REAL ESTATE TAXES – A survey conducted for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and Florida Times-Union found that 21 percent of Florida voters have not yet decided whether to vote for the property tax amendment or not.

Another property tax amendment will appear on the ballot in November – but relief under it would be very limited and specific. The measure, if approved by voters,

[Read more...]

MORTGAGE RATES – Rates on 30-year mortgages dropped for a third straight week to 5.69 percent – the lowest level since the summer of 2005 – as worries intensified about the current economic slowdown, according to Freddie Mac’s weekly nationwide survey.

MORTGAGES – In light of the subprime delinquency and foreclosure epidemic, the Federal Housing Administration believes it is relevant again. For example, officials have rolled out the FHASecure bailout plan,

[Read more...]

REAL ESTATE TAXES – Local government property taxes almost doubled from 2001-2006, which should have plumped up cities’ and counties’ spending reserves for a rainy day. Florida residents are tightening their budget belts and putting on their rain gear – local governments should be held accountable for their spending habits, too. Passage of Amendment 1 will give residents a much-needed tax break, put money back into their pockets and help spark the state’s economy. Take that to the bank!

Gov. Charlie Crist yesterday urged voters to approve Amendment 1, speaking from homes across the state. . .

[Read more...]

HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE – Florida insurance regulators abruptly ended a planned two-day hearing with Allstate executives Tuesday, angered that the company and its attorneys failed to fully comply with a subpoena demanding information on property coverage rates. While Allstate’s four Florida companies had asked for double-digit rate increases, the insurer told state regulators it planned to drop that request.

My personal experience with Allstate Insurance,

[Read more...]

REAL ESTATE TAXES – Florida’s homestead exemption hasn’t changed since 1980, which means it’s about time it was increased to better reflect modern home values. Under Amendment 1, the state’s homestead exemption will double from $25,000 to $50,000 for most Floridians.

Early voting started across Florida on Monday, . . . [Read more...]