WASHINGTON, D.C. - September 5, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) today warned Floridians seeking foreclosure prevention assistance to be careful who they call for help. So-called copycat groups have set up toll-free telephone numbers that are nearly identical to the foreclosure assistance hotline established by the nonprofit Homeowners Preservation Foundation in alliance with the HOPE NOW coalition. Unlike the Homeowner’s HOPE Hotline, the copycat groups charge for their services and may steer people to unscrupulous lenders. more »

TALLAHASSEE, FL – September 4, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — Amendment 5, the sweeping property tax amendment, will not appear on the ballot in November. The Florida Supreme Court heard arguments today and issued a ruling removing it and denying any motion for a rehearing. more »

TALLAHASSEE, FL – September 3, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) —Should documentary stamp taxes levied against a short sale be based on the sale amount or on the sale amount plus money forgiven by the original lender? It’s a simple question without a simple answer, and it impacts closings in Florida. more »

Fort Myers, FL - September 1, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — The Lee Building Industry Association (Lee BIA) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded seven Association Excellence Awards! more »

WASHINGTON, D.C. - August 29, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — Following the announcement of the Presidential disaster declaration in Florida for several counties affected by Tropical Storm Fay, Acting Administrator Sandy K. Baruah of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued the following statement: more »

LOS ANGELES, CA – - August 29, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — Is this the real estate turnaround?

On the heels of an increase in Florida home sales, a spike in new home sales and an upswing in consumer confidence, traffic to Realtor.com went up significantly in July with month-over-month increases in both traffic (29 percent) and time spent on site (26 percent) on Realtor.com, the official consumer Web site of the National Association of Realtors. more »

TALLAHASSEE, FL - August 21, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced that a Pensacola caregiver has pleaded guilty to one felony count of abusing a disabled adult. Kimberly Pleasant will be sentenced to one year of house arrest and 18 months of probation at the completion of that sentence. more »

ORLANDO, FL - August - 25, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — Single-family existing home sales rose in Florida for the first time in more than two years: While only six more homes sold in July 2008 than in July 2007, it could indicate stabilization in Florida’s housing sector, according to the latest housing statistics released by the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR). more »

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL – August 22, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — As areas of Florida begin to cleanup from Tropical Storm Fay, homeowners should react quickly to disinfect surfaces, prevent damage from becoming worse and make repairs. more »

TALLAHASSEE, FL – August. 20, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — Amendment 5, Florida’s proposed constitutional amendment that would lower property taxes by 25 percent up to 40 percent depending on where you live, will remain on the November ballot pending a decision by the Florida Supreme Court, which is expected in early September. more »