NEW LEGISLATION
Governor Charlie Crist signed a bill authorizing “electronic” foreclosure sales. Previously, foreclosure sales had to be conducted in person; now they may be done online.
LENDING REFORM
Six trade groups on Tuesday told federal lawmakers that a comprehensive housing bill would impose too-strict standards on lenders. They say the bill, if passed, would expose lenders [...]

REAL ESTATE FORECAST
National Association of REALTORS® Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, speaking to Florida real estate professionals last week, called 2008 a "year of cleanup." Yun predicts that the second half of the year will be better than the first, due to improving mortgage markets, foreign investors and Baby Boomers.
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
A Florida landlord can [...]

REAL ESTATE TAXES – If real estate taxes drop 25 percent through an amendment appearing on the November ballot, schools would need at least $8 billion from an alternate source. That raises the possibility, once again, of a sales tax on services, which could be levied on everything from lawn mowing to accounting.
HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE – [...]

HOME VALUES – The real estate mantra of "location, location, location" rings particularly true in a slow market. Buyers should do their research, because choosing the right neighborhood could have a big effect on whether or not their home turns out to be a winning investment. Key item to look for is the number of [...]