Editor | National Home Service Contract Association

NHSCA Takes Lead in Home Warranty Industry

Posted on July 16, 2021July 16, 2021 by Editor

Olathe, KS, July 14, 2021
In addition to electing new officers and appointing a new Executive, [See RELATED RELEASE ON NHSCA NEW LEADERSHIP] The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) made several historic decisions at its national meeting in Boothbay Harbor, Maine last month which positively impact the future of the home warranty industry.

The NHSCA voted to restructure its general membership to include new and lesser-known companies, including start-ups. “The concept is to foster newer companies to run their business among the leaders in the industry and to mentor them. While we all are competitors, serving our customers comes first,” noted newly elected NHSCA President Andy Hand of First American Home Warranty of Santa Rosa, California.

A new class of industry stakeholders in hardware, software, appliances, supply chains and technology was formally adopted. “NHSCA Affiliate Members” were established and currently led by Randy Whitehead of National Service Alliance (NSA). “This is exciting for all of us. We are bringing together the best in this industry to propel it forward. Providers benefit along with the new affiliates, but the real winners are consumers,” boasted Whitehead. “Education and growth including a possible National Symposium on Home Warranty are a start. Homeowners need what we can deliver.”

Hand added “We are truly encouraged about our new NHSCA Affiliates. These companies are key stakeholders in our industry and bring more innovation and technology to enhance the total customer experience.”

Jacqui Crockett, re-elected NHSCA Vice President led a forward thinking and innovative planning session with the new NHSCA Affiliates the day after the Board acted. “The founding leaders of the NHSCA left us a great legacy on which to build a future that looks different than it did even just 10 years ago. Builders, Realtors, contractors and most importantly homeowners need us to disrupt the way we’ve always done things to better serve their needs in this constantly changing market. From consumer expectations around their service experience, to increasingly rigorous federal and state safety standards for home systems, to the highly tech-enabled appliances in today’s homes, business as usual will not suffice. It’s time to change and we believe this expanding and diverse NHSCA is the group to make that happen.”

Michael Werner, Founder and CEO of HomeX (www.HomeX.com) and one of the new NHSCA Affiliates said “Werner Ladder, my family’s business, put ladders in most homes across America. Home warranties are equally important, and every home should also have one, given the complexities and challenges of maintaining today’s home systems and appliances.

The NHSCA also adopted updated standards for data collection to better track industry trends and growth. Gwen Gallagher, President of Old Republic Home Protection has been a leader among leaders in the industry for decades. “Just being a big name on television does not prove your value to consumers. The responsible members of our industry are doing the hard work to protect consumers and advance the home warranty industry. Good data collection and NHSCA Accreditation are important in this effort. We are asking consumers, REALTORS and regulators to embrace us in this process.”

About the NHSCA

The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) is a non-profit 501(c)(6) industry trade organization of member companies serving home service contract providers and consumer interests throughout the United States. For more great industry and consumer information, visit http://homeservicecontract.org.

For more information contact Joy L Moore, NHSCA Operations Manager Email: [email protected] or call 913-871-5600.

NHSCA Announces New Leadership

Posted on July 9, 2021 by Editor

Olathe, KS, July 1, 2021

The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) made several historic and pivotal decisions which will positively impact the future of the home warranty industry at its national meeting in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. (SEE RELATED RELEASE: “NHSCA Assumes Top Role in Home Warranty Industry.”]

Andy Hand of First American Home Warranty of Santa Rosa, California was elected President; Jacqui Crockett of 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty of Aurora, Colorado elected Vice-President; and Jim Mullery of Old Republic Home Protection of San Ramon, California was elected Secretary/Treasurer.

The meeting resulted in the hiring Pierce Haley of the national firm of Serlin Haley as the NHSCA Executive Vice President and General Counsel as a transition from Art Chartrand, Chartrand Legal Management, Inc. (CLM, Inc) who formed and led the organization since its inception. “It’s been very rewarding to work with so many fine people in the NHSCA. The home services industry is on the right trajectory. Consumers need the services the members deliver,” said Chartrand. Chartrand will remain Of Counsel to the NHSCA for two years while he focuses on his family’s charitable foundation and the building of the “The Giving Gallery” to serve the Kansas City area. Joy Moore of CLM will remain to handle the management transition to Serlin Haley over the next two years to ensure a smooth transfer.

Hand and Crockett both outlined a promising future for the NHSCA that includes accreditation and high standards for member companies. “Chartrand will be missed, but we have bright and new talent ready to lead. Companies that choose to operate outside state regulation need to be helped and work with the NHSCA toward a better experience” observed Hand. “Customer centric innovation, technology, and service are the roadway of the future. We invite home warranty companies of all types join us in this journey,” added Crockett.

Be sure to look for the NHSCA logo when choosing a home service contract (warranty) provider. See www.homeservicecontract.org for a list of member companies.

About the NHSCA

The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) is a non-profit 50(c) (6) industry trade organization of member companies serving home service contract providers and consumer interests throughout the United States. For more great industry and consumer information, visit http://homeservicecontract.org.

For more information contact Joy L Moore, NHSCA Operations Manager Email: [email protected] or call 913-871-5600.

NHSCA Announces National Meeting and New Officers

Posted on February 10, 2021 by Editor

Lenexa, KS, Feb. 10, 2021

Christopher Wasson, NHSCA President departed his position with Old Republic Home Protection in late 2020 resulting in a transition of top NHSCA leadership. A new slate of officers was unanimously voted in. Rodney Martin, Chief Executive Officer of America’s Preferred Home Warranty of Jackson, Michigan moved up to President and Jacqui Crocket VP of Business, Digital Transformation at 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty of Denver, Colorado assumed the Vice President slot. Any Hand, SVP Marketing and Strategy with First American Home Protection of San Ramon was elected Secretary/Treasurer.

Wasson’s departure was unexpected, however, “We are prepared for this with our officers serving two-year terms. We always have new officers ready and up to speed to take over,” said Art Chartrand the association Executive VP and General Counsel. “We fully expect Wasson to reappear in the home warranty provider ranks and possibly serve again in the near future.”

The NHSCA also took a bold move and determined to hold its 2021 annual board meeting in-person this summer. As was universally the case, the 2020 June meeting was relegated to a Zoom meeting. “We realize some government restrictions could yet alter our plans, but after polling the members, we found most ready, willing and able to attend” reported Joy Moore, NHSCA Operations Manager. Moore added that the meeting locale played a role noting that Boothbay Harbor Maine is a spacious and safe environment, and the hotel is well prepared as the country moves into a post Covid world.

In Boothbay, NHSCA will be dealing with its recent growth of membership and planning for a National Symposium on Home Warranty. “A new membership structure is being contemplated with a smaller and more efficient board size. We are trying to manage our growth while building a larger tent for all stakeholders in the home service contract industry to participate. An affiliate membership for our industry partners, many of whom currently serve on our Advisory Council, is on the table,” reported Martin as the NHSCA President. “As we move into a new normal of operations, we have been discussing and planning for the future for our industry to better serve the consuming public. It’s all a good thing,” added Martin.

Be sure to look for the NHSCA logo when choosing a home service contract (warranty) provider. See www.homeservicecontract.org for a list of member companies.

About the NHSCA

For more information contact Joy L Moore, NHSCA Operations Manager Email: [email protected] or call 913-871-5600.

NHSCA Announces Accreditation Program for Home Service Contract Providers

Posted on September 18, 2019September 20, 2019 by Editor

Sept, 2019 – Lorna Mello, President of the NHSCA announced this month “The NHSCA is taking a major leap forward with its accreditation program. Regulators and Legislators have asked the NHSCA to develop a formal program of compliance and standards within the home warranty industry, and we responded.” On September 5, the NHSCA Board of Directors adopted the program for implementation immediately.

“The new NHSCA accreditation essentially becomes the “good housekeeping” seal of approval for serious and responsible home warranty providers” reports Richard Adams, NHSCA Vice-President and principal of National Home Guaranteed of Utah. Adams added “My company has already been through the process and among the first to be accredited. I am proud of that.”

Art Chartrand, Executive Director and Counsel for the NHSCA reports the program is designed to benefit not only providers, but also to assure the consuming public and regulators as well. “The home service contract industry is regulated in every state by various agencies, but they cannot do all the review and monitoring. They have to rely upon the legitimate industry to help police itself.” Chartrand says the program is a positive thing and even the best of companies will benefit from a top to bottom review of laws, regulations, contracts and compliance.

“The award of the NHSCA accreditation logo demonstrates to consumers and the industry our membership’s commitment to proper regulation and compliance” says John Walsh, General Counsel for NHSCA member Cross Country Home Services, Inc. based in Florida. Walsh, also the NHSCA Treasurer/Secretary added “NHSCA membership is what REALTORs look for when recommending a home warranty provider. This program is just another step forward to assure regulators and consumers we take our responsibility seriously to meet their expectations.”

Current NHSCA member companies have until May 1, 2020 to complete the audit and receive accreditation. The first phase of accreditation is voluntary and good for five years. For new applicants to the NHSCA, the audit and accreditation will become mandatory including an on-site stand down review of operations.

About the NHSCA

#19-17

Home Care Made EZPZ

Posted on May 13, 2019May 13, 2019 by Editor

Homes need constant care and home service contract makes budgeting “EZPZ.” by: Arthur J. Chartrand*

Buying a home can be a challenging process but selecting a home service contract shouldn’t be. Thankfully the National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) has made the process easy. As a matter of fact, they have made it “EZPZ” for you. (Easy Peasy, if you are not into the acronym thing.)

Homebuyers need only look for the NHSCA logo which is granted to member companies that agree to adhere to sound and ethical business practices. No company can buy an NHSCA logo¾they have to earn it. Companies are vetted by peer review which means that even their toughest competitors have to approve of them. Onsite office audits and visits to member offices by NHSCA counsel are common. Adhering to a code of ethics, compliance with all state laws and regulations and fair advertising practices are just a few of the requirements.

We tend to trust when an electrical appliance is “UL certified” or a household product gets the “Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.” The NHSCA is the seal of approval for the home service contract industry (often referred to in real estate circles as a “home warranty”).

Media often cover stories about consumers being ripped off by an unscrupulous financial adviser, home contractor or auto mechanic. Is everyone in these professions bad? Clearly not. The consumer simply lacks a knowledgeable reference or takes the wrong approach. Asking for input from a trusted neighbor or a real estate agent is also a good idea. Caution should be utilized when using online sources where marketing and advertising dollars can impact ratings.

The same goes for Google searches. Trusting a company just because they pop up as the number one ad sponsor does not mean they are the best choice. Unfortunately, some companies spend millions of dollars on meta data and search engine optimization rather than focusing on good service. If you research Google to a greater degree you will note government sanctions against home warranty companies with names like “select,” “secure” or “choice” in them. Educate yourself and read the full story.

The NHSCA represents the highest standard in home service contract protection and works to promote the same throughout the industry. There are a few very good companies who are not yet members of the NHSCA. Accordingly, the NHSCA is constantly reviewing companies and targeting the finest, legitimate and responsible companies for membership.

The NHSCA takes fraud seriously. It continually monitors the industry and works cooperatively with government officials as well as consumers in a robust effort to combat fraud. To see its most recent effort simply visit www.homeservicecontract.org Marginal providers just won’t come near the NHSCA.

NHSCA members serve nearly five million households and pay out nearly two billion dollars in service claims every year. If a consumer ever has an issue with a service by an NHSCA member, the NHSCA website provides an avenue of communication direct to the top of its member companies.

So look for the NHSCA logo when picking a home warranty company. Or just think “EZPZ.” In fact, if you forget NHSCA or www.homeservicecontract.org, just remember “EZPZ.” Go to EZPZhome.organd you will find the most qualified and reliable providers in the industry. If that isn’t easy enough, visit EZPZhome.org. How EZ is that?

The NHSCA is an IRS registered 501 (c)(6) trade group of highly selected and premier providers of home service (warranty) contracts. The NHSCA is based in the heart of Americaat 10000 Marshal Drive, Lenexa, KS 66215 with members serving consumers throughout the United States.

For more information or an interview, contact:
Joy L Moore, Chief of Staff NHSCA
10000 Marshal Drive
Lenexa, KS 66215
Ph: 913.871.5600 FAX: Use Email
[email protected]

* Arthur J. Chartrand is an attorney, consumer rights advocate, former national radio talk show host and counsel to the National Home Service Contract Association

Email him at: [email protected]

Personal v Real Property: A Modern Perspective

Posted on March 21, 2017June 28, 2017 by Editor

When it comes to home systems and appliances, it’s not personal.

We all hear that arcane and rather silly message as we depart an airplane. “Please look around for all your personal belongings and take them with you.” I always wondered, “Are there impersonal belongings? Are there “public belongings?” Is belongings even a word? (It is.) What if you have something in your possession but it does not “belong” to you? Is it still a belonging? What makes it “personal?”
Continue reading “Personal v Real Property: A Modern Perspective” →