DAILY BRIEFING

Monday, August 21, 2006
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HURRICANE RECOVERY

On Friday, HUD announced an additional $973 million in funding
would go toward hurricane relief projects through its Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. Over $100 million
will be spent for Florida victims.

Read the full story:

http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=n1-08212006
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REAL ESTATE FRAUD

Deed forgery is a problem in Florida because no state law requires
county recorders to verify each document's authenticity. Homes that
are vacant or behind in taxes are the most vulnerable to deed forgery,
since the owner is not as likely to notice that someone illegally took
ownership.

Read the full story:

http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=n2-08212006
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RISKY MORTGAGES

Mortgage insurance companies have begun pleading with federal
banking agencies to restrict risky mortgages that lenders continue
to offer despite federal warnings. The Mortgage Bankers Association,
however, calls the proposals "overly prescriptive" and warns they might
stifle product innovation.

Read the full story:

http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=n3-08212006
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COMMERCIAL

Banks have changed their focus to commercial loans as residential sales
drop, and many offer good deals. Outstanding commercial and industrial
loans grew by a record $21 billion in early August, up about 15 percent
from a year earlier.

Read the full story:

http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=n4-08212006
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HOMESELLING

Upscale staging takes off: Home sellers are renting artists' works from
museums to boost their homes' appeal in the marketplace.

Read the full story:

http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=n5-08212006

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SET YOUR SIGHTS ON HOLLYWOOD

There's still time to get in on the action at FAR's 2006 Convention and
Trade Expo, Sept. 13-17, 2006, at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa
in Hollywood, Fla. And, you'll save some bucks if you register by
Sept. 5. There's something for everyone -- educational sessions,
a look at sales and marketing strategies, tips on technology and advice
from some leading industry experts. Plus, the Trade Expo features more
than 100 vendors showcasing products designed to help you boost your
business. Then there's the excitement of the Super Sales Day Awards
Luncheon on Sept. 14, which features keynote motivational speaker
Steve Gilliland. Hotel accommodations at the Westin are going fast and
space is already filled on some nights, though nearby hotels still have
accommodations. For more information, go to
http://media.living.net/2006convention or call the FAR Registrar at
(800) 669-4327.

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AROUND FLORIDA
For complete news coverage (password required):
http://planetrealtor.com/Florida/News

Collier County: School board discusses affordable housing for teachers
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/aug/18/school_board_discusses_affordable_housing_teachers/?local_schools

Panama City Beach: Home comes with BMW buyer incentive
http://www.epaperedition.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=TmV3c0hlcmFsZC8yMDA2LzA4LzE5I0FyMDAxMDQ=&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom

Pembroke Pines: City offers range of housing
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/states/florida/counties/broward_county/cities_neighborhoods/pembroke_pines/15273220.htm