Senators’ ire over warranty bill cools

From The Olympian…

“Two lawmakers who fired off criticisms when House Speaker Frank Chopp killed their home-warranty legislation have softened their tone.

“I don’t want to start a war. I don’t see any good coming from a war with Frank Chopp,” Democratic Sen. Brian Weinstein of Mercer Island said Tuesday. “After he killed the bill, he was gracious enough to come see me in my office Friday afternoon. I was very angry and he was polite.”

Weinstein’s proposal, Substitute Senate Bill 5550, created a 10-year home warranty for new-home buyers. It guaranteed entire structures for 10 years and covered some details. Among those details were guarding against general defects for two years, electrical and plumbing problems for three years, and moisture for five years…”

Bill on New Home Warranties Dead?

From the Rocky Mountain News…
“…in its present form it goes too far in redressing the balance of power.

According to Scott Sullan, a well-known homeowners’ attorney, the bill is needed because builders frequently force their customers to sign waivers forfeiting their right to sue for damages that they should be entitled to collect under the Construction Defect Action Reform Act of 2003.

The bill would effectively void all such waivers as being against public policy. That’s fine, but the builders argue persuasively that the bill goes much farther than that.

First, it would apply not only to future purchase contracts but retroactively, up to six years back. That appears to violate the state constitution’s prohibition against ex post facto laws that would impair existing contracts.

More important, the bill would effectively eliminate the express warranty builders offer home buyers now. By creating “implied,” unspecified warranties, it would turn every little bit of buyer’s remorse into an opportunity to sue…”

Warranty Group Announces Agreement

The Warranty Group, a subsidiary of Onex (TSX: OCX – News) today announced an agreement with United Country Real Estate to offer an exclusive home warranty program.

The program, named “The United Country Home Protection Plan” will have emphasis on rural America and be available in all 50 states to all over 600 United Country offices. The policies will cover multiple dwellings and offer comprehensive coverage on appliances, systems and even heating and air conditioning without age limitations.

Home warranties often increase listings and sales, while potentially reducing costs and risks to sales associates. Homeowners benefit through protection against unexpected expenses related to home repairs.

“United Country is a perfect partner for our innovative approach to enhanced buyer loyalty and satisfaction,” said Mike Frosch, President & COO of TWG Home Warranty, Inc. “Our industry-leading home warranty expertise will be a win/win for United Country brokers and their customers.”

“Partnering with The Warranty Group further differentiates United Country and adds even greater value to our customer experience,” said Lou Francis, President of United Country Real Estate. “Our Home Protection Plan will give even greater peace of mind to our valued clients.”

The United Country Home Protection Plan will be available on all homes listed by United Country.

About The Warranty Group

The Warranty Group is the world’s premier provider of extended service plans, with operations in 33 countries and 2100 employees. By providing underwriting, claims administration, compliance and marketing expertise, The Warranty Group is a single-source solution for manufacturers, distributors and retailers of consumer goods including autos, homes, consumer electronics and appliances. http://www.thewarrantygroup.com .

About United Country Real Estate

United Country is the only national franchise system specializing in country real estate throughout America. The company offers the largest selection of rural properties ranging from small city and town residential properties, second homes, retirement, recreational, ranch, farm commercial and more. United Country has the #1 country real estate website at http://www.unitedcountry.com . With a heritage dating back to 1925, United Country has more than 600 offices from coast-to-coast.