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Friday, July 28, 2006
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COMMERCIAL IINSURANCE
Gov. Jeb Bush yesterday clarified his general goals for creating
commercial hurricane insurance. Instead of a plan modeled after
Citizens, the residential insurer of last resort, he envisions a program
that would offer reinsurance to back up private insurance companies.
Read the full story:
http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=n1-07282006
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OFFSHORE DRILLING
The U.S. Senate cleared the way for approval of offshore drilling after
Florida Sen. Bill Nelson said he would support the measure. Nelson,
a drilling opponent, feared what could happen later when House and
Senate leaders work out a compromise bill. But Nelson says Senate
leaders promised that nothing would bring drilling closer than 125
to 235 miles from Florida beaches.
Read the full story:
http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=n2-07282006
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MORTGAGE RATES
Mortgage rates declined slightly this week, with 30-year FRMs dipping
to a nationwide average of 6.72 percent, as investors grew more hopeful
that the Federal Reserve's long string of rate hikes is drawing to a close.
Read the full story:
http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=n3-07282006
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ECONOMY
Overall economic growth is slowing, according to the Federal Reserve's
latest survey of economic conditions. Also known as the Beige Book,
the report noted a general slowdown in residential real estate in most
areas, coupled with a corresponding rise in demand for rental units.
Read the full story:
http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=n4-07282006
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MORTGAGE DISCRIMINATION
In search of the truth: After analyzing much of the same loan data,
two different groups recently came up with opposing views on whether
or not there is evidence of discrimination in mortgage lending.
Read the full story:
http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=n5-07282006
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REALTOR REFORMER PERFORMERS
Former FAR President Frank Kowalski got the call Wednesday that
he has been named to Gov. Bush's newly formed Property and Casualty
Insurance Reform Committee. Attached are the names of others who
have been appointed, including lots of our friends. All terms became
effective July 26, 2006, and end May 15, 2007. Members include:
. Lieutenant Governor Toni Jennings, of Tallahassee, appointed as
chair
. Senator J.D. Alexander of Lake Wales
. Lee Arnold of Clearwater, CEO with Colliers Arnold International
. Rep. Donald Brown of DeFuniak Springs
. Leslie Chapman-Henderson of Tallahassee, president, Federal Alliance
for Safe Homes
. Joseph Collins of Jacksonville, CEO and owner, Collins Group Inc.
. Manuel de Zarraga of Coral Gables, executive managing director,
Holliday, Fenoglio Fowler, LLP
. Robert Helms of Jacksonville, CEO, Wachovia
. Frank Kowalski of Miami, broker-owner, Metro Dade Realty Inc.
. A.D. "Sandy" MacKinnon of Tampa, CEO and owner, Yale Lift
Trucks of Florida and Georgia
. Bill Montford, of Tallahassee, CEO, Florida Association of District
School Superintendents
. Representative Dennis Ross of Lakeland
. Larry Schultz of Rockledge, mayor, City of Rockledge
. Linda Shelly of Tallahassee, shareholder, Fowler, White, Boggs,
Banker
. Barbara Weese of Leesburg, retired
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TAKE ISSUE WITH US
FAR takes pride in being an advocate for real estate issues before the
Florida Legislature. To continue the good fight, however, FAR relies
on member input to outline issues, suggest solutions and note any laws
or regulations that create barriers for buyers and sellers. Our strength
is in our numbers. To help us outline an agenda for 2007, please take
a moment to complete the FAR Public Policy Agenda Survey now.
Every response counts, and this member-driven consensus will help
define our marching orders in Tallahassee next session. To make your
voice heard, go to FAR's legislative Web site,
http://media.living.net/Legislative2006, and on the left side, click
"Take the FAR Public Policy agenda survey now!"
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AROUND FLORIDA
For complete news coverage (password required):
http://planetrealtor.com/Florida/News
Clearwater: Six-month building ban OK'd for Marina District
http://www.tbnweekly.com/pubs/clearwater_citizen/content_articles/072706_cit-03.txt
Orlando: Developers to forge ahead with condo project
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/custom/growth/orl-monarch2806jul28,0,3658814.story?coll=orl-news-growth-headlines
Port Orange: City OKs plan for affordable housing
http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/Neighbors/South/evlNS01072806.htm
Tallahassee: Condo plan lands in the rough
http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060726/BUSINESS/607260334/1003
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NEWSMAKERS
Prudential Network Realty attends top leadership conference
http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=nm1-07282006
Campbell & Rosemurgy top producing real estate company in east
Broward County
http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=nm2-07282006
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
We can change insurance and taxes if we band together
http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=L1-07282006
Being Realtors does not exempt us from being environmentally
responsible
http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=L2-07282006
We need action now on the insurance crisis
http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=L3-07282006
Setting up Citizens without controlling private insurers a recipe for
disaster
http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=L4-07282006
The cost of insurance and taxes driving homeowners from marketplace
http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=L5-07282006
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