of Drees Homes the poor quality they feel they received and the customer service that they say "does nothing but fight you down the line." Read more...
DR Horton Ignores plumbing problems and investigative reporter
Call Kurtis: Plumbing Defect Disaster
Instead of charging DR Horton for lodging, Scott and his family moved in with his in laws while they worked on the problem. But the so called quick fix dragged on for months...Scott claims the tile DR Horton wanted to put in wouldn't match what he already had throughout the house. And he says they didn't want to replace the water soaked cabinets. Scott asked if they would put in wood flooring he already bought instead of carpet and claims they said no...Very unhappy with DR Horton, Scott told them. “You’re putting a lot of stress on the family… there's the holidays coming up. Then on November 11th my wife had a stroke,†said Wall. Read more...
Builder License Revoked
Indian River County revokes builder's license
A Sebastian home builder lost his county license Tuesday and a Stuart aluminum contractor got 30 days to save his.In an 8-0 vote, the county Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals permanently revoked Eligha Lewis Pryor Jr.'s home-building license in Indian River County after several angry customers — and even his onetime loyal office manager — lined up to accuse him of taking deposits and failing to complete contracts. Read more...
Virginia seeks to protect free speech
Committee backs bill to protect speakers' rights
A Senate committee on Monday endorsed legislation to protect citizens from lawsuits intended to discourage them from speaking at public hearings. Sen. Mark Herring's bill targets "strategic lawsuits against public participation"--or SLAPP suits--which typically are filed by big corporations or developers to stifle public opposition to rezonings or other plans that require a government body's approval. "Citizens across the commonwealth are becoming intimidated and scared about testifying at public hearings for fear of being dragged into a lawsuit," Herring, D-Loudoun, told the Courts of Justice Committee. "Citizen involvement is crucial to good decision-making." Read more...
Texas Foreclosures highest aggregate total of any state
Study: Texas riddled by foreclosures
The state and national foreclosure numbers are in, and they're not pretty. Texas finished 2006 with a total of 156,876 foreclosure filings -- the highest aggregate total of any state, according to a year-end report by foreclosure source RealtyTrac Inc. Texas' total filings equates to a rate of one foreclosure filing for every 51 households -- making it the state with the fourth highest foreclosure rate... So how did San Antonio fare? It was ranked No. 12, with a foreclosure rate of one filing for every 37 households. A total of 14,754 filings were reported in the city over the course of 2006, according to the company. Read more...
KB Home under official SEC probe
KB Home Says SEC Opens Formal Backdated Options Probe (Update5)
KB Home, the fifth-largest U.S. homebuilder, said the Securities and Exchange Commission stepped up its investigation into the company's backdating of stock options. The company said it was notified Jan. 19 that a five-month-old review of options granted to former Chief Executive Officer Bruce Karatz would become a formal probe. That means the SEC believes it's likely there was a violation of its rules and it may use its authority to subpoena documents and compel testimony. Read more...
Bush Blasts Corporate America for Executive Compensation
Bush: Link exec salaries to performance
A few executives' extravagant pay packages, recently in the news, have disgusted millions of U.S. workers who will never come near such deals. "You need to pay attention to the executive compensation packages that you approve," he said. "You need to show the world that American businesses are a model of transparency and good corporate governance." Read more... |
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