Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Changes approved by the 2012 Oklahoma Legislature opened the door to allow home warranty companies to sell service contracts without regulation by any state agency.

Several Purcell residents have received letters from HomeServe USA Repair Management Corp., offering coverage for exterior water lines between the meter and the house.

The letters tell residents they are responsible for the full cost of maintaining and repairing the exterior water service line that brings fresh water to your property ... Repairs to this line are not typically covered by basic homeowners insurance and could cost you thousands of dollars.

According to the letter, homeowners signing up for the $4.99 per month plan will have $6,000 protection for covered repairs.

However, fine print on the reverse side states that to be covered, any damage to a water line must be the result of normal wear and tear.

Water line damage caused by accident or negligence is specifically not covered.

Jim Smith, chief of the Anti-Fraud Unit at the Oklahoma Insurance Department, said while the letters technically arent a scam, the solicitations fall between any laws we have on the books.

They make it sound like any other home insurance coverage, Smith said. Weve gotten inquiries from about every city in the state. Theres not much we can do with them.

The Oklahoma Attorney Generals Office has also received consumer complaints about the solicitations.

When the legislature changed the rules governing home warranty companies like HomeServe, Smith continued, they took away our jurisdiction over what they do.

Link:

Not a scam, but...

HMS National, Inc. (HMS), the nations leading home warranty provider for Realtors, home sellers and buyers, and an affiliate of Cross Country Home Services, Inc. (CCHS) was presented with a Bronze ECHO Award in the business and consumer services category at last nights 2012 Direct Marketing Association (DMA) International ECHO Awards in Las Vegas. HMS National received the prestigious award for its highly effective renewal marketing strategy and results.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) October 17, 2012

The DMA International ECHO Awards Competition honors the world's best response marketing campaigns campaigns that have raised the bar in terms of strategy, creativity and results. No other award competition looks at the direct response marketing discipline in such depth and totality. Entries are evaluated on creativity, marketing strategy and response results. Campaigns that earn ECHO awards stand as models for what response marketers will strive for in the future being responsive to clients, engaged with customers, focused and accountable for measurable, meaningful results.

We wanted to transform our business through enhancing our customer experience across channels to achieve best-in-class loyalty, said Doug Stein, president of HMS National. In order to accomplish this, we needed to truly understand our customers, so we made a strategic investment in a Voice of Customer program. We used the comprehensive and insightful results to develop a customer-driven, multi-channel campaign, designed to effectively connect with our customers about their needs, preferences and concerns. Our efforts have produced outstanding results for our customers and our business. They have exceeded all expectations and drawn the attention of marketing experts and international organizations. We are honored that our work has been judged as masterful and recognized with an ECHO Award.

Stein also co-presented at a DMA2012 pre-conference workshop on Oct. 14 with Ernan Roman, president of Ernan Roman Direct Marketing. They focused on the expert use of multichannel marketing and its impact on improving the customer experience and loyalty.

Details about the DMA International ECHO Awards and a list of 2012 winners are available at http://www.echoawards.org.

About HMS National

HMS National, a leading provider of home warranties for home sellers and buyers, has been working for millions of homeowners and tens-of-thousands of real estate professionals for over 30 years to make the process of buying, owning and selling real estate saferand more enjoyable, efficient and profitable. As a pioneer and innovator in the home warranty industry, HMS National has consistently been a valuable resource for real estate professionals by providing the HMS Home Warranty, a wide range of professional support tools, marketing training and products, and leading errors and omissions insurance. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, HMS National is an affiliate of Cross Country Home Services, Inc. (CCHS), one of the nations leading providers of home warranty and maintenance plans. For more information, visit: http://www.hmsnational.com.

About Direct Marketing Association (DMA)

The Direct Marketing Association (http://www.the-dma.org) is the worlds largest global trade association of businesses and nonprofit organizations using and supporting multichannel direct marketing tools and techniques. DMA advocates standards for responsible marketing, promotes relevance as the key to reaching consumers with desirable offers, and provides cutting-edge research, education, and networking opportunities to improve results throughout the end-to-end direct marketing process. Founded in 1917, DMA today represents companies from dozens of vertical industries in the US and 48 other nations, including half of the Fortune 100 companies.

Here is the original post:

HMS National Honored by the Direct Marketing Association as a 2012 ECHO Award Winner

According to an industry estimate, the Indian home safety and security market, which includes CCTVs, video phone devices (VDPs), fingerprint locks and intrusion alarm systems is estimated to be around Rs 300 crore in 2012. The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 35 percent for the next four years.

As per an IMS report, the residential surveillance deployment market was estimated to be $1.7 million in 2012 and is likely to go up to $7.1 million by 2016 with a CAGR of about 44.8 percent in India.

With crime increasing at an alarming rate, the increase in the demand for home safety and security devices should not come as a surprise.

Companies like Zicom, Dax Networks, Axis Communications, Digisol and D-Link are some of the names which are riding on this bandwagon.

Crime-driven market

According to reports, India is fast becoming an unsafe place for children with a 24 percent increase in crimes against children in 2011 compared to the previous year. Nearly 33,100 cases were reported in 2011 against 26,694 cases during 2010.

Such an alarming crime rate against children is a big concern for parents; hence they are taking every step to protect the kids. More and more double income single kid families are going in for IP cameras and other home safety devices. A typical building with 100-odd flats goes in for CCTVs in the kids park, corridors and parking areas not only to keep a watch on the overall premises but also to keep an eye on the children, says Subhashini Ramakrishnan, CTO, Dax Networks.

According to a study by HelpAge India, an organization working for the welfare of senior citizens, Delhihome to nearly a million senior citizens, crime against elderly people is four times more than in Mumbai and double that of Bengaluru. The study said that of the total cases of crime against elders registered in Delhi last year, the highest form of crime was hurting a senior (42.2 percent) followed by murder and robbery which accounted for 35.5 and 13.3 percent respectively. A major chunk of these crimes happen within the confines of the senior citizens home.

Lifestyle changes

Says Sudhindra Holla, Country Manager, Axis Communications, The changing lifestyle of consumers is another big reason for the increasing demand of CCTVs. Technology is enabling parents to keep an eye on their parents and children over a mobile phone.

Read the original post:

Opportunities In Home Safety, Physical Security Market

DEERFIELD, Ill. (AP) Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc. on Tuesday posted sharply higher third-quarter net income as the home-products maker benefited from an improving housing market, particularly for new construction.

The company also lifted its full-year earnings outlook above Wall Street's expectations.

The maker of Moen faucets, Master locks, MasterBrand cabinets and other products said its net income in the July-to-September quarter rose to $40 million, or 24 cents per share, up from earnings of $2.2 million, or a penny per share, in the year-ago quarter.

Excluding one-time items, Fortune Brands posted adjusted earnings of 29 cents per share.

Analysts, whose estimates typically exclude one-time items, had expected earnings of 25 cents per share on average, according to a survey by FactSet.

Revenue increased 7 percent to $909.1 million from $848 million, beating analysts' consensus forecast of $898.8 million.

Revenue from Fortune's largest business, kitchen and bath cabinetry, rose 6 percent to nearly $330 million, while plumbing and accessories sales increased nearly 12 percent to $278 million. That segment reported strong growth in its U.S. wholesale business, as well as in international markets, especially China.

Fortune's advanced material windows and door system segment posted a 7 percent revenue increase, with security and storage revenue growing 2 percent.

CEO Chris Klein said the market for Fortune's products improved, with double-digit growth in new housing construction and moderate improvement in spending for home repairs and remodeling.

The company, based in Deerfield, Ill., raised its full-year 2012 earnings outlook to a range of 86 cents to 88 cents per share, excluding one-time items. That's up from the company's previous expectations for a range of 77 cents to 87 cents.

Link:

Fortune Brands posts 3Q profit gain, lifts outlook

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

SMC Networks, a leading provider of networking solutions for the complete digital home, announced the launch of the companys second generation of home security products featuring a number of industry-first innovations.

Recognized as an industry pioneer, SMC was the first networking company to provide home security products for cable operators and service providers, enabling them to break into the fast-growing IP-based home security market, says SMC CEO Alex Kim. Now were the first provider to launch next-generation home security products built on proven technology and packed with enhanced new features and functionality.

SMCs new generation of products includes the industrys first 3G wireless 7-inch touchscreen platform called Aegis 3G, featuring the highest Wi-Fi performance available. A combined home automation platform, alarm panel and touchscreen, the Aegis 3G enables MSOs to offer homeowners an all-in-one wireless device for locally and remotely controlling home security features.

Offered in a new stylish, compact package, the Aegis 3G also enables downloadable widgets that provide homeowners the flexibility to add applications including home monitoring, automation, energy management and health care. Additionally, the Aegis 3G features a high-resolution screen, a more responsive touch panel, and a streamlined footprint. Even with these enhancements, the Aegis 3G will offer an extremely attractive price-to-performance ratio.

SMC is also introducing a series of new sensors designed to secure and protect the home as well as homeowners. These include:

All feature excellent coverage, smaller footprint and lower price point than previous generations.

The Aegis 3G along with our comprehensive suite of new and existing home security sensors will allow MSOs to gain more traction and capture a larger share of the attractive home security market, says SMC VP of Sales Kostas Stavrianos. SMCs leading-edge products are the perfect complement to other bundled services offered by MSOs.

The new home security products integrate seamlessly with SMCs gateway platforms, allowing for a completely integrated solution for todays wireless homes.

SMCs Aegis 3G is scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2013. The first of the series of new sensors will be available for customers in the fourth quarter of 2012. The products will be launched in the U.S. and Canada.

Excerpt from:

SMC Launches 2nd Generation Home Security Products

Home Security Store is now offering a new security guide entitled, Crowd Control, Flash Mobs and Your Safety: How to Stay Safe in Public Spaces During an Emergency. Annie Blanco, the companys in-house marketing manager, explains that the guides purpose is to arm concerned readers with information needed to protect themselves in the event that they encounter a dangerous and life-threatening public event, such as a mass shooting, a flash mob or a crowd stampede.

Riverside, California (PRWEB) October 18, 2012

The 12-page guide begins with the retelling of an incident that occurred in 2011 when a 47-year old man was attacked by two pre-teens at a crowded subway station. The guide recounts how multiple people watched the beating unfold, and a few even videotaped it, while no one intervened to help the victim or to call the police to stop the attack. In this factual introduction, the guide stresses the importance of understanding the psychology of crowds and informs readers of the guides purpose-- highlighting the need for practicing sound security tips outside of the home and, especially, in crowded environments.

In addition to understanding the psychology of people in crowded settings, Crowd Controls table of contents reveals a range of other security topics. Such includes descriptions of different types of dangerous public emergencies, which the guide breaks down into sections detailing how one might increase chances of survival during each one of them. Some of the scenarios included are flash mobs, crowd crazes and stampedes, gang violence, terrorist attacks, and random acts of violence. In each of these sections, detailed security facts, information and advice is shared in an effort to alert the audience to the types of security responses needed to survive each situation.

Crowd Control ends with eight final survival tips which include things like moving slowly when in a crowd in order to avoid creating a stampede, mapping out alternative exits and helping others whenever possible, but only after ones own safety has been secured. As with Home Security Stores other publications, all information is offered in a straightforward and factual manner, which the company insists is not to frighten readers, but to enlighten them about ways to increase their own security, instead. Links to all of the data and information shared in the guide are also featured, which allows the reader further exploration of the subject.

Author Sara Lancaster helped create Crowd Control, Flash Mobs and Your Safety: How to Stay Safe in Public Spaces During an Emergency for Home Security Store. Lancaster was also commissioned to author a previous guide offered on the companys DIY home security ecommerce site entitled Security Breach: A Burglar Is in the House and So Are You. Upon gathering information to include in Crowd Control, she shares that her biggest takeaway is, to always call 911 and offer to help during a public emergency. It's scary how many people ignore what's going on around them. We all need to step in, even if we think someone else is helping.

According to the guide, the Bystander effect is far too common in emergency situations involving a crowd. Individuals frequently avoid intervening or calling for help as they assume, instead, that someone else will. In Crowd Control this psychological effect is held responsible for crimes such as the 1964 death of Kitty Genovese who was stabbed to death in New York while 38 onlookers witnessed her attack, but did nothing. Blanco explains that this and other elements of crowd psychology are a large part of why the guide was created. The Home Security Store team hopes to make people aware of these reactions so that they might be prepared to react differently in the future.

Home Security Store has a history of offering free security information through their website and blog. This summer, the company stimulated a number of conversations throughout the blogosphere with its series of infographics detailing burglary facts in America. Justin Marini, Home Security Stores graphic designer, shares that the companys infographics and guides serve a very good purpose in protecting people, as most of the information contained in these publications are facts that the general public is either misinformed about or just does not know.

The 12-page PDF guide, Crowd Control, Flash Mobs and Your Safety: How to Stay Safe in Public Spaces During an Emergency is available without cost at Home Security Stores ecommerce site. While there, Blanco encourages visitors to also access previous guides, infographics and videos for more useful information about personal and home security. The site also features a vast collection of blog posts and articles on these very subjects, as well as a full selection of do-it-yourself home security devices and accessories.

Annie Blanco Home Security Store Inc. (888) 501-7870 227 Email Information

Here is the original post:

Home Security Store Presents Crowd Control, Flash Mobs and Your Safety: How to Stay Safe in Public Spaces During an ...

WINDSOR, CO--(Marketwire - Oct 22, 2012) - Security & Sound Design of Windsor, Colorado is pleased to announce a key new hire to join their team of security experts -- Jeff Ramos. Ramos started work on September 19, 2012 and is the local security company's Sales & Customer Service Consultant. With years of experience in sales, he brings expertise to Security & Sound Design's sales team.

Ramos says, "Security & Sound Design offers many options for the customer: from commercial security, to home entertainment systems to remote automation. It is fun to get into the creative side with builders, architects and homeowners. I've found my passion in setting up dream homes and functional businesses for customers."

Security & Sound has a variety of solutions for home and business owners' security and sound dilemmas.From alarm systems to control4 to integrated sound systems -- they are a full range security and entertainment company. In addition to providing products and services to existing customers, Security & Sound also reaches out to the community with their online blog so anyone can learn to become a security expert.

Commercial applications of Security & Sound's products and services include: GE Security with 24 hour monitoring fire protection systems, card access and video surveillance. Business owners can also set up automation through control4 in a commercial setting -- whether it is through a mobile device, iPod touch or other device. Multi-line phone systems, commercial sound design and cabling and wireless networks are a practical choice for any office or commercial building. Security & Sound Design can also help a company looking to gain the environmentally sustainable LEED certification.

Home design is also a popular service of Security & Sound. Home services include: GE security, 24 hour monitoring, alarm systems, custom design sound systems, home theater, automation, mobile device interactive access, central vacuum, video surveillance systems, intercom and cabling and wireless networks. Medical Alert Voice Pendants are available for those needing a backup system in case of a fall or injury away from the phone.

Ramos adds, "I've always been in sales, but I am newer to this industry. My previous sales experience is in the motorcycle and automotive industries, where I managed several different dealers in the area. I am excited to be learning a new industry and am well on my way to becoming a security expert."

Security & Sound Design is northern Colorado's premier security company. For more information about the benefits of alarm systems in your home or to contact a security expert call 970-686-1040 or visit http://www.securityandsound.com.

Continued here:

Security & Sound Design Grows Team of Home and Business Security Experts With Key New Hire

DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc. (FBHS), an industry-leading home and security products company, today announced results for the third quarter of 2012.

Net sales were $909 million, an increase of 7 percent over the third quarter of 2011. Diluted earnings per share were $0.24 vs. $0.01 in the prior year quarter. Net charges were $0.14 lower than the third quarter of 2011.

Diluted EPS before charges/gains was $0.29 vs. $0.20 in the prior year quarter, a 45 percent increase.

Operating income was $60.6 million, an increase of $39.8 million over the prior-year quarter. Operating income before charges/gains was $72.9 million, up 34 percent year-over-year.

We had another very good quarter. We had broad strength in our businesses as expected, with sales growth in each of our segments, said Chris Klein, chief executive officer, Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc. We achieved this success as the market for our products continued to improve, with double-digit growth in new housing construction and moderate improvement in spending for home repairs and remodeling.

For each segment in the third quarter 2012, compared to the prior-year quarter:

Our Cabinet sales grew nicely in the quarter, and our continued discipline on promotions coupled with our improving supply chain efficiencies resulted in a sharp year-over-year increase in operating income before charges/gains. Our Plumbing segment continued to capitalize on strength in the new construction market, thanks to our market-leading share with builders and wholesalers. Windows & Door segment sales benefited from the broadening of our distribution in doors and our strength in new construction, and profits improved as expected. Broader product placement, innovation and continued demand for global safety solutions led to gains in the Security & Storage segment, Klein said.

This was another successful quarter for us. Our results reflect the growth in new construction, thanks to the work weve done over the last several years to position ourselves for a recovering market. Our teams are executing well and delivering results that are meeting or exceeding expectations we laid out for ourselves one year ago when we spun off from Fortune Brands. It has been an exciting first year as an independent company, and we believe our solid capital structure, strong brands, compelling product innovation and operational excellence will enable us to perform well in the future, Klein said.

We improved upon our sound balance sheet, said Lee Wyatt, senior vice president and chief financial officer. As of September 30, 2012, cash was $216 million, and debt was down to $345 million with nothing outstanding on our $650 million revolving credit facility. Our net debt-to-EBITDA before charges/gains ratio is 0.4 times.

More here:

Fortune Brands Home & Security Grows Sales and Profit in Third Quarter, Raises Annual Outlook for EPS

Marion Peterson stands in front of the Simes House main entrance, a trusty Scottish terrier by her side. Her Mary Janes look new or carefully preserved, and someone has made sure the flower on her hat is positioned over her left ear. Its the late 1920s and Peterson, a toddler at the time, was visiting her grandparents, who were caretakers of the Simes House, back when the site served as a sort of refuge for young women, according to Simes House Foundation Vice President Will Shain.

The old picture of Peterson has a place in the archive of Simes House memorabilia that keeps growing. The homes rich history dates to its creator, Joseph Simes, a sea captain who commanded the tea trade and built this imposing structure in 1863 on a 75-acre spread. Eight fireplaces, a widows walk, sweeping staircase, mansard roof and plaster moldings screamed success back then and whisper of another time when lights out meant complete darkness and Manomet was a rustic getaway, with a soundtrack rippling with the clip-clop of horses hooves.

The Simes House land, at 29 Manomet Point Road, has shrunk over the years, but still commands awe as work crews lovingly restore the home to its heyday. Thanks to $1.5 million in Community Preservation Act funds, this project is now officially under way. Scaffolding has risen around the house, and masons are repointing chimneys as roofers pound nails and construction crews replace sections of rotted wood.

Shain, along with his wife, Barbara, and former Fire Chief James Pierson, also Simes Foundation members, were excited to discover an original baluster beautiful and ornate compared to the rectangular ones someone installed in the home in later years. More of these original balusters will be created, the Shains said, and will help authenticate the restoration.

A mason working for Vereika Brothers, the contracting company that won the bid on the project, found bricks bearing B. Hedge, the name of a Plymouth brickworks dating to the 1830s. The Hedge family, famous in town for the historic Hedge House, included a brother, Barnabus Hedge, whose name is referenced on these bricks, Shain explained, noting the historic find helps tell the story of those who contributed to the Simes House construction.

The restoration project is being completed in phases. The exterior restoration comes first to ensure the building is weather tight. It should be completed within the next three months. After that, crews will move inside. The Foundation is also applying for a $100,000 matching state grant, through the Massachusetts Historical Commission (an effort endorsed by the towns legislative delegation), to help fund the interior work.

Pierson said his group plans to add sprinklers to the 6,800-square-foot home, which is slated to serve as the Manomet Village Community Center. The layout will include two offices on the second floor, with affordable housing units and caretakers quarters on the third floor. Outside, the driveway will sweep through a village green complete with a barn and benches. Plans for the gazebo have been replaced by an ever better idea, Barbara said, noting a barn for events and other outdoor get-togethers might be more practical and functional.

The goal is for the Simes House to be self-sustaining. A real estate broker has determined the office units and apartments could generate $30,000 to $40,000 annually money that could be used to maintain the center or support other community events and projects.

And, now that the Simes House property hosts Manomets Charlie Brown Christmas tree, which was moved from the edge of a parking lot on 3A near Lukes Liquors in April, this historic property will quickly become a community attraction. A tree lighting will be held here, Barbara said, and the whole town will be able to marvel at this now lush tree that began its life as a scraggly spruce.

Simes House Christmas tree ornaments will soon be available online for $25, with the proceeds benefiting the Simes House. This years 3-D golden ornaments feature the Charlie Brown tree, but there are also some of last years ornaments available depicting the Simes House. For more information, visit simeshousefoundation.org.

See the rest here:

SIMES HOUSE FOUNDATION: Restoration under way

Moss Building & Design, a home improvement company serving northern Virginia, has donated free handyman services to the CureSearch Walk fundraiser.

Chantilly, VA (PRWEB) October 23, 2012

The CureSearch Walk celebrates, honors, and remembers people whose lives have been affected by children's cancer, including patients, families, clinicians, and volunteers. The Northern Virginia CureSearch Walk raised over $127,000 at the walk, a record for the Northern Virginia team.

For owners Pete Hampel, Jason Hampel and Justin Schopp, living and working in Moss service area means a responsibility to give back to the community. We have been providing home improvement services in Northern Virginia for year, and the community has been so good to us. We believe in paying it forward by contributing to community family and child-related causes such as the CureSearch Walk.

Jason Hampel adds, As neighbors in the community, it is our role to be good corporate citizens by contributing to causes that have a positive effect on local families, whether its donating to Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia by providing reusable materials from home remodeling projects, or being a part of the Northern Virginia CureSearch Walk.

Moss employee Jeannine Miller brought the CureSearch Walk to the companys attention when her neighbor became involved after her daughter Katie was stricken with leukemia. Thankfully, Katie has made a full recovery.

Not only did Moss Building & Design donate handyman home services to CureSearch Walk, they also provided hundreds of bottles of water, which Jeannine proudly distributed the day of the event.

Moss Building & Design is proud of their community activities and look forward to being involved in next years CureSearch Walk, as well as other causes that align with the Moss familys community-focused philosophies.

Homeowners wishing to learn more about Moss remodeling services in Virginia, including additions, kitchens, baths, basements and home services, or would like a free consultation, are encouraged to contact Moss or visit the company website at http://www.mossbuildinganddesign.com.

###

Read more:

Northern VA Home Remodeling Contractor Moss Building & Design Donates Free Handyman Services to Charity Fundraiser ...