James Woods

Don't miss the opportunity to volunteer in the Junior Achievement program. The purpose of Junior Achievement is to educate and inspire young people to value free enterprise, business and economics. Junior Achievement in Katy ISD is a five to eight week course ranging from kindergarten to the 12th grade.

All the lesson materials are provided by Junior Achievement and you provide 45-60 minutes of your time once a week in a classroom of your choice.

Currently, fourth graders in Katy ISD are learning about regional resources in the United States and how to implement them to create a business. They are learning about the concepts of business, personal finance, and economics.

For more information on how you can volunteer contact the Junior Achievement Katy Project at 281 396-2439.

Katy ISD's mentoring program, Keep Encouraging Youth toward Success (KEYS), is designed to meet the needs of students on the brink of success.

KEYS identifies students at all grade levels through predetermined criteria and then matches them with a compatible adult volunteer.

KEY mentors are listeners, counselors and advocates who have devoted themselves to a one-on-one relationship with a student.

Commitment is one hour per week for one school year working directly with one student under the guidance and supervision of the camput KEYS liaison, counselors and adminsitrators.

For more information contact Martha Brown at 281 396-2468.

Volunteer opportunites abound in the Katy School District.

Every Katy ISD campus participates in Volunteers In Public Schools Program (VIPS).

Coordinated onsite by a campus volunteer coordinator, the program offers volunteers the opportunity to become involved in the education of Katy ISD students.

VIPS may be tutors or classroom readers. Additionally they may participate in an variety of school support activities.

If you are looking for an opportunity to improve the education of our children contact Martha Brown at 281 396-2468 for more information about VIPS.

Katy school starts today and so do new laws about cell phone usage in school zones.

Texas has passed legislation addressing the use of cell phones in school crossing zones. The law covers talking and texting in posted school zones. Violation of the new law can result in a $200.00 fine. Use of cell phones is still allowed in certain circumstances, such as if the vehicle is stopped or placing emergency calls to law enforcement agencies.

Please refer to HB 55 for complete rules.

How does the abolishment of the commission affect you as a homebuyer?

All new homes completed by August 31, 2009 must still be registered. Ombudsmen will actively process complaints and post-inspection actions through August 31, 2010.

What is the status of the statutory warranties?

Until August 31, 2009: The statutory warranties are still in effect and will apply to work performed under residential construction contracts signed on or before September 1, 2009. On or after September 1, 2009 and until August 31, 2010 a builder and a homeowner may still agree by contract to the terms of the statutory warranties and the commission adopted performance standards. Additionally, the parties may agree to any other express warranty that is not less than the statutory warranties and performance standards, just as they could before September 1, 2009. If the parties agree to something less than the statutory warranties, or if the parties' agreement is silent as to the warranty obligations of the builder, those parties may want to consult legal counsel.

What is the status of the commission adopted performance standards?

The commission-adopted performance standards for construction of one and two family homes as contained in Title 10 of the Texas Administrative Code Chapter 304 remain effective until August 31, 2010.

Will builder contracts change?

The commission required certain language be included in the builders contract including their registration number, the commission's tool-free number, and any arbitration provision to be set out conspicuously. After September 1, 2009 and until August 31, 2010 nothing in the law prohibits a builder from complying with the Property code as it relates to certain contract provisions, and providing information to the homeowner that the agency has been abolished and will not be available after August 31, 2010. Parties to a construction contract may want to consult legal counsel to determine their best course of action.

What happens if I sign a contract for a new home before August 31, 2009, and it is finished on after September 1, 2009. What warranties apply? What performance standards apply?

The limited statutory warranties and commission adopted performance standards apply unless the parties have an express written agreement for a greater warranty and/or more stringent performance standards.

What if I have other questions about warranties?

Refer to the Texas Residential Construction Commission web site www.texasrcc.org for more information.

If you would like more information on Katy, Texas real estate visit www.katyhomesforyou.com to locate current market conditions and available homes or contact Katy Real Estate Consultant Jim Woods at (832) 314-4066.