Bush to outline plans to help homeowners

WASHINGTON - Offering federal help for strapped mortgage holders, President Bush is proposing to aid hundreds of thousands of borrowers hard hit by the housing slump.

Bernanke Wants Help for Homeowners

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is suggesting that policymakers look for ways to encourage a wider range of mortgages geared for low income and other borrowers who have been hard hit by the housing slump and credit crunch.

Florida’s existing home sales still stabilizing in July

ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 27, 2007 – With positive economic conditions such as low mortgage interest rates and job growth continuing in Florida, statewide sales of existing single-family homes totaled 11,674 in July and were closer to activity in July 2001 and 2002 – before the housing boom years – than the July 2006 figures, when 15,378 homes sold for a 24 percent decrease in the year-to-year comparison, according to the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR).

Foreclosure 'rescue' deals shackle homeowners

Homeowners who accepted help to avoid foreclosure have gone to court with claims that they were stripped of equity in their homes.

Mortgage mess complicates home buying

Local banks, wary of a credit crunch, have tightened lending standards, demanding borrowers have strong credit and more cash to put into home purchases.

Two insurers retreat on bid to raise homeowner rates

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Aug. 20, 2007 – Two homeowners-insurance companies have withdrawn requests to increase their rates.

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation said Friday that Amex Assurance Co. and IDS Property Casualty Insurance Co. withdrew their requests to raise rates for residential policies by 49.1 percent.

PROPERTY TAXES

Tax cut effect muted; savings slight

As local governments send out their early property tax notices, some South Florida property owners will learn they won't get as much tax relief as others.

Your 5-minute guide to home buying

Select an experienced, full-time real-estate agent before you begin your search. Ask friends and family for referrals.

MORTGAGE RATES DROP!

The moderation is a piece of welcome news for prospective homebuyers, some of whom also have been faced with a situation of harder-to-get credit. In mid-June, rates on 30-year mortgages had climbed to 6.74 percent, an 11-month high.

How do I get started buying a home?

A good first step is to obtain counseling from a REALTOR® or lender. Consider where you want to live and hire a REALTOR® who knows the area and start shopping for your home.

Homeowners need not worry if mortgage lender goes under, but they still have to pay

What happens to my mortgage if my lender goes bankrupt?

No money down vanishing as mortgage option

Shift by lenders faced with piles of bad loans threatens home-buying dream

Catastrophe fund bill would lower premiums

Just in time for hurricane season, two Florida House members introduced a bill they say will lower insurance costs.

Lawmakers demand hearings on insurance rates

Lawmakers and state regulators are calling on the insurance industry to explain why promised premium cuts haven't materialized.

Crist leans on insurers to cut rates

Feeling heat over enduringly high rates, Gov. Charlie Crist vowed to make sure insurers are following the law.