July 11, 2014, 9:30 p.m.

New laws to clarify the relationship between builders and home owners have raised concerns among consumer advocates, who say the changes could make it harder to take action over shoddy work.

The changes to the Home Building Act, which regulates builders and contracts for building work, have passed NSW Parliament and will take effect within months.

The changes include a new definition of defective work, a demand for a schedule of progress payments in contracts, and tougher penalties for builders who refuse to rectify shoddy work.

Fair Trading NSW assistant commissioner John Tansey said the reform package was the result of considerable consultation with stakeholders.

"It is trying to particularly look at reducing disputes around issues that arise when they are doing building work, and giving all parties greater clarity about their rights and obligations," he said.

Progress payments, a standard part of most agreements, must now be included in a schedule as part of any building contract.

"Your control over the release of progress payments is one of the main safeguards a consumer has to make sure they are getting what they paid for, and they only hand over money when they have got what they paid for," Mr Tansey said.

"And it's equally important to ensure that consumers know when they will be due to pay builders, because that money is the lifeblood of the builder's project, and their business."

But Michelle Ericoli, a lawyer at the Home Building Advocacy Service, which represents home owners in disputes, had "grave concerns" the reforms reduced options available to people complaining of poor building work.

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Legislative changes 'huge loss' for consumers

StrucSure Home Warranty - New Home Warranty Provider
http://www.strucsure.com | 877.806.8777 StrucSure Home Warranty provides new home warranties to home builders. Our risk management tools and structural warra...

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San Antonio, TX (PRWEB) July 09, 2014

Linda Hepler, Account Executive for HOME of Texas (HOME), a Residential Warranty Company, LLC affiliate, will be available at the 2014 Sunbelt Builders Show this July at San Antonios JW Marriott to answer questions and provide information on any of the numerous builder warranty and builders risk insurance services provided by one of Texas leading new home warranty companies.

The Sunbelt Builders Show is one of the largest building industry events in North America and is wholly owned and operated by the Texas Association of Builders. Imagine an event powerful enough to lead an industry and reshape communities across the region. Sunbelt 2014 is a gathering of thousands of residential construction professionals from every sector of the housing industry. Every year, more than 2,500 leaders in residential and multifamily housing, remodeling, finance and management come together to share the latest information, exchange ideas, and foster lasting personal and professional relationships.

Sunbelt 2014 focuses on innovation and growth for attendees and exhibitors. The show offers a forward-thinking and fresh look at the construction industry, design, new products, and the latest lifestyle trends. Sunbelt 2014 is equally about creating opportunities, more value, and inspiring those in the housing industry. No other event delivers the same return on investment and quality of buyers from every segment of the residential construction industry. On exhibit will be innovative tools and services that strengthen the industry and help build communities.

To learn how new home warranties from HOME of Texas can positively impact business, simplify risk management, and enhance marketing strategy, stop by HOME booth #808.

ABOUT RESIDENTIAL WARRANTY COMPANY (RWC)

Residential Warranty Company, LLC is a leading provider of builder warranties. Builders seeking options in coverage, sensible home warranty protection, and assistance in dealing with customer service, choose RWC. In business for over 30 years, RWC has warranted over 3 million homes and its Insurer is rated A- (Excellent) by A.M. Best. An extensive menu of choices in both home warranties and general liability insurance is available, enabling builders to reduce their liability and increase the marketability of their homes.

ABOUT HOME OF TEXAS (HOME)

HOME of Texas is one of Texas oldest and largest providers of written insured new home warranties, providing homeowners with a strong foundation of security for their homes. HOME has created a menu of warranties and service options through a network of affiliated companies. The result is comprehensive coverage and effective risk management for the greatest long-term stability.

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HOME of Texas (HOME) Attends Upcoming Sunbelt Builders Show

4290 W 146 St, Cleveland, 44135
3 bedroom, 2 full baths. Full kitchenette in basement including sink (in addition to main kitchen). Front porch, enclosed patio in back (furniture to stay). Bar in basement stays! Many wonderful...

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Nice Single Family Home for Sale at Pembroke Pines, FL
"Charming and spacious 3/2 home with one car garge on large, fenced lot. Upgraded kitchen, extra pantry, storage space and large utility room. A/C 2 years new. NO HOA! One year American...

By: LEVY NUNEZ , CNS

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LAS VEGAS - 8 on Your Side first reported in 2013 about a Nevada-based home warranty company that allegedly ripped off hundreds of customers. Now, the state is taking action.

8 on Your Side first investigated Sensible Home Warranty after valley resident Marie Frisa said the company refused to pay her claim for a new microwave.

That complaint was one of thousands nationwide. Sensible Home Warranty, which is based in Sparks, received more than 1,800 complaints with the Better Business Bureau, which gave the company an F rating.

At that time, the company was banned in two states. When 8 on Your Side began investigating Sensible Home Warranty in 2013, so did the Nevada Division of Insurance.

8 on Your Side helped Frisa get her money.

Meanwhile, the investigation continued, and the company pulled a fast one. According to its website, Sensible Home Warranty is out of business.

The Nevada Division of Insurance is questioning the way the company shut down. The division is investigating Sensible Home Warrantys business practices.

If you have a contract with Sensible Home Warranty, technically, you no longer have a home warranty. If you are waiting on an outstanding claim, technically, you are not going to get that money.

Regardless, the Nevada Division of Insurance wants to hear from the companys customers. The division is examining whether Sensible Home Warrantys bonds could be used to pay out existing claims.

If you wish to file a claim, contact the Nevada Division of Insurance. If you have a problem you want investigated, contact 8 on Your Side at 702-650-1907.

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8 on Your Side: Home warranty company investigated

By Amy Hoak, MarketWatch

If youre a home shopper in a market where bidding wars are common, it helps to have a strategy to ensure that your bid stands out from the competition.

Youll want to do the basics: Make sure you have your financing in place, turning in all your loan paperwork before placing an offer, said Gibran Nicholas, Chairman of CMPS Institute, an organization that trains and certifies mortgage bankers and brokers. Better yet, if you have the means, youll really catch a buyers attention if you make an all-cash offer.

Also, write a financially competitive offer with as few contingencies as youre comfortable with, said Ali Donoghue, a Chicago-based real-estate agent with Redfin. Some buyers are waiving financing contingencies or even home-inspection contingencies, if theyre the handy typethough many buyers would be smart to keep that home-inspection clause, she said.

See also: 10 things home inspectors wont tell you.

And be flexible with your move-in date. Working with a seller who needs to move right away? Be prepared to close quickly so they can be on their way sooner. Does the seller need a month or twoor sixto move out? If you can be flexible and allow them to stay in their home for a while after closing (paying you rent, of course), they may choose your offer over all the rest.

But in some markets, you may have to be more creative than that to win the home you covet. If possible, find out the sellers needs and wants, so you can customize your offer.

Below are some of the more unusual ways buyers can get the upper hand.

Its not all about the money. In situations where you are selling your home, theres an emotional component, said Kathy Braddock, managing director of real-estate company William Raveis New York City. Sellers often like to feel good about the people who will eventually live in their home.

Thats why its often an effective strategy to attach a letter along with your offer, and maybe even a photo of your family, explaining why you want to live there.

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Amy Hoak's Home Economics: To win a house bidding war, get creative

Happy Independence Day! - BPG Home Warranty
BPG Would Like To Wish Everyone A Safe And Happy Independence Day!

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2105 Alpha St, Lansing, Michigan 48910
Contact Jim Pitchford at 517-622-0600 - http://thepitchfordgroup.com/ - Welcome to 2105 Alpha. This home has a warranty! Great curb appeal with the treed fro...

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The New Home Warranty for Condominiums
Knowing the difference between your unit and the common elements is the first step to getting the most from your condominium #39;s warranty. This video explains ...

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