Monday, July 02, 2007.Toxic mold video You Tube

Monday, July 02, 2007. IL: City kept mum on potential home defects The structural defects first surfaced at a 115-home luxury development in the Bridgeport neighborhood known as Bridgeport Village. A subcontractor alerted city officials, who commissioned an engineering study that found the plans for the houses did not meet the building code.

Monday, July 02, 2007. FL: CCI-Coast Bank debacle In depth; links to the history of this builder-bank case

Monday, July 02, 2007. Canada: Riverbend developer loses licence CB Development (2000) Ltd., developer of the troubled Riverbend housing project.

Monday, July 02, 2007. WA: Lobbying is big business State's builders spent more than $100,000 lobbying lawmakers this year to help stave off a bill that would have given homeowners more ability to sue if their new house had defects.

Monday, July 02, 2007. FL: Appraiser unveils study of market in North Port "There is vacant home after vacant home, all of them built on spec with no buyer,"

Monday, July 02, 2007. US: Subprime Loans: Buyer's Remorse Hitting Home? Greed got us all into this housing boom, and greed, as it always does, will inevitably take us down.

Monday, July 02, 2007. US: Builders have further to fall Homebuilder stocks continue to be slammed

Monday, July 02, 2007. US: Construction Defects: The Flood to Come? An older article worth repeating, also from Charles Hugh Smith, see below...Smith was one of the writers predicting current problems.

Monday, July 02, 2007. US: July 2nd entry: The Shifting Sands of Lies: An Economy and a Stock Market Built on Lies Allow me to summarize: the entire credit/lending bubble which has long powered the housing, bond and stock markets is in danger of collapsing--unless the lies are maintained. --Charles Hugh Smith

Sunday, July 01, 2007. FL: Owners sue over money pit house 5 yr old $11 million house that doesn't meet code.

Sunday, July 01, 2007. US: Mortgage Fraud and Predatory Lending Information Center for Responsible Lending

Sunday, July 01, 2007. CA: Lodi homeowners find dream neighborhood not so charming Home buyers bought at worst time; were also told by KB Home that the builder was not selling to investors: 60 of the 80 homes in his subdivision are now either for sale, in foreclosure or for rent.

Sunday, July 01, 2007. NJ: UPDATE: Kara Homes Bankruptcy Kara sells property to satisfy bank debt

Sunday, July 01, 2007. PA: Judge delays sentencing for former builder Slayton Ongoing coverage by David Pierce of the Pocono Record on homebuilding and real estate fraud cases from the area.

Friday, June 29, 2007. US: UPDATE on Beazer Exec trying to destroy records From The Charlotte Observer, which exposed Beazer mortgatge/foreclosure problems: fresh trouble for a company already under federal criminal investigation.

Friday, June 29, 2007. Business Week: Building Woes for Beazer MORE: "Was he shredding under orders? If not, who else had knowledge of the information in those documents and what does it imply for the then-CFO?"

Friday, June 29, 2007. US: RESPA News Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act: RESPA violations include issues we've posted news about here on HADD such as builders requiring buyers to use their lender, illegal kickbacks, etc. This is a subscription site, but the headlines and teasers are sufficient to know if the info is worth paying for in your particular case. --Ed.

Friday, June 29, 2007. IL: Lawyer says report proves shoddy porch in fatalities, injuries Besides being too long and wide, the report notes, the porch had insufficient floor joists, perimeter beams, joist hangers and lag screws.

Friday, June 29, 2007. NC: Efforts should persist in getting a slope development law Objections from builders groups, real estate agents, others, killed legislation intent on ensuring homes built on steep slopes would not slide downhill.

Friday, June 29, 2007. CA: UPDATE: Mayor wants to see alleged Runkle Canyon contamination for himself Joint partnership between KB Home, Lennar to build 461 houses on land that may be contaminated.

Friday, June 29, 2007. Motley Fool Investing Site: Fall of the House of Beazer UPDATE: Shredding of documents might leave Beazer's reputation in tatters

Friday, June 29, 2007. NJ: MORE on Kara Homes Bankruptcy Kara Homes getting new name--Maplewood Homebuilders. Unsecured creditors, (homeowners, subcontractors, etc), will only recover pennies on the dollar.

Friday, June 29, 2007. NJ: UPDATE on Kara Homes (aka Maplewood) Bankruptcy and New Name Comments at end of article are also interesting.

Friday, June 29, 2007. US: Home stores' sales not so sweet Housing market swoon hits furniture, home improvement sectors

Thursday, June 28, 2007.Building Science Articles on window flashing, drainage planes...common problem areas we see in complaints at HADD.

Thursday, June 28, 2007. US: Flashing Recessed Windows Company that repaired many leaky windows explains how to do the job right. Does your builder use any flashing? One of the most commonly omitted materials that HADD hears about lately is missing window flashing which virtually ensures windows will leak inside walls.

Thursday, June 28, 2007.Mortgage Fraud Current news

Thursday, June 28, 2007.Housing Crash Current news

Thursday, June 28, 2007. SC: Homes were approved for occupancy despite flaws, records show Trusses improperly fastened in Pulte development, possibly others.

Thursday, June 28, 2007. TX: Update on Oak City Ryland complaints For more than four hours Tuesday night, residents of the Bridlewood Park neighborhood told the Live Oak City Council about watching their new homes deteriorate around them. City Councilwoman says Ryland has 15% error rate

Thursday, June 28, 2007. NJ: UPDATE on Kara Homes bankruptcy case NOTICE OF BUILDER NAME CHANGE Kara Homes founder ousted and builder's name changed under revised plan...(changing name to) Maplewood Homebuilders LLC., owned by Glen Fishman, and Plainfield Specialty Holdings II, a hedge fund.

Thursday, June 28, 2007. Charlotte Observer: UPDATE: Beazer "This recent development will, in our opinion, dramatically increase the appearance of the company's culpability," Citigroup Inc. analyst Stephen Kim wrote (Contains link to Observer's series on Beazer foreclosures.)

Thursday, June 28, 2007. MD: Condo owners sue Ryland Water infiltration and damage, structural instability and more

Thursday, June 28, 2007. US: Beazer and KB Home troubles From CNN

Thursday, June 28, 2007. US: FBI: Just released 2006 Mortgage Fraud Report Finance-related occupations, including accountants, mortgage brokers, and lenders, were the most common suspect occupations associated with reported mortgage fraud.

Thursday, June 28, 2007. Nat'l interest: Schoolyard secrets Article exposes some dangerous assumptions about the public's right to know about toxins in their neighborhoods.

Thursday, June 28, 2007. LA: 9 contractors hit with theft charges Post-Katrina construction fraud

Thursday, June 28, 2007. US: Deflating the Housing Bubble Growing wave of scandals surrounding the mortgage and housing industry

Thursday, June 28, 2007. US: Just Ask Lou Columnist advises consumer to pass up shady sounding deal from builder, & more...

Thursday, June 28, 2007. US: UPDATE on Beazer , federal investigations & destroyed documents Raises red flags regarding content of documents

Thursday, June 28, 2007. FL: Palmetto subdivision homeowners surprised by blanket lien Roughly 200 individual property owners are finding themselves in the first step of a foreclosure because of a legal tussle between well-known Palmetto builder deMorgan Communities and the company that did roads, utilities, sewers and drainage for the development....Real estate attorneys said that the neighborhood's troubles could be a taste of what is to come as contractors in the state's limping real estate market use every remedy available to them under Florida law to get developers to pay.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007. TX: Shaky Foundation: Homeowners — and HUD — give city failing marks Critics charge department is pandering to favored developers, wasting money, and has little accountability.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007. US: More on Beazer Homes and destruction of documents Wall Street Journal: HUD said it's examining whether Beazer violated federal regulations in arranging government-insured mortgage loans, while the FBI said it's looking at issues of possible fraud.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007. CO: Man In Fight With Builder Over Shifting Soil Disabled military vet can't sell cracked home built by Centex

Wednesday, June 27, 2007. US: Beazer Accountant Fired in Document Destruction Try MORE...Beazer Homes USA Inc., which is under investigation by the FBI for potential fraud, fired its chief accounting officer for violating the company's ethics policy by attempting to destroy documents.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007. US: BEAZER HOMES: cans chief accounting officer for destroying documents UPDATE on Securities and Mortgage fraud investigations in news posted earlier this year.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007. NV: Developer describes consultant's bonus for Las Vegas land deal Developer Donald Davidson standing trial on charges he paid Commissioner Erin Kenny $200,000 for getting zoning on property changed from residential to commercial.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007. Contractor Magazine: Bring residential fire sprinklers into the code Heavy opposition from home builders, who consider fire sprinklers an unnecessary expense that affects their bottom line.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007. AL: Commission needs to revisit inspector issue Author grasps concept that shoddy construction is not "affordable" for communities!

Wednesday, June 27, 2007. US: More trouble for homebuilders Lennar's loss of nearly a quarter BILLION dollars, etc...

Wednesday, June 27, 2007. PA: Contractor pleads in fraud case Frank James Jarbeck Jr. pleads guilty on multiple counts...

Wednesday, June 27, 2007. OR: Bid to protect homebuyers fizzles In an emotionally charged hearing room, a budget subcommittee last week chose not to advance House Bill 2656. The bill's proponents accused the powerful Oregon Home Builders Association of acting in bad faith.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007. PA: UPDATE: Developer pays $250,000 to end federal mortgage probe Homeowners will not get restitution and Percudani can remain a home builder and contractor. (The headline perfectly describes how this problem keeps happening. --Ed.)

Wednesday, June 27, 2007. US: Second Home Scam Self Defense Realty Times: Con artists, including builders, know "baby boomers" have money & are ripe for the taking. Red flags: Guaranteed Appreciation; Preconstruction Specials; Cash-back deals; Glitzy Advertising; using experts recommended by the seller/builder/real estate agent; not getting house inspected before closing, etc...

Tuesday, June 26, 2007. US: Builders pushing hard to be able to keep cheap (illegal) labor From NAHB's Nation's Building News.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007. US: Return of the Amnesty Bill Horror Illegal immigration debate.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007. MO: Developer pleads guilty to not paying taxes for workers Michael Schlup d/b/a Schlup Investments Inc. and Plaza Gardens on the Lake Inc

Tuesday, June 26, 2007. US: Appraisers push for real estate fraud rules It's called "hitting the number" - or inflating a home's value - and real estate appraisers who don't do it often enough can find it hard to make a living.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007. US: Eagles soar while species protections sink US Supreme court rules in favor of home builders, over environment and endangered species.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007. US: Ex-execs plead guilty to Countrywide fraud Mortgage lender's former executives plead guilty to insider trading

Tuesday, June 26, 2007. TX: Alleged shoddy workmanship leads property owner to sue contractor Fast-Trak Construction

Monday, June 25, 2007. US: Immigration II: No Guarantees Under pressure from White House, business community -- with chief exception of home builders -- has agreed not to oppose stricter work-site rules requiring verification of workers' legal status.

Monday, June 25, 2007. PA: JURY TO CITY: PAY UP City took family's property for housing development; four years later jury says city must pay.

Monday, June 25, 2007. Nat'l interest: Give me a 10 or else! Customer surveys in general; mentions Beazer Homes attempting to pay for high ratings.

Monday, June 25, 2007. FL: Mold issue gets some air Problems with Levitt and Sons: Rosenberg said he has asked for a list of the items that will be repaired, but was told that only those residents who agree to sign a confidentiality agreement will be allowed to read or pay to receive a copy.

Monday, June 25, 2007. NY Times: The Best Judges Business Can Buy Wealthy interests trying to influence court decisions by pouring money into state judicial elections

Monday, June 25, 2007. US: 6 Sleazy Home Improvement Scams "Some are actual scam artists, while others are just incompetent or unethical," says Ellis Levinson, a consumer reporter and author of the book "Hiring Contractors Without Going Through Hell."

Monday, June 25, 2007. KS: Pulte video Lexana homeowner's complaint about faulty construction; some neighbors fer her complaint is driving down their property values. (We are having some problems getting this video to play now (except for the ads!) but if you can see it note that one of the "homeowners" interviewed is really the Pulte VP of finance!)

Saturday, June 23, 2007. Nat'l interest: Two Veterans Experience with Buying a House from Pulte Homes Consumer's site. There is more regulation on the manufacture of toilet paper than on houses!

Saturday, June 23, 2007. US: Mortgage Forms Sow Confusion FTC found that despite current truth-in-lending laws many borrowers simply do not understand their mortgages -- especially subprime loans that come with complex features and costly penalties.

Saturday, June 23, 2007. AZ: Company shake-up reaches Sun City 14-year Pulte veteran one of 1900 people builder laid off nationally; Tehama project in hibernation.

Friday, June 22, 2007. You Tube video of news report: Songwriter's Toxic Nightmare Forced to abandon home, possessions.

Friday, June 22, 2007. NY: Valley Cottage family's home isn't finished, and town isn't happy Family ripped off by builder, then another contractor. Now living in violation of city code, with nowhere else to go. Their own lawyer and the bank allowed closing without a certificate of occupancy (CO) a problem HADD frequently sees and does not recommend home buyers close without.

Friday, June 22, 2007. TX; TRCC: Homeowner seeks help in renovation dispute Homeowner trying to re-coop portion of $23,000 he paid Blue Diamond Remodeling (Owner Richard Rucker). Complaints against company have been received by BBB and Texas Residential Construction Commission.

Friday, June 22, 2007. FL: UPDATE on CCI case Ongoing saga of Jessee Batttle's Construction Compliance Inc, company failure and possible criminal charges.

Friday, June 22, 2007. FL: Son of Developer refuses to pay fines on "behemoth truck" ''The neighbors hate me, dude,'' said George, the son of wealthy developer John Paul George, owner of Majestic Homes, a major custom-home builder in Florida.

Friday, June 22, 2007. AZ: More on the PULTE incident with the protesters being doused East Valley Tribune, the paper that did the series on the "checkered past" of developer Jim Rhodes earlier this year.

Friday, June 22, 2007. PA: Poconos home builder case settled for fraction of what state attorney general sought One of the biggest fraud cases he'd ever seen...None of the money will go to the homeowners, and Percudani is free to build homes again. Many of the homeowners lost their homes and/or are in bankruptcy as a result.

Friday, June 22, 2007. US: Has That Homebuilder Got a Deal for You? Pulte, D.R. Horton, (others); when a builder offers a $99,000 discount on a newly built home, are you really buying a $300,000 home for $201,000? Or are you paying $201,000 for a home that's really a $190,000 home spiffed up with marketing smoke and mirrors? (Article mentions "cash back" deals, too, but doesn't point out that many of them are illegal as previous news has done. --Ed.)

Friday, June 22, 2007. US: The downside of real-estate sales incentives Might mask a much steeper downturn in real-estate sales. The most aggressive deals may be downright fraudulent.

Friday, June 22, 2007. US: Suspicious Activity Reports Prove to be a Helpful Tool in Combating Mortgage Fraud From Mortgage Fraud blog

Friday, June 22, 2007. TX: UPDATE: Congressman Informs Feds About Mirasol Homes U.S. Rep. Charlie Gonzalez of San Antonio recently sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission concerning complaints about health and construction issues raised by residents who live at Mirasol Homes (built by KB Home).

Friday, June 22, 2007. MO: Incomplete projects cause headaches Frederick Hiner stopped work on the Hollister development nearly two years ago, leaving four of the 11 homes partially built and without streets, water and sewer.

Friday, June 22, 2007. CO; U.S.: D.R. Horton Closes Trimark Communities in Denver Housing giant also consolidates Melody Homes and Continental Homes in market overhaul.

Friday, June 22, 2007. ADR World: House Subcommittee Probes Fairness of Consumer Arbitration Requires subscription; for free articles about same thing see Tue June 19th 2007 News below.

Friday, June 22, 2007. US: ADR World Arbitration articles.

Friday, June 22, 2007. LA: Easterling v. Royal Manufactured Housing Manufactured home dispute and arbitration. (Both this and the WA state case below are PDF's)

Friday, June 22, 2007. WA: Satomi Owners Association v. Satomi Appeals Court said Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) doesn't trump state law re: use of courts in this condominium warranty dispute. One issue: whether there is interstate commerce triggering FAA.

Friday, June 22, 2007. AZ: Water trucks douse Pulte protesters AZCentral.com article re: video below. Labor dispute. Pulte denies it was their truck but video clearly shows "Pulte" on the truck.

Friday, June 22, 2007. You Tube: Video showing Pulte truck spraying protesters with water Check out menu below showing more videos of Pulte problems.

Thursday, June 21, 2007. US: High Court Has Been Good For Business Consumer advocates say it is especially important that victims of corporate wrongdoing have the option of going to court, partly because the federal government for years has been scaling back its regulation of business.

Thursday, June 21, 2007. OR: Gov signs bills into law Certain of these bills pertain to construction.

Thursday, June 21, 2007. US: More on harmful arbitration claues in consumer contracts (including home purchases)

Thursday, June 21, 2007. FL; Nat'l interest: Make Sure Builders and Developers Put Promises in Writing Promises made by Linderand Inc., developer and Bracken Chase Home Builders were not kept; homeowners on existing property now have expensive drainage problem.

Thursday, June 21, 2007. US: Buying an Environmentally Friendly Home Tips.

Thursday, June 21, 2007. FL: Proposed amendment pits builders against voters Plan should reflect the public interest

Thursday, June 21, 2007. CA: Radiation Rangers Developers of Simi Valley’s Runkle Canyon claim the water tested clean. Then a band of citizens discovered super-toxic goo seeping from the ground...where KB Homes hopes to build 461 residences.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007. US: Nat'l Association of Mortgage Bankers warns about using builders' in-house lenders PDF: when the consumer informs the builder they have chosen an unaffiliated mortgage company, the builder refuses to go to closing, cancels the contract, keeps the customer’s deposit, and denies the consumer the previously offered incentives. (RESPA law violations)

Wednesday, June 20, 2007. TN: 'Nightmare' dream home may lead to building codes in Campbell Co. Leaky home built by Alco Builders.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007. TN: Couple battles contractor in court over 5-year house project Homeowners obtained judgment against Jones Brothers Construction for their losses of over $100,000, but haven't been able to collect. House "has to be torn down."

Wednesday, June 20, 2007. Nat'l interest: Builder story on "America's Most Wanted" to air Sat. 23 June 2007 According to the FBI, Craig John Oliver, (aliases John Oliver, Craig J. Oliver and Mel Merlowe), a convicted felon, defrauded 68 Virginia and Maryland homeowners out of more than $2.5 million.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007. CT; Nat'l interest: Home Construction Became Big Headache Contractor didn't finish work, put lien on house. House wasn't even connected to water or sewer. Homeowner cannot sue contractor because of arbitration clause.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007. US: Update: Arbitration Hearings How consumers are negatively affected by mandatory arbitration agreements. Good links to legislation, testimony, etc.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007. US: The Illegal Employer Problem Between 1999 and 2003, work-site enforcement operations were scaled back 95 percent

Wednesday, June 20, 2007. US: You can write to your elected officials asking to ban mandatory arbitration in consumer contracts Click on "Ban Mandatory Arbitration" on the right hand side/menu. Very easy, no registration required.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007. US: Builders Sharpen Attack on Flawed Immigration Bill NAHB launches major effort to ensure they will have steady supply of cheap unskilled labor

Wednesday, June 20, 2007. MN; Nat'l interest: $1million lobbying effort helped kill bills insurers feared Insurance industry killed legislation that would make it easier for wronged consumers to sue.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007. US: Homebuilders Failed to Pay Taxes on Undocumented Workers State & Federal Governments May be Owed Over One Hundred Billion Dollars...obtain labor through "coyotes" who arrange illegal labor for subcontractors. (This is posted for the information/opinion content only. --Ed.)

Wednesday, June 20, 2007. Nat'l interest: La Quinta homeowners allege fraud 44 investors suing D.R. Horton for securities fraud

Wednesday, June 20, 2007. OH: Judge allows foreclosures UPDATE: Evergreen Homes LLC and Evergreen Investment Corp Bankruptcy

Wednesday, June 20, 2007. Canada: Riverbend fight goes on the web http://coquitlamriverbend.ca offers readers history of real estate debacle w/CB Development

Wednesday, June 20, 2007. CA: New Home Nightmare "Call Kurtis," local consumer reporter, tackles moldy home problem. Builder has been unable to make the home livable.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007. CO: Liens Placed On New Homes Homeowners named as defendants in legal action filed by unpaid subcontractors: Majority of homes affected built by DR Horton...Homewoners can ask to "tender defense," which allows title company to represent them through legal process...

Wednesday, June 20, 2007. NJ: UPDATE: Kara Homes Bankruptcy Completion expected for some projects

Wednesday, June 20, 2007. TX: UPDATE on Mirasol development built by KB Home Inspections show water intrusion, high humidity, mold, mildew, bacteria, faulty air conditioning and ductwork, and insufficient attic insulation.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007. US: Housing Crash Current news

Wednesday, June 20, 2007. US: Mortgage Fraud Current news articles

Tuesday, June 19, 2007. US: Witnesses Clash Over Mandatory Arbitration Clauses A financial services lawyer appeared today at a hearing on Capitol Hill to defend contract provisions that require consumers to take disputes to arbitration, but other witnesses blasted the provisions.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007. GA: Builder pleads guilty to theft Builder swore in affadavits that he paid subs, which he had not, causing homebuyers to have liens on their property. (HADD sees this in complaints frequently...it's interesting that in this case it was considered a crime because usually homeowners are told "get a lawyer--it's civil." --Ed.)

Tuesday, June 19, 2007. FL: Ex employees sue Mercedes Homes Allege they were not paid overtime they were entitled to.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007. NJ: UPDATE on Kara Homes Bankruptcy Town to go after bond for Birch Hill project

Tuesday, June 19, 2007. SC: Fraud suspect turns self in John Lauro-Brotherton used mortgage brokerage, licensed construction company, home manufacturer, two banks and the Florida Division of Corporations to facilitate scheme.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007. US: McGreevy on Law Though this is written for the benefit of subcontractors, it is also useful to home buyers and homeowners.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007. US: Reminder: Important request for arbitration stories Give Me Back My Rights -- a coalition of groups fighting to remove Binding Mandatory Arbitration clauses from consumer contracts

Tuesday, June 19, 2007. MD; Nat'l interest: Buyers beware Homebuilders often write contracts with certain arbitration companies, and those firms tend to be on the side of the builder.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007. US: Center for Responsible Lending Mandatory Arbitration Harms Homeowners in lending, too.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007. US: Hearing on the "Mandatory Binding Arbitration Agreements: Are They Fair for Consumers?" Reminder: this is the US House of Representatives page to watch on this legislation.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007. US: US Public Interest Research Group on Arbitration Legislation in Congress Most Americans think that everyone with a dispute has the right to a day in court. Wrong...

Tuesday, June 19, 2007. UPDATE: US: 2007 FAIR ARBITRATION ACT More testimony about proposed federal legislation to ban mandatory arbitration clauses in consumer contracts. This testimony is by David Schwartz, a law prof. at the U. of WI. This is a PDF file.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007. WI: Homeowners protest D.R. Horton development Shortchanged by company that built their subdivision, homeowners protest. Court rejected builder's restraining order.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007. US: FAIR ARBITRATION ACT OF 2007 Abolishing binding mandatory arbitration clauses in consumer contracts. VERY important legislation benefitting all consumers, including those buying HOUSES.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007. US: BAD STUCCO We've seen a number of articles in the news recently about homes with stucco related construction defects. This site, Bad Stucco, should help understand what goes wrong. --Ed.

Monday, June 18, 2007. Canada: Court orders sale of BC homes at market value CB Developments in receivership

Monday, June 18, 2007."KB Home Warning" Consumer's experience with the builder

Monday, June 18, 2007. CO: UPDATE: Lobbyist criticized, but not sanctioned Builder's lobbyist lied to voters about a consumer protection bill in attemtp to kill it; lawmakers say it is ok, protected by free speech. (Remember that next time a builder sues a homeowner for truthfully complaining! --Ed.

Monday, June 18, 2007. NJ: Crack Down on Tax-Cheating Home Builders Bill sponsored by Sen. Ellen Karcher would increase penalties on home builders who misclassify construction workers to circumvent tax laws; approved by Senate by vote of 24-12.

Monday, June 18, 2007.Centex Leaving Ohio Market Centex says move matches what other builders are doing.

Monday, June 18, 2007. US: Home Builder Sentiment Down: And They’re Mad At Me?? Columnist Diana Olick and Dave Seiders, the Chief Economist for the NAHB share something: Seiders apparently isn't favored by home builder CEO's for speaking negative news either.

Monday, June 18, 2007. US: How the housing collapse is like the Iraq war. In both Iraq and housing, folks who got us into the mess have repeatedly reassured the public that the debacle is contained

Monday, June 18, 2007. US: Important Questions to Ask Before You Sign a Remodeling Contract From Realty Times

Monday, June 18, 2007. US: Trail of complaints spans several states John David Boggs and Mike Ellis and/or Mark Grawunder, d/b/a Affordable Roofing, Johnson Roofing, KDA Speigle Roofing, A.D. Home Improvements, Scott's company, Tri-State Roofing, Bates Roofing, Trinity Roofing, M One Roofing...

Monday, June 18, 2007. MI: UPDATE: Bay View Conso lawsuits Excavating co. says developer owes nearly $90,000

Monday, June 18, 2007. OR; Nat'l interest: Proposal would toughen ban on fake stucco Illnesses attributed to use of siding's synthetic version.

Sunday, June 17, 2007. US: Ongoing problems exposed with using the builders' lenders: Nat'l Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB) Applauds Investigation of Builders’ RESPA Violations Warns that Violations Emerging Now Are Just Tip of the Iceberg

Sunday, June 17, 2007. US: The Only Thing They Have to Fear Is ... a Level Playing Field Private industry arbitration, such as in home builder and home warranty contracts, deprives consumers of essential rights. Though this article is about arbitration in general it's relevant to housing. --Ed.

Sunday, June 17, 2007. US: 7 Days Remaining to Move to Be a Lead Plaintiff in the Shareholder Lawsuit Against Toll Brothers Complaint alleges that defendants violated federal securities laws by issuing material misrepresentations to the market concerning the Company's business and prospects, thereby artificially inflating the price of Toll Brothers securities.

Sunday, June 17, 2007. MD: How to fight developer and win Residents fight K. Hovnanian development

Sunday, June 17, 2007. AL: You're on your own on the Alabama coast IF YOU live near the coast, don't rely on FEMA's flood plain maps to decide how safe you are.

Sunday, June 17, 2007. Nat'l interest: Low cost homes turn into high priced headache More on Habitat for Humanity problems.

Sunday, June 17, 2007. IL: Black mold warps family's dream into nightmare Due to building defect toxins force evacuation of Habitat for Humanity in Knox County. Home will supposedly be "fixed" and sold to another family. Original owner lost $13,000.

Sunday, June 17, 2007. AZ; Nat'l interest: Experts have tips for new-home buyers Some good tips but HADD urges buyers to do MUCH more than these types of articles normally recommend. For example they always tell you to check licensing agencies and BBB's but from our experience both entities may keep at least some compliants out of public view. See our Downloads link on our home page for more info on this topic. --Ed.

Sunday, June 17, 2007. FL: Condo investors having a nightmare--have lost millions Condos unfinished. Contractor & subs not paid. Bank foreclosing on project.

Sunday, June 17, 2007. NY: UPDATE: The neighborhood killers Part of ongoing report: The Daily News investigative series "Building Boom-doggle"

Sunday, June 17, 2007. FL: Habitat homes shoddy, residents contend More than 50 Fairway Oaks homeowners say they fear that the blitz construction was shoddy and that their land, adjacent to two former town dumps, is unstable or contaminated.

Sunday, June 17, 2007. PA: Big Mess at Big Ridge Toll Brothers created illegal housing development, Middle Smithfield Township officials contend....affects legal ownership status of nearly 400 home buyers.

Sunday, June 17, 2007. AZ: $500K house takes its toll: (A DEVELOPER gets taken by a builder!) When he hired Toll Brothers his dream home turned into a nightmare.

Saturday, June 16, 2007. FL: Man wanted for elaborate fraud scheme Jeffrey John Lauro-Brotherton, aka Jeff Lauro, has been associated with Forefront Construction, Palm Harbor Consulting Services, Palm Harbor Homes of Southwest Florida, Maverick Development of Southwest Florida and ETS Interiors.

Saturday, June 16, 2007. TX: Officials say there's hope for troubled Lake Ridge neighborhood Unfinished & abandoned houses, foreclosures, unscrupulous builders, and suspected arson, in "upscale" neighborhood.

Saturday, June 16, 2007. NC; Nat'l interest: Builders resist wind standard FEMA has threatened to withhold relief money from North Carolina if the building code council doesn't adopt the national standard protecting against wind-borne debris.

Friday, June 15, 2007. TX: 5 Indicted in Multimillion Dollar Texas Fraud Scheme Texas attorney and developer, sports agent, bank loan officers, and appraiser indicted in multimillion dollar mortgage fraud scheme. Scheme reached every aspect of real estate loan: seller, buyer/borrower, loan officer, appraiser, escrow officer, title company.

Friday, June 15, 2007. TX: UPDATE: Inspector details Mirasol home problems Water intrusion around windows, too little attic insulation, faulty air- conditioning systems and drainage problems surfaced as key issues in the first comprehensive inspection reports on houses in the complaint-plagued Mirasol Homes subdivision. (Which was built by KB Home.)

Friday, June 15, 2007. GA: Builder Faces 25 Years in Prison Steve Stratacos, aka Steve George.

Friday, June 15, 2007. Nat'l interest: Builders wooing real estate agents Plying agents with freebies, cash bonuses to close sales.

Friday, June 15, 2007. MI: Homebuilders exempted from Michigan Consumer Protection Act Liss, et al. v. Lewiston-Richards: May ultimately allow businesses to engage in unethical behavior, and "the ultimate loser, of course, will be consumers...

Friday, June 15, 2007. US: Tips to "green" your home HGTV article

Friday, June 15, 2007. US: EPA: Indoor Air Quality Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) found in paint and many products, have effects ranging from irritation to toxicity.

Friday, June 15, 2007. US: FTC Confirms That Most Homebuyers Couldn't Identify Mortgage Amount Study found half of borrowers couldn't identify loan amount, 90 percent couldn't figure out upfront costs, two-thirds couldn't find prepayment penalties.

Thursday, June 14, 2007. US House of Represenatatives: Hearing on Mandatory Binding Arbitration Click on names to the right, to hear witness testimony.

Thursday, June 14, 2007. US: Mandatory Binding Arbitration Agreements: Are They Fair For Consumers? Testimony of Jordan Fogal to Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law, (Judiciary.house.gov site)

Thursday, June 14, 2007. US: PAUL BLAND'S TESTIMONY ON MANDATORY BINDING ARBITRATION Article has link to PDF file of testimony.

Thursday, June 14, 2007. US: Use It or Lose It U.S. House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank threatened to take away the Federal Reserve's legal power to write consumer-protection rules, telling an official the board must ``use it or lose it.''

Thursday, June 14, 2007. NY: UPDATE on long-running story: Amico freed from prison The Amicos were convicted of running conspiracy that allegedly defrauded mortgage lenders of $58.5 million on homes built in suburban Monroe, Ontario and Wayne counties

Thursday, June 14, 2007. US: AZ and other states make mortgage fraud a crime Artificially inflated values, cash-back schemes, etc.

Thursday, June 14, 2007. MI: Fired official was Inspections head since '91 Was inspector fired for citing builders for violations?

Thursday, June 14, 2007. US: American Arbitration Association Launches Home Construction Arbitration Rules And Mediation Procedures Changes to the rules that every homeowner with an arbitration clause needs to know. See link to actual rules, below. Keep in mind both articles/rules are from the perspective of the arbitration industry which serves the building industry...it is not from a consumer's perspective.

Thursday, June 14, 2007. US: American Arbitration Association "Home Construction Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures." If you have an arbitration clause in your contracts these are the rules you will likely be under, though some private arbitration firms may go by their own rules.

Thursday, June 14, 2007. HGTV: Framing for Strength A lot of framers don't get how to use housewrap, flashing.

Thursday, June 14, 2007. FL; Nat'l interest: Mortgage firm fires 12 without warning Wells Fargo workers did First Home loans, (a Hovnanian subsidiary).

Thursday, June 14, 2007. NJ: Kara Homes Bankruptcy UPDATE on reorganization.

Thursday, June 14, 2007. NJ: Another builder files for bankruptcy Elliott Building Group, aka Elliot Holding Group; buyers' deposit money may be tied up.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007. NY: Westchester County expands list of shady contractors Reliable Chimney, Frontier Fence, Russell's Door Service; U.S.A. Roofing Inc.; Marotta's Home Improvement; Mighty Joe Young's Contracting; Tim-Ron Fence Co. and Capital 1 Construction... (The question is, how many complaints does it take before the county adds a contractor to the list?)

Wednesday, June 13, 2007. FL: UPDATE: Gopher tortoises win reprieve from live burials Developers no longer allowed to bury gopher tortoises alive. (Previous news said developers paid fine as if it were a fee, and bulldozed over the animals without doing required relocation.)

Wednesday, June 13, 2007. MI; Nat'l interest: The Beautiful Solution to Water Pollution Builders, cities, homeowners using Rain gardens to absorb and store storm water. The gardens also help purify water as it percolates back into soil.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007. TX: Homeowners seek help from Live Oak Dissatisfied buyers of Ryland Homes seek help of City Council, some have set up website, www.rylandtrouble.com

Wednesday, June 13, 2007. OR: Home sales still sliding as prices inch upward Houses no longer flying off the market.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007. GA; Nat'l interest: Do Georgia's Small Builders Signal a Dangerous Trend? "Meyer-Sutton is a small bankruptcy, but it isn't the only one out there," says Keith Long, head of Otter Creek Management, a $125 million hedge fund in Palm Beach, Fla. "It's a sign that we're right at the tip of what's beginning to unfold."

Wednesday, June 13, 2007. OH: UPDATE: Judge denies creditor's request Evergreen Homes LCC and its other companies will not be changing its bankruptcy status from Chapter 11 Reorganization, to Chapter 7 Liquidation.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007. MI: Suit filed in BayView case; effort to block refund check BayView condos: Suttons Pointe Development, L.L.C. Article describes two cases, one which the builder lost in arbitration and appealed anyway.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007. US: Building a Home Tips from the Nat'l Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI)

Tuesday, June 12, 2007. WA: Court Declines to Apply Fed Arbitration Act to Washington Condo Project Purchaser guaranteed right to pursue judicial relief for breach of the statutory warranties.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007.Mortgage Fraud Current news

Tuesday, June 12, 2007. US: Homebuilders New Mantra: Don't Talk To The Media! It begs the question: What are you all afraid of?

Tuesday, June 12, 2007. MD; Nat'l interest: Green is the goal While green building's touted by the industry as a new trend they invented, some builders have already been doing it for decades. "We've been doing it for years," homebuilder Jim Hurney said. "It just irritates me that houses aren't built right."

Tuesday, June 12, 2007. US: HUD audit hurts stock in Hovnanian Builder had to refund 17 loans; 65 more loans under investigation. Hovnanian also accused of requiring buyers to use its mortgage and title insurance affiliates, a violation of federal law.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007. US: Housing Crash Current news articles

Monday, June 11, 2007. Nat'l interest: War of Words Targets Civil Justice System in California and the Weapon is Fear Phrases, "jackpot justice," "frivolous lawsuits," "runaway juries," or "liberal judges..." carefully crafted to manipulate public opinion and pollute jury pools using fear. (Builders' right-to-repair laws also play on these fears.)

Monday, June 11, 2007. CA: Salinas contractor faces fraud, theft charges Jose Luis Vasquez

Monday, June 11, 2007. NJ: UPDATE on Kara Homes Bankruptcy: More Time for Plan A slew of creditors objected to the home builder's disclosure statement for providing "inadequate" information.

Monday, June 11, 2007. US: Pay Back Time Drawbacks of Cash-back mortgages

Monday, June 11, 2007. US: Over 1 million foreclosures coming Biggest payment shocks will be felt by borrowers who got low-rate introductory loans

Monday, June 11, 2007. TX: UPDATE on defective Mirasol project Built by KB Home

Monday, June 11, 2007. DE: Past County corruption cases tied to land use Ongoing fraud and racketeering case involving developers: Mario B. Capano, Newark home builder, also was snagged in probe. Capano served six-month sentence on obstruction charges, for allegedly counseling witness not to cooperate.

Monday, June 11, 2007. US: Follow the Alphabet Soup Why would an outfit as large as Fannie Mae or a company that makes steel or glass or builds houses want to be a partner or associate member of one of these organizations, other than to have access to our elected officials...?

Sunday, June 10, 2007. US: Texas homeowner to testify in Congress on arbitration. Jordan Fogal, a Texas homeowner and activist, who has fought against her builder for years, will be testifying in the United States Congress on Tuesday June 12 at 10:20am. Her testimony will be in the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law on the topic "Mandatory Binding Arbitration Agreements: Are They Fair for Consumers?".

Sunday, June 10, 2007. US: Lender beware Vast majority of homebuyers still can get mortgage old-fashioned way: verifying income, putting money down.

Sunday, June 10, 2007. MN: Builder left subcontractors' bills unpaid--now homeowner stuck paying the bill (liens) It is felony theft for a contractor to take money from a consumer and not use it to pay off the subcontractors...

Sunday, June 10, 2007. NC; Nat'l interest: Lost homes haunt families Nationally, the foreclosure rate is 3%; in one Beazer Homes development the rate is 38%. This is part of the Charlotte Observer's series "Sold a Nightmare," on Beazer Homes foreclosure rate and subsequent investigation for mortgage fraud.

Sunday, June 10, 2007. US: A look at local CEOs pocketing top salaries Sharholders unhappy with Toll Brothers CEO pay of $25 million.

Sunday, June 10, 2007. KS: Homeowners wage battle with Pulte Homes over improperly built foundations Both Sabin and Daugherty say they have let the company send repair crews in the past, but that all the work either had been cosmetic or failed to fix the problems. They have no confidence that future repair efforts would finally fix the problems.

Friday, June 08, 2007. US: P*ssed Consumer Consumer Gripe site's pages on construction/builder complaints.

Friday, June 08, 2007. OK: Homeowner questions Lawton's policy builder's permits Builder (unnamed in report) "fixes" obviously leaking shower with a cosmetic dab of caulk. Reporter says builder claimed they would fix the problem.

Friday, June 08, 2007. US: With Houses Lingering on the Market, Builders Outfit Their Model Homes What interior designers try to do, McInnis said, is "create house lust."

Friday, June 08, 2007. US: Mercedes Homes hit by suits on overtime The lawsuits, filed within the past week in U.S. District Court in Orlando, seek class-action status.

Friday, June 08, 2007. FL: UPDATE: Joseph Pufta d/b/a Avalon Homes Builder says he's not guilty; charged with 20 counts of misapplication of construction funds and one count of grand theft. Authorities say more charges pending. Many of Avalon's customers were left financially ruined.

Friday, June 08, 2007. MO: Grain Valley, Mo., Home Builder Guilty of Giving EPA a False Document David Ward, owner of Ward Development & Investment Co, and Woodbury Homes: falsely stated Woodbury had applied for storm-water permit for residential development.

Friday, June 08, 2007. Nat'l interest: Mortgage fraud's costs go beyond the loan Solon police say everyone — from the builder to the mortgage broker to the title company — were in on taking out loans and splitting the cash, with no intention of repaying them...lenders were simply too focused on making money to notice.

Friday, June 08, 2007. NJ: UPDATE on Kara Homes Bankruptcy case Bank to foreclose on Kara development

Friday, June 08, 2007. CA: Civil engineer faces criminal charges in construction project More about engineer Jimmy Jen and contractor Robert McCurn case below: Jen previously had his license suspended & had record of violating building codes.

Friday, June 08, 2007. CA: Dept of Building Inspection liaison charged in theft, fraud Contractor Robert Lee McCurn knowingly did not follow plans; engineer Kaimin “Jimmy” Jen signed off on it anyway in documents filed with the Department of Building Inspection, prosecutors allege.

Friday, June 08, 2007. CA: UPDATE: Red tags lifted off D.R. Horton houses Problem centered on improperly installed anchor bolts that attach homes to concrete foundation. Horton official contacted county and said it had narrowed down improper reports to one employee who was fired.

Friday, June 08, 2007. CA: UPDATE: Permits Reissued To D.R. Horton Building inspectors allege that the developer forged, falsified or changed inspection records on 64 homes. (Article contains link to earlier story)

Friday, June 08, 2007. TX: UPDATE: Mirasol inspections put on fast track KB Home-built housing project w/poor construction, cracked foundations and illnesses residents say are related to mold

Friday, June 08, 2007. Nat'l interest: Ohio sues two O.C. real estate firms over appraisals Appraisers pressured to inflate home values.

Thursday, June 07, 2007. MI: Builders getting out of the MI Consumer Protection Act Liss v. Lewiston-Richards Inc; dissenting opinions quite interesting.

Thursday, June 07, 2007. NY; Nat'l interest: Report details problems; seller's disclosure contradicts findings Before local couple sold "mold house" to woman whose life and credit were ruined by the purchase, two prospective buyers paid for home inspection report that detailed house's laundry list of shortcomings.

Thursday, June 07, 2007. US: Reader comments on immigration article, homebuilders' lobbying Link to article also. Comments are interesting.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007. OK: Man charged with home repair fraud Mark Wayne Shaver charged.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007. FL: Cape builder removes fixtures R. Fry Builders

Wednesday, June 06, 2007. FL: Sky High Controversy Toll Brothers wants to build closer to nesting Bald Eagle than law allows.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007. MA: Telling It Like It Is Homeowner will stand tall and fight…even among tremendous adversity. Ongoing story about Rich Builders, owned by John Rich which will air another part this Fri June 8th.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007. TX: Ryland Trouble Homeowner's site about bad experience with builder.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007. TX: Disgruntled Ryland homeowner turns Internet into soapbox After builder didn't repair 'cracks wide enough to stick a hand in,' homeowner created website, www.RylandTrouble.com featuring photos and inspection report.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007. MD: Conflict of interest on planning board? ‘‘Any applicant that works in the land development industry in Montgomery County or even in adjacent jurisdictions, there could be a perception of conflict of interest,” Goldstein said. One finalist is a custom home builder. Another is a real estate investor. A third has been a developer in the past.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007. TX: Live Oak residents say their new homes are falling apart New homes by Ryland falling apart and/or flooding.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007. DE: Once-legal debris pits give homeowners that sinking feeling Builders burried construction trash, trees, etc, and built over the pits. Houses, yards, and driveways sink when the material decomposes. State has cleanup program but homeowners are on waiting list for years. Very expensive repair.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007. KY: Squeaky wheel gets the grease Roads uncompleted, lawns terrible, cracked sidewalks, windows not caulked and stucco that’s falling off: WKB Properties homes in Troon development.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007. US: DR Horton lowered to negative Moody's Investors Service changed outlook on D.R. Horton to negative from stable, indicating company's debt ratings are likely to be lowered into junk territory over next 12 to 18 months.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007. US: Homebuilders storm the Hill After enjoying years of unbridled growth, many homebuilders say they're now sinking along with the subprime lending market. So 1,300 of them are in Washington today to ask for help... (What happened to industry's cry to 'keep big govt out of our lives?' --Ed.)

Wednesday, June 06, 2007. CA: Bayview Hunters Point residents want moratorium on shipyard work Toxins: development of former shipyard by developer Lennar Corp.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007. CA: Lennar Corp has bought some SF Board of Supervisors with blood money Lennar Corp. has distributed millions of dollars in the Bay Area and especially in San Francisco buying the votes of some very corrupt City officials.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007. FL: HOUSE OF LIES (Update to news stories dating back to last year) Miami mayor: Ban troubled housing contractor, Cazo Construction.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007. Canada: Advocate named to protect new home buyers Levy, an award-winning journalist and lawyer who retired from the newspaper last fall, is now the consumers' representative on the Tarion board of directors. Tarion regulates builders and administers the new home warranty program.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007. International: Spain's Housing Crash Ghost Towns Appear in Spain as Decade-Long Boom Ends: (many parallels to U.S. housing market)

Wednesday, June 06, 2007. US: Executives Cashing In Shares At Homebuilder NVR I think it indicates that [executives] think it's the peak of the stock for quite some time," said Jack Adamo, who edits a weekly independent newsletter that follows insider transactions.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007. US: Is a subprime storm brewing? Market corrections are rarely easy for the people involved.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007. NC: UPDATE: Builders forgiving loans AG says were illegal At least three of the builders Hall worked with cut a deal with the Attorney General’s office. (Follow up to articles posted earlier this week.)

Tuesday, June 05, 2007. AZ; TX: Robson Unfair Home buyer's bad experience with Robson Communities

Tuesday, June 05, 2007. NH: Builder charged with certificate forgery Aaron Fielder, d/b/a Frontline Construction, arrested for forging certificate of occupancy on house that failed inspection.

Tuesday, June 05, 2007. FL: House built to defy a Category 5 hurricane By acting as his own contractor, he will be able to build the home for about what it would cost to hire a contractor and build a normal home of comparable size.

Tuesday, June 05, 2007. US: Subprime fiasco exposes manipulation by brokerages Hustling risky mortgages.

Tuesday, June 05, 2007. NY: Westchester wants tougher contractor law New law could trigger higher fines and seizure of contractor's truck and tools.