FloridaRealtors.org News http://www.FloridaRealtors.org/ The latest news from FloridaRealtors.org en-us 60 HVCC: Bad or badly implemented? http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=227312 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=227312 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:56:07 +0500 Speaking to Realtors, a fed oversight official said the new appraisal code isn't the primary cause of current problems. Could State Farm stay after all? http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=227316 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=227316 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:57:51 +0500 According to rumors, the state may allow the insurer to increase rates, perhaps 15%, and nix some current discounts. Florida Realtor to head NAR in 2012 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=227076 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=227076 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:50:10 +0500 NAR installed 2010 officers and Moe Veissi, 2002 Florida Realtors president, will serve as NAR's first vice-president. Forecast hopeful with first-time homebuyers leading the way http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=227090 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=227090 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:57:54 +0500 NAR: "The tax credit is working better than first projected andhellip; we'll have 2.3 to 2.4 million first-time buyers this year." NAR announces Good Neighbor Awards http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=226981 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=226981 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:45:54 +0500 Five winners remain committed to helping others in tough times, from renovating homes to advocating for the disabled. Realtors appraise HVCC appraisal system http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=226985 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=226985 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:49:39 +0500 At NAR's convention, a panel of Realtor experts testified to HVCC problems, but bank reps noted some benefits. NAR Survey: First-time homebuyers set record in past year http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=226989 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=226989 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:57:48 +0500 NAR Survey: 47% were new buyers this year thanks to tax incentives, high affordability conditions and pent-up demand. Homebuyer tax credit has added benefits for armed services http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=226857 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=226857 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:40:56 +0500 Military members have an extra year to apply and an exception to the minimum occupancy requirement. Florida's existing home, condo sales up in 3Q 2009 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=226527 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=226527 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:08:32 +0500 Existing sales rose 33%, marking the 5th quarter in a row for higher year-to-year sales. National housing sales up 11.4%. NAR to launch consumer site http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=226479 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=226479 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:47:48 +0500 On Nov. 12, NAR will launch a consumer website that will also include ready-to-use info for Realtors' websites, blogs, etc. Obama signs bill: Homebuyer tax credit extended http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=226422 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=226422 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:36:38 +0500 It's now law: Buyers get 6 more months to sign a contract, 8 more months to close; Fla. downpayment aid program extended; some move-up buyers get $6,500. Tax credit extension passes House and Senate http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=226350 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=226350 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:19:38 +0500 Not a done deal, but Obama says he'll sign it. New buyers get 5 more months to sign a contract; existing owners win too. UF study: Job uncertainty holds back real estate resurgence http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=226240 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=226240 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:05:57 +0500 Uncertainty is the enemy of any economic recovery, and Fla.'s high unemployment rate could slow a real estate rebound. Pending home sales rise again http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=226157 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=226157 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:16:56 +0500 Sept. reflects eight straight months of increases, and the year-over-year increase is the highest on record, says NAR. Congress extends higher mortgage loan limits http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=226167 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=226167 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:21:04 +0500 The extension still needs Pres. Obama's signature, expected shortly, to keep limits at current levels through 2010. $8K tax credit: Email your U.S. senator today http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=226041 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=226041 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:54:43 +0500 It's down to the wire - an important vote on extending the tax credit is set for Monday. NAR asks you to contact Fla.'s two U.S. senators and voice support for the extension, even if you've already done so. Buyer beware: Some health coverage bogus http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=226044 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=226044 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:58:05 +0500 A number of dubious operators over-promise coverage to uninsured people seeking affordable healthcare. Florida's consumer confidence remains flat amid mixed economic news http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225935 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225935 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:17:20 +0500 While U.S. consumer confidence fell, Floridians' outlook remained stable this month after rising in September. Consumer Confidence Index declines in October http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225878 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225878 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:46:31 +0500 The Index, which also declined in September, has been impacted by the loss of jobs, according to the Conference Board. Florida Realtor to chair FREC http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225786 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225786 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:40:42 +0500 Gov. Crist appointed Roger Enzor with Prudential Florida to chair the Florida Real Estate Commission until 2011. Citizens inspecting homes for hurricane mitigation claims fraud http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225803 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225803 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:56:26 +0500 The property insurer says some homeowners fraudulently claim hurricane mitigation discounts to cut costs. U.S. Supreme Court: Who owns the beach? http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225683 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225683 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:48:01 +0500 If renourishment widens a privately owned Fla. beach, who owns the new sand - the state or the homeowner? Florida's existing home, condo sales up in September 2009 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225719 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225719 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:40:40 +0500 Existing sales rose 34%, marking 13 months of increases; and all MSAs improved. National home sales surge 9.4%. NAR: Big rebound in existing-home sales shows first-time buyer momentum http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225722 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225722 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:44:49 +0500 New mortgage lender rules help but also hurt http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225580 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225580 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:22:48 +0500 As the bar rises for mortgage qualifications, some homebuyers must focus on credit scores and downpayments first. Video explains $8K 1st-time homebuyer credit http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225498 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225498 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:04:01 +0500 Help buyers understand the tax credit: Link to this video or embed it on your website. It's animated, fun and informative. Freddie Mac: Home Valuation Code has improved appraisal quality http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225529 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225529 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:26:57 +0500 15% more appraisals are "acceptably close," according to Freddie Mac's automated check of property values; others report issues. Nelson: Use federal block grants for drywall http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225469 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225469 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:37:52 +0500 U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson of Fla. is considering all options to ease Chinese drywall problems, including some that may not work. $8K tax credit: Email your Congressman today http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225371 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225371 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:50:57 +0500 Moving from recession to recovery: What can we really expect? http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225384 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225384 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:14:01 +0500 A top economics association says the U.S. probably bottomed out around July, but it's too soon to pop champagne corks. Can-do's for unlicensed assistants http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225219 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225219 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:23:47 +0500 Do you have a personal assistant? Check out new FREC guidelines for activities an unlicensed assistant may legally tackle. HUD: $1.2M for Fla. home counseling http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225250 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225250 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:58:17 +0500 Funding has gone to 42 agencies to help Floridians facing foreclosure, seeking an affordable rental or buying a first home. RPAC releases names of top donors http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225262 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225262 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:12:21 +0500 Florida Realtors' political action committee promotes industry issues and recently fought a move to tax Realtors' commissions. Fla. shuts down home warranty service http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225258 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225258 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:04:29 +0500 National Home Protection must stop selling home service warranty products in Fla. but continue to honor existing contracts. Broker Profitability Series: Free and online http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225146 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225146 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:17:43 +0500 The interactive webinar takes place Oct. 15, 1-2:30 p.m. Topic: "How to Return to Profitability and Stay There." Private vendor could oversee foreclosures http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225099 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225099 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:18:29 +0500 To battle empty house problems, some local governments hire a company that forces banks to register and maintain the property. NAR: Making FHA loan limits permanent crucial to housing recovery http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225041 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=225041 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:53:35 +0500 Current limits expire at the end of 2009. In testimony before a House Subcommittee, NAR urged members to extend that date. NAR: Homebuyer tax credit best tool for sustaining housing recovery http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=224972 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=224972 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:59:23 +0500 It's essential that Congress extend the credit into 2010, NAR testified before a U.S. House committee yesterday. Broker profitability: A strong workforce http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=224668 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=224668 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:22:28 +0500 Bernice Ross video: Hire the best and, by understanding communication styles, keep them happy. World Habitat Day focuses on housing http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=224683 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=224683 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:34:08 +0500 HUD, Habitat for Humanity and the United Nations came together yesterday to address the global housing shortage. Freddie Mac goes door-to-door to help owners http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=224510 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=224510 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:22:24 +0500 The GSE hired a private vendor to promote mortgage modifications to homeowners who don't respond to mail or phone calls. Record streak continues for pending home sales http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=224344 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=224344 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:11:56 +0500 The Index, up 6.4% in Sept., has increased for seven straight months - the longest upsurge since the series began. An introduction to social networking http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=224246 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=224246 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:34:38 +0500 Mark Porter helps Realtors access this new tech marketing tool through a series of 8 videos and accompanying PDF handout. HUD awards $20.9 million in recovery act grants in Florida http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=224249 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=224249 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:37:48 +0500 HUD uses Recovery Act money to help cities create jobs and revitalize neighborhoods, awarding $1 billion nationally.
 OCC Releases Consumer advisory: "Reverse Mortgages: Are They for You?" http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=224252 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=224252 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:39:41 +0500 The federal agency brochure includes an explanation of the loan's terms, costs and benefits, FAQs and helpful contact info. Florida's consumer confidence rises as economic fears ease http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=224270 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=224270 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:57:42 +0500 Survey director: Fla. consumers say that the worst is over and "surprised us with a higher-than-expected index." Are you an emerging Realtor leader? http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=224202 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=224202 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:18:25 +0500 Want to grow your business and leadership skills? Apply now to participate in Florida Realtors 2010 Leadership Academy. Study: Economy not key in residents' love for where they live http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=224221 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=224221 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:32:17 +0500 The local economy is not key. More important: social offerings, beauty and a chance to meet new and different people. Survey: Extend tax credit and add 334,000 homebuyers http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=223940 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=223940 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:19:22 +0500 Survey: 18% of prospective homebuyers would consider an $8K tax credit their primary influence to buy a home in 2010. NAR: Commercial sales down, leases up in '08 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=223948 http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=223948 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:22:05 +0500 2009 Commercial Member Profile finds '08 median sales volume down 10% and member income down 13%.