The basics of renters insurance

Thought you were covered by your landlord's insurance? Think again. You'll need renters insurance to protect your belongings from perils including theft, vandalism, fire and falling objects.

Florida approves property tax cut

Facing a slowing economy and years of rising property-tax values, Florida voters overwhelmingly approved a property-tax amendment.

Facing foreclosure? 9 options

If you're in danger of falling behind on your mortgage, or if you're already delinquent, it's important to know what's ahead and what your options are. Usually, the faster you move, the more choices you'll have about your financial future. Read the whole story.

Don't Forget to VOTE YES on 1

State lawmakers zero in on insurance

State regulators and lawmakers are getting ready to grill insurance companies on why homeowner rates haven't yet fallen as promised.

Florida Senate: Insurance execs must explain rates

A state Senate committee will question insurance executives on why expected rate cuts haven't turned up as expected.

Do you owe more than your house is worth?

If so, you're not alone. But don't despair -- a number of workout options are available to struggling homeowners who are willing to pick up the phone and contact their lender.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TO PROVIDE HOME REPAIR LOANS TO ELIGIBLE HOMEOWNERS IN THE CITY OF MIAMI

Applications for Single Family Rehabilitation Program will be accepted through January 14, 2008

Miami, FL (January 2, 2008) -- The City of Miami’s Department of Community Development will make applications for its Single Family Rehabilitation Program available starting Monday, December 10, 2007 through Monday, January 14, 2008. The program offers loans of up to $35,000, to qualifying low-income homeowners within City of Miami limits seeking to repair their properties.

The program provides up to $35,000 in financial assistance to complete roofing, electrical, plumbing and/or structural improvements in their residences. The property’s value cannot exceed $300,000 and the homeowner must qualify as 80% Average Median Income (AMI) or below based on income levels provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).* (See income chart below.) Please see full application as other restrictions apply.

Interested homeowners must complete and mail their applications to: City of Miami, Department of Community Development, P.O. Box 310428, Miami, FL 33231, postmarked no later than January 14, 2008. Applications will be screened for eligibility and completeness and then assigned a random number via lottery. All applicants will be notified via mail as to their eligibility for the program and/or their randomly assigned lottery number.

Homeowners who enroll in the program first select an approved licensed contractor through a bid process, with the work then inspected by the City of Miami, and contractors paid for completed work after it passes inspection and is approved by the homeowner. Applications will be available starting Monday, December 10, 2007, at the Department of Community Development, located at 444 SW 2nd Avenue, 2nd Floor; at any of the City of Miami Neighborhood Enhancement Team (NET) offices; or via Internet at www.miamigov.com/communitydevelopment/pages/ApplicationsForms/. For more information, please call (305) 416-1927 or 305-416-2080.