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America's Watchdog investigation reveals homebuilders failed to pay taxes on undocumented workers; Local, State & Federal Governments may be owed over one hundred billion dollars
Taxes-on-undocumented-workers.html
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In an effort to end the foreclosure crisis, the Obama administration is trying a new approach: encouraging banks to accept short sales and paying homeowners to leave.
Selling_Short.html
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Thanks to horrendously shoddy construction and the lack of building permits or city inspections, homes compete in a “Race to the Bottom” as falling values affect the entire subdivision. This news repository has >50 photos, >50 videos, >30 print articles, and official info sources. Now City inspectors are under criminal investigation for taking bribes from homebuilders.
Rivermist.html
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Sulfur gases given off by the non-US drywall has been blamed for foul smells, health problems, corroded copper pipes and wires, and depreciated home values. And if it can corrode metals, what might it do to your lungs? (COLLECTION of videos, presentations & articles)
Homeowners-sue-over-Toxic-Drywall.html
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Barbara Ann Radnofsky, the Democratic nominee for Texas Attorney General, commented on the incestuous relationship between Attorney General Greg Abbott and Houston homebuilder Bob Perry, calling for Abbott to return over $1 million in campaign contributions.
Radnofsky-versus-Abbott.html
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Homeowners Bob and Jane Cull win $58 million decision in 10 year old case against Bob Perry, the Godfather of Texas homebuilding and politics
Culls-versus-Bob-Perry.html
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How even good builders can get themselves in trouble and turn bad
Greg-Mikesell.html
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Engineers are harassed for writing critical reports of builders.
Has-the-Texas-Board-of-Professional-Engineers-Gone-Corrupt.html
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Market research results vary depending on the sponsor's motivations. Although some economists say strong sales mean the worst is over, we advise caution, especially if buying a new home in Texas.
Housing-market-improves.html
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Bob & Jane Cull's house in Texas was built by Houston homebuilder Bob Perry, one of the most powerful and politically connected homebuilders in the country. It was defective and they won their case against Perry Homes, only to have Texas Supreme Court overturn the case.
Couples-fight-with-homebuilder-Bob-Perry-back-in-court.html
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While the National Association of Realtors says housing is recovering, Deutsche Bank says that's artificial because of the $8,000 tax credit and predicts that 48% of mortgages will be upside down by 2011, up from 26% in March. Mortgage loan servicers accused of broad abuses.
Market-Reports-Vary-as-Another-Foreclosure-Occurs-every-7-Seconds.html
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This collection of articles summarizes recent pressures on binding arbitration and pending federal legislation.
ARBITATION-mandatory-binding-unfair-and-everywhere.html
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HOT reacts strongly to this ruling, because our Constitution is under attack by monied special interests and there are implications for both Texas homeowners and National Security.
Supreme-Court-rejects-limits-on-corporate-spending-on-political-campaigns.html
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Based on an FHA press release, they will raise fees and tighten standards to avoid a taxpayer bailout.
FHA-tightens-lending-standards.html
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Homebuilding's biggest CEOs skip the International Builder's Show, sponsored by NAHB, and start their own trade association, the Leading Builders of America
01-19-10-MARKET-Big-Builders-break-from-smaller-ones.html
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McKinsey Global Institute claims consumers are to blame for the economic crisis and the banks and government are blameless. That's absurd, and we add comments to show why.
Banks-aren't-to-blame-for-economic-crisis.html
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The depressed US housing market has kept many Americans from moving to accept job offers, because they can't sell their homes.
US-housing-bust-slows-job-growth-and-limits-worker-mobility.html
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Safer and more energy-efficient building codes are being adopted across the nation [But NOT in Texas!]
States-Adopt-2009-Building-Codes-for-Greener-Safer-Communities.html
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The FHA is in financial trouble and may need a bailout; Fannie Mae asks for another $15 billion in government aid; and builders get Congress to pass their poorly conceived homebuyer tax credit.
Housing-Stimulus-and-FHA-Loan-Guarantees.html
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DR Horton article promotes an $8,000 homebuyer tax credit (free money) and a USDA Home Loan Program (zero-down) that’s aimed at low and very-low income families needing affordable housing. It is designed to sucker them into buying homes built on some of the most expansive soil in the country - Branyon clay.
USDA-offers-Free-Money-but-puts-taxpayers-at-risk.html
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Sprinklers are required in apartments, condos and commercial office buildings. They'll soon be required in homes, except possibly in Texas. This is a story about government preventing localities from adopting building codes that save lives.
Builders-Oppose-Fire-Sprinklers.html
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HOT applauds and endorses efforts to protect construction workers from abuse and believes it is systemic across the state due to the lack of accountability and regulatory oversight of homebuilding.
Construction-worker-abuse.html
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Unlike cities, Texas counties have no authority to create or enforce building codes in unincorporated areas, nor to require inspections.
State-gives-counties-little-power-over-permits.html
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Homebuyer tax credits, artificially low interest interest rates, and other policies that promote homeownership risk creating an echo-bubble that could extend and worsen the economic crisis.
Rethink-the-cult-of-homeownership.html
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Texas leads the nation in the number of ENERGY STAR certified homes, and now the US government is considering a HOME STAR retrofit program to create jobs and weatherize existing homes.
Energy-efficient-homes.html
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Class action suit accuses Texas builder of conspiring to rig appraisals and housing prices. (This may apply to you if you financed your KB Home through Countrywide?)
APPRAISAL-Price-inflation-scheme-to-defraud-consumers.html
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HOT endorses propositions 2, 3, 5, 9 and 11 in the November 3rd election. They relate to Property Taxes and Property Rights.
Nov3-Constitutional-Amendments.html
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How the Feds enable scam artists (and how frustrated victims react)
Stop-enabling-scammers.html
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Consolidated news coverage (4 articles) about the TRCC Sunset, our mock TRCC funeral and future plans, and the appointment of Senator Glenn Hegar as Sunset Commission Chairman.
TRCC-Sunsets-September-1.html
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Proposal to Bulldoze Vacant Homes in Flint, Mich., Faces Pushback as city plans to demolish 6,000 homes
Shrink-to-Survive-Town-Downsizes.html
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Appointments of insiders to key posts raise questions about governor's influence.
Perry-often-turns-to-own-staff-for-appointments.html
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What's wrong with renting? Some Americans just can't afford to own a home.
Rent_versus_Buy.html
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The same clowns who did so much to bring the economy down in the first place, are lobbying against regulations aimed at curbing unscrupulous and risky behavior and preventing another economic meltdown.
WALL-STREET-Safety-Nets-for-the-Rich.html
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The state is complicit in a statewide land grab that forces homeowners out of their homes through unaffordably high property taxes.
Property-Taxes-and-Appraisals.html
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Consumers' Union support of Obama's Consumer Protection Agency includes the fight against mandatory binding arbitration.
How-Would-A-Consumer-Financial-Protection-Agency-Affect-You-.html
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TxDOT says the toll road twin to Interstate 35, once the centerpiece of Gov. Rick Perry's Trans-Texas Corridor plan, is officially dead. Celebrate but be skeptical.
I-35-tollway-twin-dies.html
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The PUC is accused of protecting industry more than the public. It licenses utility operators but lacks enforcement authority and makes a mockery of licensing. We add comments to show similarities to the TRCC.
10-06-09-REGULATION-PUC-protects-industry-more-than-public.html
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While Congress ponders the meltdown and wonders if there are too many bank regulators, HOT wonders if they're ignoring the builder-owned mortgage and finance companies and the vertical integration that allowed them to resell risky loans to third party investors.
09-30-09-REGULATION-Financial-crisis-casts-scrutiny-on-number-of-bank-regulators.html
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Texas will "eventually" catch up to other states who are leading the way with stricter building codes and laws governing homebuilding.
County-poised-to-add-GREEN-mandates-to-building-code.html
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Super-Conservative pro-growth policies have prevented Counties from regulating land use in unincorporated areas (colonias), and housing developers have benefited at homeowners expense.
09-23-09-UNINCORPORATED-AREAS-Colonias-not-near-the-border-struggle-with-basic-needs.html
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What Fine Print? An entire generation has been trained to mindlessly "agree" to terms of non-negotiable agreements.
By-signing-this-you-agree.html
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There's a dark side to the American Dream of homeownership, according to John Wasik, author "The Cul de Sac Syndrome."
08-19-09-NPR-Interpreting-the-American-Dream-of-Home-Ownership.html
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Beaumont, Texas is producing model education programs for construction trades, offering a Bachelor of Science degree at Lamar University and an Associate of Applied Science degree at Lamar Institute of Technology. Read both stories.
08-14-09-EDUCATION-helps-with-homebuilder-success-and-home-buyer-satisfaction.html
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Builder warnings that every home buyer should be aware of
what-builders-will-not-tell-you.html
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Who’s watching out for the watchdogs? Investigative journalism is a casualty of media consolidation. Citizen journalism and consumer nonprofits like HOT will try to fill the void, but they lack the credibility and reach of broadcast television.
08-03-09-MEDIA-Fox-7-on-Your-Side-team-let-go.html
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A real estate inspector blogs about the loss of the TRCC, and HOT responds
07-31-09-TRCC-Eulogy-for-the-TRCC.html
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Lax regulation of a "shadow banking industry" is cited. HOT contends that that includes vertically integrated home builders with their mortgage, title and insurance services.
07-27-09-MARKET-Where-this-economic-crisis-came-from.html
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Foundation problems arise during extreme drought conditions when builders avoid the cost of engineering the foundation for soil conditions.
07-24-09-FOUNDATIONS-Drought-wreaks-havoc-on-Central-Texas-foundations.html
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Here's what happens if an industry is allowed to regulate itself.
07-20-09-TRCC-Oversight-of-dentists-lacks-strength-just-like-oversight-of-builders.html
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How do you know if you need a real estate attorney? Is your real estate agent and title company enough?
07-19-09-LEGAL-Do-I-need-a-real-estate-attorney-to-close-on-a-home.html
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KYTX (CBS-19 TV) reports on problems with Hutto homes built on contaminated and expansive soil (with 3:14 min video)
FOUNDATIONS-Home-Buyers-Beware.html
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Consolidated coverage of this important news is collected here.
07-12-09-TRCC-Texas-Senate-votes-to-disband-homebuilding-agency.html
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Beware of contractors who agree to do your remodeling project but don't obtain the building permits. Many take your money and run.
07-09-09-CONTRACTORS-Contract-work-woes-cost-resident.html
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Hutto, once the fastest growing small town in America, has suffered growing pains. It encouraged urban sprawl and the development of rich farm land without concern for soil conditions, including expansive soil and arsenic contamination from decades of cotton farming.
07-05-09-TAXES-Hutto-seeks-to-hold-first-bond-election.html
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Wall Street Journal reports that hundreds of thousands of people from California to Georgia say their almost-new homes need costly repairs because of construction defects.
07-01-09-DEFECTS-Cracked-Houses-What-the-Boom-Built.html
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During recent drought conditions and a record heat wave, Central Texas homeowners should worry more about protecting their foundation than keeping their lawn green.
06-30-09-FOUNDATIONS-Dry-Conditions-may-lead-to-Foundation-Problems.html
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Business Week reports that home prices are likely to fall for the next year, then stabilize, with a rebound in 2012 as the overall economy takes off again
06-29-09-HOUSING-Where-will-it-be-in-2012.html
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HOT disagrees with this assessment by National Association of Realtors (NAR), and we think it’s dangerous to argue that current appraisals are too low. (More on this opinion follows the article.)
06-23-09-MARKET-Home-sales-continue-upward-trend,-says-NAR.html
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This collection of articles questions the politics behind the departure of Texas A&M's president.
06-16-09-POLITICS-Does-Governor-have-too-much-control-over-universities,-industry.html
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This decision could help homeowners with construction lawsuits if their trial judge received builder money
06-09-09-LEGAL-Supreme-Court-backs-judges-recusals-in-big-donors-cases.html
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Mandatory Binding Arbitration (MBA) also effects buyers of new homes since almost all sales contracts and warranty agreements require arbitration. By signing, you give up your Constitutional right to a jury trial if disputes occur.
06-09-09-NPR-Arbitration-debate-highlighted-by-rape-case.html
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Consumer Reports gives expert advice to stop trouble in its tracks
06-01-09-REPAIRS-Five-home-repairs-you-shouldnt-ignore.html
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Legislature decides to let ‘builder protection agency’ die.
05-30-09-TRCC-Consumer-groups-claim-undeserved-credit-for-Timely-Demise.html
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According to ABC News affiliate in Waco, homes built by Williamson Country homebuilder Pete Stucky are falling off their foundations.
05-27-09-FOUNDATIONS-Homeowners-File-Complaints-Against-Stucky.html
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Belton homes built by indicted builder Pete Stucky are falling apart.
05-21-09-FOUNDATIONS-Faulty-houses-falling-off-foundations.html
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Lobbying builds trusted relationships that help influence public policy. The problem comes when elected officials are overly influenced by industries affected by their regulatory decisions or when bills defining regulatory policy are written by those industry lobbyists.
05-20-09-POLITICS-Capitol-dining-done-on-lobbyists-dime.html
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Contractor warnings that every homeowner should be aware of
05-19-09-WSJ-10-Things-Contractors-Wont-Tell-You.html
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Two state reports and overwhelming public outcry calls for the abolishing the TRCC, but a builder-sponsored sunset bill would extend it 6 more years.
TRCC-TIme-to-let-the-sun-set-on-Bob-Perrys-Builder-Commission.html
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House Bill 2295, if passed, extends the TRCC for 6 more years, removes warranty obligations from builders, and makes life much worse for homeowners.
Warranties-who-is-responsible-for-the-warranty-on-your-home-.html
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Most of the homes came into federal hands when borrowers defaulted on government-backed mortgages.
05-15-09-Politics-Government-losses-are-big-in-Home-market.html
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HuttoParke homeowners can't sell. Due to undisclosed arsenic contamination, expansive soil and construction defects, and an increase in the number of rental units, vacancies and crime; their neighborhood is in serious decline.
05-15-09-NEIGHBORHOODS-HuttoParke-is-in-a-spiraling-decline.html
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This Business Week book excerpt pinpoints the insidious (and often invisible) problems that send great companies, industries and nations crashing to earth.
05-14-09-BUSINESS-How-the-Mighty-Fall.html
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Some builders blame it on Texas Soils, but guality builders don't seem to have a problem. We blame it on shoddy construction.
Foundation-Why-so-many-failurers-in-Texas.html
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Attacks on open records increasing; prompt call for statewide review. Homeowner and home builder information is similarly effected, preventing legislators and consumer advocates from monitoring the TRCC or surveying home buyers.
05-09-09-TRCC-Open-records-advocates-busy-playing-defense.html
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Includes articles from the Austin American-Statesman, Dallas Morning News and Houston Chronicle.
05-07-09-TRCC-House-passed-TRCC-Sunset-bill-News-SUMMARY.html
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Watchdog groups are appalled that Texas judges accept campaign contributions from lawyers and businesses that appear in their courts. But political hurdles impede efforts to end judicial elections. Homebuilder Bob Perry contributed to all 9 Texas Supreme Court justices and got a favorable ruling from them.
04-20-09-Legal-Should-Texas-judges-be-appointed-instead-of-elected.html
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Houston homebuilder Bob Perry reacts to a report from Texas Computroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn that condemned his builder-protection agency, the TRCC. He managed to launder his $1 million campaign contribution to Rick Perry's race for Governor - all under the nose of the Texas Ethics Commission.
04-06-09-Politics-2006-governors-race-lawsuit-back-in-court.html
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State Rep. Dan Gattis (R-Georgetown) has filed bills designed to give the Texas Residential Construction Commission (TRCC) more power. If those bills fail, Gattis will push for the agencies abolition.
04-02-09-TRCC-State-Rep-Empower-or-abolish-TRCC.html
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The Home Builders Association of Greater Austin complains that city zoning ordinances unfairly raise home prices and force minority buyers out of the market.
04-02-09-Legal-Court-rules-City-of-Kyle-did-not-violate-Fair-Housing-Act.html
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Austin Bar Association pokes fun at the fact that Texas Supreme Court Justices are elected instead of being appointed.
04-01-09-Legal-Barry-Homes-Completes-Supreme-Court-Purchase.html
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Homeowners convey horror stories and criticize the agency for frustrating those with defective houses.
03-31-09-TRCC-Homeowners-denounce-Bob-Perry-created-housing-agency.html
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The TRCC, a controversial and highly-criticized builder-protection agency is fighting for survival, but Bob Perry and other powerful builders plan to use their political connections to keep it. Out of 181 legislators,only six who don't take money from the Texas Association of Builders.
03-29-09-NPR-Critics-say-Texas-Agency-Favors-Builders-Over-Buyers.html
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Bob and Jane Cull bought the home of their dreams in Texas. It was built by Perry Homes, one of the most powerful and politically connected homebuilders in the country, and it was defective. They won their case in court and in binding arbitration, but the Texas Supreme Court overturned the decision in favor of Perry Homes. The case prompted the creation of the TRCC, a builder-protection agency unique to Texas, and generated national attention.
03-28-09-NPR-Did-Houston-Builder-Bob-Perry-Clout-Trap-Couple-In-Dream-Home-.html
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When subcontractors aren't paid, they're often forced to file liens on properties they worked on, thus leaving homeowners holding the tab. The lesson: Do no buy a newly constructed home.
03-28-09-SUBCONTRACTORS-Troubles-build-up-for-housing-contractors.html
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Texas Governor Rick Perry transfers funds without approval in what appears as a pay-to-play scheme similar to the political influence of texas homebuilders.
Panel-didnt-vet-Perrys-fund-transfer-to-AM.html
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Texas Homebuilder Bob Perry has donated $388,000 to 10 of 11 members of the House Business and Industry Committee and $365,500 to members of the Senate committee due to take up the TRCC bill.
Homebuilder-who-backs-TRCC-donated-thousands-to-lawmakers-deciding-agencys-fate.html
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Texas Homebuilder Bob Perry has donated $324,500 to 10 of 11 members of the House Business and Industry Committee, which is considering the fate of the controversial TRCC.
03-22-09-BOB-PERRY-Political-donor-clout-may-extend-TRCC-life.html
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Only when home prices have been stabilized can banking and credit markets recover. But we ask, “Does housing depend on credit or credit depend on housing; and what about jobs?”
03-09-09-BANKS-Job-One-Build-a-Floor-Under-Housing.html
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"Low rates, tax credit may boost spring sales," but this long article gets plenty of reader critiques.
03-08-09-MARKET-Homebuyers-finding-bargains-as-market-thaws.html
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New report shows that nearly 12 percent of U.S. homeowners are behind in mortgages or in foreclosure
03-06-09-MARKET-Housing-crisis-is-getting-worse.html
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Executive Director of ineffective TRCC wants 26% raise for failing to protect consumers and instead doing the builders bidding.
03-01-09-TRCC-Is-it-really-the-time-to-grant-a-pay-raise.html
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Substandard homes with construstion defects, and risky subprime loans with resulting foreclosures, have caused a drop in sales and property tax revenues in cities across the nation. The result includes cuts in public services and a dangerous downward spiral that is being felt in Texas communities just as in California.
02-26-09-MARKET-Portrait-of-a-Broke-Town.html
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BusinessWeek article on How the banking industry is undermining efforts to kehp people in their houses
02-23-09-BANKS-How-Banks-Are-Worsening-the-Foreclosure-Crisis.html
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TRCC takes credit for shutting down Peter Stucky, a Williamson County homebuilder who agreed to a lifetime ban on building homes or working in the homebuilding industry.
02-18-09-TRCC-Williamson-County-homebuilder-indicted-by-grand-jury.html
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Five times more new homes are vacant than older homes. They're built on cheap land in distant exurbs requiring long commutes. It's even worse with shoddy construction from builders who cut corners.
02-09-09-MARKET-New-Homes-are-Harder-to-Sell.html
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U.S. Bankruptcy Court can facilitate new financial terms on cars, boats and vacation homes but not on a primary home, meaning judges can't help prevent home foreclosures. That's absurd.
02-04-09-BANKS-Modify-those-toxic-mortgages.html
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Lobbyists have spent at least $12.8 million in the last four years wining and dining Texas lawmakers and other state workers and "buying" influence.
01-24-09-POLITICS-Lobbyists-run-$12.8-million-tab-for-lawmakers.html
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The revolving door between state agencies and lobby is legal but unseemly. Texas regulatory and legislative officials regularly leave for high-paying work as lobbyists, working for the same companies they once regulated.
01-18-09-POLITICS-Revolving-door-at-Texas-environmental-agency.html
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How Texas Politics Caters to Business while Neglecting Texans
01-07-09-POLITICS-State-of-Neglect.html
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An Austin economic housing forecast by Metrostudy concludes that Things will probably get tougher before they get better. Home starts will plunge by another 25% in 2009, down 63% from the peak in 2006.
01-07-09-MARKET-Austin-home-starts-and-prices-expected-to-fall-in-2009.html
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Protections for homeowners and insurance regulation top the list of bills filed with the Texas House and Senate.
01-03-09-POLITICS-Business-bills-fill-state-Legislature.html
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Apparently a little flattery and a lot of cash goes a long way in Texas politics. Texas Builder magazine interviews the sponsor of their bill to protect the TRCC.
01-02-09-TRCC-Rep.-Ruth-Jones-McClendon.html
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Follow this advice, check builder ratings on Angie’s List, and get help from a real estate attorney BEFORE signing anything.
01-01-09-CONTRACTORS-Extra-research-critical-before-hiring-builder.html
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Texas lawmakers flush with building industry contributions vote to extend life of fatally flawed TRCC.
12-19-08-TRCC-Stacked-Deck.html
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Rather than abolish the TRCC, the Texas agency is told to be better watchdog over homebuilders.
12-18-08-TRCC-Sunset-Advisory-Commission-says-to-keep-agency.html
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At least in the homebuilding industry, Perry's policies promote business at the expense of protecting the public. Under Perry, Texas has become the Mecca for unscrupulous builders who cut corners and then hide behind the State when serious construction defects cause homeowner disputes.
12-18-08-MARKET-Texas-economy-on-right-track,-Perry-says.html
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Hurricane Ike victums are encouraged to contact the TRCC to check registration status before contracting for repairs, and we recommend additional cautions.
12-18-08-TRCC-111-Notices-of-Violation-issued-to-storm-chasers.html
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This article provides an excellent description of the TRCC controversy and the influence of industry lobbyists and campaign contributions.
12-17-08-TRCC-Sunset-Commission-vote-keeps-agency-alive.html
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The Texas Sunset Commission voted not to abolish the TRCC (Texas Residential Construction Commission), choosing to instead reform it.
12-17-08-TRCC-Texas-Sunset-Commission-votes-not-to-abolish-homebuilding-agency.html
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The Sunset Advisory Commission went against recommendations of its own staff and overwhelming public testimony to instead recommend keeping the TRCC (Texas Residential Construction Commission) for at least another 4 years.
12-17-08-TRCC-TX-Sunset-panel-urges-sparing-construction-commission.html
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The TRCC was created in 2003 with the strong support of home builders, including mega-political donor Bob Perry of Houston, to offer builders more protection against lawsuits from unhappy customers.
TRCC-If-at-first-you-dont-succeed.html
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Most states have some form of campaign contribution limits, but not so in Texas. Despite calls for caps, the issue hasn't been put up to vote.
11-10-08-POLITICS-Campaign-Money-Big-donors-fuel-Texas-House-races.html
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Texas is ranked #3 in homes under water (i.e. where market value is less than the mortgage owed).
11-10-08-MARKET-A-Town-Drowns-in-Debt-as-Home-Values-Plunge.html
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George Bailey, played by Jimmy Steward, was the most popular man in Bedford Falls because of his vision of helping downscale families get out of Mr. Potter's tenements and into homes of their own. But then a financial crisis occured, and a run on the bank, and he was on the brink of suicide until a gardian angel helped him see his value, and the customers supported him.
11-05-08-MARKET-Whos-to-blame-for-the-housing-bubble-The-George-Baileys-of-the-world.html
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The Texas homebuilding industry is a huge contributor to the President and a good indication what to expect when tort reform is applied to corporations in America, limiting their liability and accountability.
11-04-08-POLITICS-The-Myth-of-George-Bushs-Tort-Reform.html
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The wreckless loan practices of 20 years ago brought us the S&L Crisis, and many Texas banks learned important lessons the hard way. But others apparently did not learn, given our current financial collapse. We question the role of Texas builder-owned mortgage companies, which also provide Title and Insurance services to homebuyers at closing.
10-29-08-BANKS-Texas-Banks-Draw-On-Lessons-From-The-S&L-Crisis.html
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Government good intensions to promote homeownership, and a “perfect storm” of regulatory and external conditions, are often cited as primary causes of the global financial collapse. These include:
• Relaxed lending practices,
• Capital gains tax credits for homeownership,
• Federal Reserve lowering of interest rates, and
• Mortgage innovation to comply with the CRA.
10-21-08-MARKET-The-roots-of-the-disaster.html
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Henry Cisneros, a former San Antonio mayor and HUD Secretary under Clinton, played a pivotal role in the housing implosion while making millions on the boards of KB Homes and Countrywide Financial and from his own development company.
10-19-08-MARKET-Henry-Cisneros-helped-build-flawed-American-dream-(Statesman).html
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Does the hefty campaign contributions Texas Governor Rick Perry got from Finance and Homebuilding industries constitute a serious conflict of interest? We think so, but read this and decide for yourself.
10-13-08-POLITICS-Governor-Handout-Trashes-the-Bailout.html
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Nevada homeowners don't have to be the original purchasers to be protected under the state's construction defect laws. We applaud this ruling and would like to see it repeated here in Texas.
10-13-08-LEGAL-Nevada-Supreme-Court-ruling-goes-against-large-homebuilders.html
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KHOU TV: Lennar Homes in Spring, Texans are seeing shifting foundations and sagging roofs that makes them unsafe and hazardous.
10-10-08-DEFECTS-When-homeownership-joy-turns-into-homeownership-hardship.html
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After a Sunset Advisory Commission staff report recommended the complete abolition of the Texas Residential Housing Commission (TRCC), the Sunset Commissioners asked their staff to revise its recommendations and instead suggest how the TRCC can be overhauled without being abolished.
10-08-08-TRCC-Overhaul-coming-for-agency.html
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As costs rise, some builders cut corners. The Consumer Federation of America says construction tops its list of the five fastest-growing complaint categories. And frustrated homeowners are getting creative to get public attention and change laws.
10-02-08-DEFECTS-How-to-Prevent-New-Home-Defects-Wall-Street-Journal.html
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As if unstable foundations and questionable construction didn’t make owning a home in the Huttoparke neighborhood complicated enough, questions about the quality and safety of the rich, dark soil are also concerning residents of the beleaguered area of north Hutto. The pesticides that farmers used in cotton fields has left behing dangerously high levels of arsenic that can be absorbed through skin contact or inhaled as dust.
10-01-08-ARSENIC-Shaky-ground-Arsenic-and-old-soil.html
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Did the Texas home building industry, which brings in some $35 Billion per year, buy its way into favorable regulation (or lack thereof) at the expense of consumers? That's the impression one gets from this damning report. The top builder contributor was Houston builder Perry Homes, and the top recipient was Texas Governor Rick Perry.
09-25-08-POLITICS-Sun-Never-Sets-On-Politicians-Taking-Homebuilder-Money.html
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Lawmakers on the Sunset Advisory Commission said they want the Texas Residential Construction Commission to be rebuilt, not abolished, as was recommended by the Sunset staff and consumer groups.
09-24-08-TRCC-Controversial-commission-need-not-be-dismantled,-lawmakers-say.html
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After disasters, homeowners desperate to get their lives back to normal are often preyed upon by problem repair companies. So be sure to check out any company you hire to do repairs.
09-17-08-CONTRACTORS-Investigate-companies-before-you-hire-them-for-repairs.html
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The TRCC agreed that the builder was responsible for Jonathan Steiner's plumbing fiasco, but the agency couldn't force the company to fix it. That disconnect is one reason the Sunset Advisory Commission staff this month recommended abolishing the agency.
08-31-08-TRCC-Homeowners-losing-fights-with-builders.html
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Bob Perry (Perry Homes) was a prime mover behind the creation of the TRCC in 2003, viewing it as a way of protecting builders from being sued by unhappy customers by allegedly weeding out bad actors. The Sunset staff concluded that the TRCC is doing homeowners more harm than good.
08-24-08-BOB-PERRY-A-builder,-a-commission-and-a-lot-of-cash.html
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According to the Sunset staff, the Texas Residential Construction Commission (TRCC) and the law it operates under are so badly designed, so ineffective that it is "easy for even problem builders to stay in business."
08-23-08-DEFECTS-Shoddy-design-impairs-agency-for-homeowner-gripes.html
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The Texas Residential Construction Commission must be reauthorized by the Legislature next year as part of the state’s sunset review process. Otherwise the TRCC will be abolished. That is what should happen.
08-22-08-TRCC-It-is-time-to-abolish-the-ineffective-agency.html
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ATexas Sunset Advisory Commission staff report minces no words in recommending that the Texas Residential Construction Commission (TRCC) be abolished. “Current regulation of the residential construction industry is fundamentally flawed and does more harm than good.”
08-20-08-TRCC-Sunset-Commission-staff-says-TRCC-Flawed,-Harmful.html
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The TRCC was created in 2003 with legislation backed by Houston homebuilder Bob Perry and touted as a way to weed out shoddy outfits by providing a way to resolve disputes without resorting to lawsuits. But the commission does more to hamstring homeowners than help them.
08-20-08-TRCC-Texas-agency-urges-the-end-of-construction-commission.html
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The TRCC was flawed from the start and lacks the authority to force builders to correct shoddy work. Consumer groups have argued that the agency did more to protect builders than consumers and limited homeowners' legal recourse in disputes. Other states have more rigorous licensing systems.
08-20-08-TRCC-Sunset-report-targets-homebuilder-agency.html
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An agency created to resolve disputes between homeowners and builders is "fundamentally flawed" and should be abolished, according to Sunset staff. But home builders, a powerful source of campaign donations to legislative candidates, are likely to fight to retain the agency. The TRCC registers builders, but does not require them to be licensed as 28 other states do, "and so does not work to prevent problems from occurring. Homeowners must complete a lengthy TRCC process prior to filing a lawsuit, and only 12% of cases where the state has sent in inspectors to review alleged defects have resulted in a "satisfactory offer or repair or compensation" over the life of the program.
08-19-08-TRCC-Abolish-Texas-home-dispute-agency,-a-State-group-urges.html
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The Texas Residential Construction Commission should be abolished because it is ineffective and frustrates homeowners trying to get builders to address defects in their homes. Created in 2003, the TRCC does not have the trust of the consumers to protect them from unqualified builders.
08-19-08-TRCC-Report-says-Texas-homebuilder-agency-should-go.html
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Nationally, Houston home builder Bob Perry is best known for contributing almost $4.5 million to the swift boat ad campaign that helped sink Democrat John Kerry's 2004 presidential bid. In Texas, he's a major contributor to numerous state officeholders, candidates and political committees, buying plenty of influence (including in the TRCC).
07-20-08-BOB-PERRY-building-homes-and-candidacies.html
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When thousands of dollars are flowing to judicial candidates, their fairness and impartiality are in doubt. Even if the system hasn’t bred actual corruption, it has fed the appearance of it, and that’s just as damaging to the reputation of our judiciary. Homebuilder Bob Perry has given millions of dollars to state and national political campaigns and candidates, including all nine members of the Texas Supreme Court.
05-06-08-BOB-PERRY-Donors-should-not-tip-scales-of-justice.html
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“After years of forcing consumers into a lopsided binding arbitration process, the court today carved out a special decision for the man who gives the court more campaign cash than any other individual in the state," Critics say the Bob and Jane Cull case underscores the difficulty for homeowners to get relief in the Texas court. Houston builder Bob Perry gave millions of dollars to state and federal candidates, and members of his family contributed more than $260,000 to all nine members of the Supreme Court.
05-02-08-BOB-PERRY-Texas-Supreme-Court-rules-against-Mansfield-couple-in-battle-with-homebuilder.html
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Soil problems might affect all 787 homes in the HuttoParke neighborhood and several homes in Legends of Hutto. At issue is the black clay soil that expands and contracts with moisture and requires extra precautions by builders or homes will shift more than usual. If not designed to handle that movement, the stress can cause cracks, popped nails and separation between walls and ceiling trusses. Federal investigators say the soil is "very limited for building," with weaknesses that "generally cannot be overcome without major soil reclamation, special design, or expensive installation procedures."
04-22-08-FOUNDATIONS-Huttoparke-Problems-Continue,-Values-Suffer.html
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Soil problems might affect all 787 homes in the HuttoParke neighborhood and several homes in Legends of Hutto. At issue is the black clay soil that expands and contracts with moisture and requires extra precautions by builders or homes will shift more than usual. If not designed to handle that movement, the stress can cause cracks, popped nails and separation between walls and ceiling trusses. Federal investigators say the soil is "very limited for building," with weaknesses that "generally cannot be overcome without major soil reclamation, special design, or expensive installation procedures."
04-22-08-FOUNDATIONS-Hutto-clay-leaves-some-homes-needing-repairs-(STATESMAN).html
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Insurance is complicated and getting information that makes sense can be difficult. And in Texas, which has the highest average homeowner insurance premiums in the country, such information can affect your bottom line. So how can you get more information before you purchase a policy? And what can you do if you have a problem? A good starting place is the Texas Department of Insurance Web site.
03-03-08-INSURANCE-Insurance-tips-for-Texas-homeowners.html
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Henry Cisneros, a former San Antonio mayor and HUD Secretary under Clinton, was also a homebuilder with board positions at KB Homes and Countryside Financial. This seems like a HUGE conflict of interest that screams for the checks & balances of regulatory oversight and strong enforcement authority.
02-17-08-POLITICS-Henry-Cisneros-on-the-Hot-Seat.html
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Nowadays, it's impossible to watch the 1946 holiday movie "It's a Wonderful Life" and not feel a twinge of respect for Henry F. Potter, the villainous banker...
12-19-07-BANKS-Its-a-Wonderful-Mess.html
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A recent "Good Morning America" investigation finds that government building inspectors are often overworked and sometimes lazy, incompetent or corrupt.
05-01-07-INSPECTIONS-Incompetent-Building-Inspectors-Hurting-Homeowners.html
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Reclusive Houston homebuilder Bob Perry is the biggest campaign contributor in the country and often blamed for dragging American politics into the gutter. This article presents a balanced profile of this interesting character.
04-01-07-BOB-PERRY-He-needs-a-Hug.html
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This detailed article helps builders understand the Brownfields Law and offers good advice on how to properly remediate contaminated soils and assess and manage risks.
02-01-07-ARSENIC-Home-Builders-Mine-for-Green-in-Brownfields.html
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Trusting the homebuilding industry to fix the TRCC is like trusting a fox to fix hen house security. The TRCC was created due to an outpouring of complaints by angry homebuyers with construction defects, yet not one single consumer advocate was consulted.
01-29-06-TRCC-The-house-that-Bob-Perry-built.html
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Mold, leaks and faulty walls helped turn a 10,000 sq. ft. $6.5 million dream home into a nightmarishly unsafe structure.
Sandra-Bullock-helps-knocks-down-her-dream-home.html
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Exterior insulated finish systems (EIFS) are susceptable to water intrusion that can make afflicted homes virtually unsalable
11-22-05-STUCCO-What-to-know-about-synthetic-stucco.html
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Before tort reform, powerful Texans said lawsuits were ruining the state’s economy and needed to be fairer. Today they are fairer - for business. Ordinary people are out of luck.
11-01-05-LEGAL-Hurt-Injured-Need-a-Lawyer-Too-Bad.html
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How the TRCC, a new state agency of the builders, by the builders, and for the builders, makes it harder for you to sue, yes, your builder.
08-2005-TRCC-Home-Buyer-Beware.html
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Powerful builders have caused legislatures and courts to become more hostile toward homeowners seeking restitution for defective construction.
02-01-05-LEGAL-Home,-bittersweet-home.html
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Homebuilders, at least in Texas, operate with little supervision, regulation or legislative oversight, and the one agency put in place to protect consumers (the TRCC) does more to protect the builders - from law suits.
06-10-04-TRCC-Home-sweet-crooked-house.html
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CONSUMER REPORTS: Serious hidden defects plague many newer homes. Here’s how to avoid trouble.
01-15-04-DEFECTS-Housewrecked.html
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The advisory panel that reviews how well state agencies perform and whether they have outlived their usefulness has determined that the body set up to settle disputes between builders and homeowners is "fundamentally flawed" and should be abolished. Homeowners have complained of a dispute resolution deck stacked against them ever since the Legislature created the TRCC in 2003 at the behest of construction industry lobbyists.
TRCC-Shodilly-built.html
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This article collection expands on the one specific to Hills of Rivermist in San Antonio
Retaining-Wall-Failures-elsewhere-in-Texas.html
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