Press Releases

Washington, DC - July 16, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- The following is a statement by the National Association of Realtors®: Many news outlets are erroneously reporting that Pamela Long Wiggins, charged today for murder in Florida, is a Realtor

The new hotel marks the 100th Holiday Inn Express to open this year. ATLANTA, CA - July 7, 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® and Suites Largo-Clearwater opened on June 4, as the 100th Holiday Inn Express to open this year under the new sign. The hotel brings 95 guest rooms and 35 job opportunities to downtown Largo, Fla

ORLANDO, FL - May 27, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Florida’s existing home sales rose in April – the eighth consecutive month that sales activity increased in the year-to-year comparison, according to the latest housing data released by the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR). April’s statewide sales showed gains over the previous month’s sales level in both the existing home and existing condominium markets.

TAMPA, FL - May 22, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) —The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) today applauded legislation introduced by Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) and Michael Arcuri (D-NY) encouraging the adoption and enforcement of statewide building codes throughout the nation.

ORLANDO, FL - May 19, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Thirteen talented seniors from public and private high schools across the state each have been awarded a $1,000 scholarship as district winners of the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR) 2008-2009 Scholarship/Essay Contest for High School Seniors

ORLANDO, Fla - May 13, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Sales of existing single-family homes in Florida rose 25 percent in first quarter 2009 compared to the same period a year earlier, according to the latest housing statistics from the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR). A total of 31,412 existing homes sold statewide in 1Q 2009; during the same period the year before, a total of 25,071 existing homes sold. It marks the third consecutive quarter that Florida has reported higher existing home sales; sales levels in the third and fourth quarters of 2008 were higher than the corresponding three-month period of the previous year, according to FAR.

Tallahassee, FL - May 13, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Florida Housing is pleased to now offer a Communications Florida Housing's WebBoard is an online forum where interested parties are kept up to date on the various goings on at Florida Housing. WebBoard users can also sign up to receive email notices once posts are published to the various sections.

WASHINGTON, DC - May 12, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) voted in favor of the Helping Families Save Their Home Act, S. 896. The bill includes a mortgage servicers safe harbor provision that will curb home foreclosures and jumpstart residential loan modifications. In addition, this legislation expands the Hope for Homeowners program, which is aimed at keeping honest homeowners in their homes during these difficult economic times. Last, the bill will increase the borrowing authority of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to help it cope with the increased risk facing the nation's banks. The measure passed in the Senate by a vote of 91-5

TALLAHASSEE, FL - May 12, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced that a Columbia County man has pleaded guilty to his involvement in a mortgage fraud scheme. Rory V. Porter faces five years in prison and ten years of probation when he is sentenced next month and will have to pay over half a million dollars in restitution. Porter was prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.

ORLANDO, FL - April 30, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Don’t wait to enter the Florida Association of Realtors®’ (FAR) annual Environmental Award program, or you may be green with ENVY when the winner is chosen. Popularly known as the “ENVY” award, the honor goes to a development that best preserves Florida’s natural quality of life. The award may be given in two categories: one for residential development and one for commercial development.

ORLANDO, FL - April 24, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Florida’s existing home sales increased in March, making it the seventh month in a row that sales activity demonstrated gains in the year-to-year comparison, according to the latest housing data released by the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR). March’s statewide sales also increased over the previous month’s sales level in both the existing home and existing condo markets

TALLAHASSEE, FL - April 16, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Florida Chief Financial Officer Sink joined Florida Realtors® and Sadowski Workforce Housing Coalition members during two separate events today to promote her efforts to protect Florida homeowners. As a champion for homeowners, CFO Sink underscored her department’s My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program and efforts to address Florida’s high rate of home foreclosures.

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today unveiled a new website designed to help homeowners avoid mortgage fraud-related scams. The website, at provides consumers with easy access to current investigations, complaint forms, and tips to identify and avoid foreclosure rescue fraud. Foreclosure rescue fraud, or fraud involving loan modifications related to foreclosures, is the complaint topic most commonly reported to the Attorney General’s Office and involves the charging of an up-front fee for foreclosure rescue services before any services are provided, if they are provided at all.

TALLAHASSEE, FL - April 16, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Ten Realtors® from across Florida met with Gov. Charlie Crist this morning to discuss increased home sales and other positive trends in their markets, as well as offer insight into some current issues facing the real estate industry. It’s part of this year’s Great American Realtor Days, April 14-15, when about 1,000 Realtors from throughout the state join forces at the state capital to meet with their legislators and discuss concerns affecting all Florida residents.

TALLAHASSEE, FL - April 13, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink’s Bureau of Unclaimed Property announced that last month marked the largest amount of unclaimed property returned to owners recorded in state history, totaling over $19.7 million. So far this fiscal year (July 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009) unclaimed property payments have totaled $132.3 million, with the Bureau of Unclaimed Property on pace to return over $174 million by fiscal year end.

TALLAHASSEE, FL - April 09, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced that his office has obtained a court order temporarily prohibiting a Jacksonville company from charging up-front fees for foreclosure-related rescue services. According to the order issued by the Duval County Circuit Court, National Foreclosure Counseling Services Corp. is barred from charging homeowners any fee in advance for providing foreclosure-related rescue services. The order was agreed upon by the state and the company.

TALLAHASSEE, FL - April 07, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) —Attorney General Bill McCollum announced today that his office has obtained a settlement with an Orlando company that provided foreclosure services to consumers. Homestead Protection Services, LLC has agreed to dissolve the company and must refrain from any future violations of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. The company must also pay $20,000 in consumer restitution and must reimburse the state $5,000 for fees and costs of the investigation.

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).

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