ORLANDO, FL - April 07, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Finding a way to turn a new $8,000 federal tax credit for first-time homebuyers into money that they can use right away for a downpayment would spark the recovery of Florida’s housing market and boost the state’s economy, says Cynthia Shelton, 2009 president of the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR).

ORLANDO, FL - April 01, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Is spring fever prompting you to head for the beaches or some other vacation getaway? If you’re planning to travel during the spring holidays this year, you can help protect your home while you’re away by following these tips from the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR)

TALLAHASSEE, FL - March 30, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Attorney General Bill McCollum today obtained a temporary injunction against Lincoln Lending Services, LLC and owner Rita Gomez, prohibiting the company from engaging in any type of consumer-debt related service or mortgage modification service and from taking payment from consumers for such services until further order of the court. The company will also be required to preserve and allow inspection of its records and refrain from liquidating its assets.

TALLAHASSEE, FL - March 30, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced that his office has obtained an emergency court order temporarily prohibiting a Central Florida company from charging up-front fees for foreclosure-related rescue services. According to the order issued by the Orange County Circuit Court, Wineberg, Lopez, & Rodriguez Company is barred from charging homeowners any fee in advance for providing foreclosure-related rescue services. Wineberg Lopez, & Rodriguez Company must comply with written notice requirements contained in the Foreclosure Rescue Fraud Prevention Act, which became law on October 1, 2008

TAVARES, FL - March 30, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — The Lake County Department of Community Services is alerting local homeowners to a recently launched federal government Web site (www.MakingHomeAffordable.gov) that outlines information about the President’s loan modification and refinancing program

TALLAHASSEE, FL - March 26, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced that he has sent a letter to several state agencies and associations, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Office of Financial Regulation, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Florida Bar, calling for a cooperative approach to the state’s mortgage fraud crisis. The Attorney General noted that his office has received hundreds, if not thousands, of complaints on various issues related to mortgage fraud including criminal fraud and foreclosure rescue fraud

MOUNT DORA, FL - March 26, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — The Lake County Green Team is presenting the on Thursday, June 11, from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday, June 12, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Lakeside Inn, located at 100 N. Alexander St. in Mount Dora.

March 26, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)], the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, announced today that the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Orlando-Ocoee East has opened. The hotel is the third Holiday Inn Express to open in the Orlando area this year and marks the fourth property in the market to showcase the brand's new sign.

ORLANDO, FL - March 24, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Florida’s existing home sales rose in February, making it the sixth consecutive month that sales activity showed increases in the year-to-year comparison, according to the latest housing data released by the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR). February’s statewide sales also increased over January’s figures in both the existing home and existing condo markets

TAMPA, FL - March 23, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Spring showers can bring more than May flowers. Seasonal changes in temperature and moisture levels could lead to costly leaks. According to the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), five areas of the home need a closer look this time of year, and if necessary, simple maintenance.

TAVARES, FL - March 23, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — The Lake County Department of Facilities Development & Management presented its quarterly construction update to the Lake County Board of County Commissioners at its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday with the ongoing downtown projects as the top highlight.

WASHINGTON - March 20, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) today announced a First-Time Homebuyer Forum Saturday, March 28th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to be held at Miami Dade College in Miami, FL. The seminar will provide information about down payment assistance programs, applying for a FHA loan, first-time homebuyer tax credits, the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, buying a HUD home, and credit counseling.

INDIANAPOLIS - March 19, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — The NCAA and Habitat for Humanity International, in conjunction with the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and Habitat for Humanity Orlando, have joined forces to frame a house in partnership with a local Orlando family at the 29^th annual Florida Classic presented by State Farm.

Tallahassee,FL - March 18, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) recently announced its newly expanded free, web-based rental housing locator service—www.FloridaHousingSearch.org. This Web site links people with affordable and available rental housing throughout Florida.

TALLAHASSEE, FL - March 18, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced that his office has filed a lawsuit against a Central Florida company for allegedly charging up-front fees for loan modification services to homeowners facing foreclosure.

March 17, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Energy Star has published comprehensive information on how the housing industry and consumers can take advantage of the federal tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements in the new economic stimulus package.

TAMPA, FL - March 13, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) today voiced its support for a push to harden Florida homes, a recommendation made to the state legislature by Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink.

TAVARES, FL - March 13, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Lake County is welcoming a “Southern Fried Fiber” art exhibit to the Lake County Administration Building, located at 315 W. Main St. in Tavares, beginning on Wednesday, Jan. 7.

TAMPA, FL - March 12, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Diana McClure, Business Resiliency Program Manager at the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), has been appointed to a national committee reviewing standards and best practices in business continuity management.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 11, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — January 09, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today returned control of the Miami-Dade Housing Agency (MDHA) to the Miami-Dade County after 15 months in HUD possession.