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Wednesday, August 9, 2006
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PROPERTY INSURANCE
Gov. Jeb Bush's Property and Casualty Insurance Reform Committee
met for the first time yesterday. "Our charge is to put Citizens (the
state's insurer of last resort) out of business and have reasonable rates
and availability," Lt. Governor Toni Jennings told members. "So
everybody, put your thinking caps on."
Read the full story:
http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=n1-08092006
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INTEREST RATES
There was some drama this time over what the Federal Reserve would
do with interest rates yesterday; in the end, they decided to stand pat.
It's good news for homeowners with adjustable-rate mortgages and it
may help buyers seeking a fixed-rate mortgage.
Read the full story:
http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=n2-08092006
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HOUSING OUTLOOK
The housing market is in a process of stabilizing with little change in
overall sales volume expected over the balance of the year, according
to NAR. "We've seen a minor easing in existing-home sales, and a
slight increase in the leading indicator of pending sales based on
contracts," says NAR Chief Economist David Lereah.
Read the full story:
http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=n3-08092006
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REAL ESTATE FRAUD
A man who conducted seminars on real estate investing was sentenced
to 13 years for fraud. Prosecutors argued that J.R. Parker was
responsible for about 240 dishonest sales in Jacksonville over three
years, signing a contract to buy a distressed home cheap, then
immediately reselling it to an investor who had attended one of the
seminars.
http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=n4-08092006
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PROPERTY INSURANCE
News reports focus on the large property insurers that are canceling
policies and cutting back on coverage, but some small insurers see
Florida as an opportunity for growth. Since the start of 2005, 24 new
insurance companies have entered the state and opened their doors for
business.
Read the full story:
http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=n5-08092006
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BABY BOOMERS BEGUILE BUILDERS
Active-adult communities for retirees are popping up in states not
typically thought of as retirement havens as home prices skyrocket
in the traditional seniors' hot spots -- namely Florida, Nevada and
California. Other baby boomers choose to stay in their hometowns to
be close to family and friends, and builders respond with developments
jam-packed with such amenities as golf courses and walking trails. Pulte
Homes Inc.'s active-adult brand, Del Webb, has built such communities
in 17 states. The company expects to establish a presence in New
Mexico, Minnesota, Indiana, New York, Delaware, Tennessee and
Georgia by 2008. Pulte urges municipalities concerned about growth
to allow active-adult communities, as seniors add to the tax base without
overburdening schools, sewer and water lines, and roads.
Source: Allentown Morning Call (PA) (08/03/06) Charlton, Brian
© Copyright 2006 INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD
(301) 215-4688
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DOES INTERNET LEAD GENERATION WORK?
Do you use an Internet lead generation service such as HomeGain,
LendingTree or Top Marketer? If so, Florida Realtor magazine wants
to know how it's working for you, what benefits you receive and why
it's important to receive Internet leads. To be featured in a future article,
please e-mail Contributing Editor Tracey Velt at
Tracey@traceyvelt.com.
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AROUND FLORIDA
For complete news coverage (password required):
http://planetrealtor.com/Florida/News
Boynton Beach: Area strong in new home starts
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/boynton_beach/content/neighborhood/boynton_beach/epaper/2006/08/09/npb4_julie_0809.html
Groveland: City OKs rezoning for 500 homes in swamp
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/lake/orl-lgroveland0906aug09,0,530280.story?coll=orl-news-headlines-lake
Southwest Florida: Region sees ripples from building slowdown
http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060809/BUSINESS/608090337/1001/NEWS0105
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