Florida unveils Web site to fight mortgage fraud-related scams
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – April 16, 2009 – Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum unveiled a new Web site to help homeowners avoid mortgage fraud scams. The Web site – http://myfloridalegal.com/mortgagefraud – gives consumers easy access to current investigations, complaint forms, and tips to identify and avoid foreclosure rescue fraud. Fraud involving loan modifications related to foreclosures is the complaint topic most commonly reported to the Attorney General’s Office. The complaints many times relate to an up-front fee.
“Companies and individuals are taking advantage of our homeowners in these tough economic times by preying on their financial situations,” says McCollum. “If we can increase consumer education and empower people to spot scams and avoid them in advance, we can help decrease the number of victims targeted by this fraud.”
Consumers can obtain information about active litigation and download affidavit forms to fill out if they have been victimized by one of the listed companies. Consumers can also access a list of active investigations to see if a company is questionable. The Web site also features frequently asked questions, consumer tips and a list of warning signs if a company is engaging in foreclosure rescue fraud.
The Web site includes links to the new Florida Bar Web site with information for attorneys and consumers, housing help workshops and clinics in Florida, and information about the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service and qualified legal aid agencies.
© 2009 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Showing posts with label useful websites. Show all posts
Showing posts with label useful websites. Show all posts
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
6 Tips for Home Owners Who Turn Into Landlords
If you're thinking about it out of necessity or because you're thinking of buying a cheap investment which will pay its own bills for long-term gain, read the article below. For a copy of the landlord-tenant rules, look for the link on the right-hand side of my website. For automatic emails for foreclosures under $75,000 to consider purchasing, email or call me and I'll hook you up with some amazing deals.
Home owners who decide to rent out their properties have to stop thinking of themselves as home owners and instead consider themselves as running a small business, experts say. Thinking like a businessperson means focusing on the monthly cost of maintenance, mortgage and taxes, as well as being aware of landlord-tenant regulations and avoiding liabilities.
Home owners who decide to rent out their properties have to stop thinking of themselves as home owners and instead consider themselves as running a small business, experts say. Thinking like a businessperson means focusing on the monthly cost of maintenance, mortgage and taxes, as well as being aware of landlord-tenant regulations and avoiding liabilities.
Here are key issues to consider:
- Set a fair rent. Setting the right price will make it more likely that a landlord will be able to keep the place rented.
- Understand landlord-tenant rules. Running afoul of landlord-tenant regulations and rules regarding security deposits can be costly.
- Screen applicants. Eliminating potential tenants who can’t pay or who won’t take care of the property is very important.
- Lay out the rules in a lease. Widely available sample leases can help. If you have questions, ask an attorney.
- Consider a property manager. Despite the expense, turning the job over to experts can help a landlord come out ahead.
- Talk to the condo association. If the property is a condominium, be prepared to deal with a host of regulations.
Source: The Washington Post, Renae Merle (02/28/2009)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
MyMoney.gov
MyMoney.gov is the U.S. government's website dedicated to teaching all Americans the basics about financial education. Whether you are planning to buy a home, balancing your checkbook, or investing in your 401k, the resources on MyMoney.gov can help you do it better. Throughout the site, you will find important information from 20 federal agencies government wide.
Source: refdesk.com
Source: refdesk.com
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Economic Stabilization Bill Includes Clean Energy Tax Incentives
Update from the Department Of Energy:
President Bush signed the $700 billion Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (H.R. 1424) into law last week, which also extended and enhanced critical tax credits and financing relating to renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008, which was attached to H.R. 1424, provides a one-year extension of the production tax credit (PTC) for wind energy, keeping the credit in effect through 2009. The bill also provides a two-year PTC extension, through 2010, for electricity produced from geothermal, biomass, and solar energy facilities, as well as trash-to-energy facilities, small hydropower facilities using irrigation water, capacity additions to existing hydropower plants, and hydropower facilities added to existing dams. In addition, the bill creates a new PTC for electricity produced by marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy systems (also called advanced water power systems) with a rated capacity of at least 150 kilowatts and placed in service by 2011. To help on the financing end, the bill authorizes $800 million in new Clean Renewable Energy Bonds for all of the above technologies. See the White House press release: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/10/20081003-17.html.
While the PTC extensions and enhancements are good news for all major renewable energy sources, arguably the biggest winner in the tax bill is solar energy, which gained an 8-year extension (through 2016) of the 30% tax credit for residential and commercial solar installations, as well as the elimination of the $2,000 tax credit cap for residential solar electric installations. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) expects the creation of more than 440,000 jobs and the generation of at least $325 billion in private investment due to those changes, which should yield more than 28 gigawatts of solar power. The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) also sees huge potential growth in a measure that allows electric utilities to take advantage of these tax credits. In addition, small wind power gained a 30% tax credit, up to $4,000 for wind turbines with capacities of 100 kilowatts or less, which is also good through 2016. The tax credits for fuel cells and microturbines are also extended by 8 years, and the fuel cell tax credit limit is tripled, to $1,500 for each 0.5 kilowatts of capacity. The act also creates a new 10% tax credit for certain combined heat and power systems and for geothermal heat pumps (up to $2,000). In addition, the bill also provides accelerated depreciation for utilities installing smart meters and smart grid systems. See the press releases from SEIA http://seia.org/cs/news_detail?pressrelease.id=217 and SEPA http://solarelectricpower.org/docs/SEPA%20Statement%20on%20ITC.pdf.
In terms of energy efficiency and alternative fuels, the act extends and revives a number of energy efficiency tax incentives for buildings, creates new tax credits for efficient vehicles, and extends and modifies tax credits for biofuels. Specifically, it extends energy efficiency tax deductions for commercial buildings through 2013 and revives similar deductions for home improvements installed in 2009, adding a new $300 tax credit for energy-efficient biomass fuel stoves. It also extends tax credits for builders of new energy-efficient homes through 2009 and increases tax credits for manufacturers of energy-efficient appliances, while extending that credit through 2010. The act creates a new tax credit of up to $7,500 for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which are expected to go on sale in 2010, while providing tax exemptions for idle reduction technologies and advanced insulation installed in trucks. The act also extends a 30% tax credit for alternative fuel refueling facilities through 2010 and expands the credit to include electric charging stations. For biofuel producers, the act extends a 50% first-year depreciation for cellulosic biomass ethanol plants to include any plant producing biofuels from cellulosic (non-food) biomass sources. The act also extends through 2009 a PTC of $1 per gallon for biodiesel and other biomass-based diesel fuels and a credit of 10 cents per gallon for small biodiesel producers, but it cuts the PTC for renewable diesel blended with petroleum to 50 cents per gallon, while closing a loophole that allowed foreign producers to earn a U.S. tax credit. See the press releases from the ACEEE http://www.aceee.org/press/0810legislation.htm and the National Biodiesel Board http://biodiesel.org/news/08clickthrus/20081003_taxextender.shtm.
To help individuals take advantage of all the tax credits, Division C of H.R. 1424 increases the income limits for the Alternative Minimum Tax, while the energy tax provision allows unused tax credits to be carried over to the next tax year. And to help finance energy efficiency improvements, the bill authorizes $800 million in Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds, which will be issued by state and local governments. The bonds can be applied to a wide range of energy efficiency projects, research and demonstration projects, and even renewable energy projects. The bill also extends the authority to issue bonds for qualified green building and sustainable design projects through 2012. See the Division B and C of H.R. 1424, and for comparison, see Subparts A, D, and E of Part IV of Subchapter A of Chapter 1 of the existing Internal Revenue Code http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/26/usc_sup_01_26_10_A_20_1_30_A_40_IV.html (posted by the Cornell University Law School), as well as Section 168 of Part VI of Subchapter B.
To subscribe to the source newsletter, visit http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/subscribe.cfm.
President Bush signed the $700 billion Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (H.R. 1424) into law last week, which also extended and enhanced critical tax credits and financing relating to renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008, which was attached to H.R. 1424, provides a one-year extension of the production tax credit (PTC) for wind energy, keeping the credit in effect through 2009. The bill also provides a two-year PTC extension, through 2010, for electricity produced from geothermal, biomass, and solar energy facilities, as well as trash-to-energy facilities, small hydropower facilities using irrigation water, capacity additions to existing hydropower plants, and hydropower facilities added to existing dams. In addition, the bill creates a new PTC for electricity produced by marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy systems (also called advanced water power systems) with a rated capacity of at least 150 kilowatts and placed in service by 2011. To help on the financing end, the bill authorizes $800 million in new Clean Renewable Energy Bonds for all of the above technologies. See the White House press release: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/10/20081003-17.html.
While the PTC extensions and enhancements are good news for all major renewable energy sources, arguably the biggest winner in the tax bill is solar energy, which gained an 8-year extension (through 2016) of the 30% tax credit for residential and commercial solar installations, as well as the elimination of the $2,000 tax credit cap for residential solar electric installations. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) expects the creation of more than 440,000 jobs and the generation of at least $325 billion in private investment due to those changes, which should yield more than 28 gigawatts of solar power. The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) also sees huge potential growth in a measure that allows electric utilities to take advantage of these tax credits. In addition, small wind power gained a 30% tax credit, up to $4,000 for wind turbines with capacities of 100 kilowatts or less, which is also good through 2016. The tax credits for fuel cells and microturbines are also extended by 8 years, and the fuel cell tax credit limit is tripled, to $1,500 for each 0.5 kilowatts of capacity. The act also creates a new 10% tax credit for certain combined heat and power systems and for geothermal heat pumps (up to $2,000). In addition, the bill also provides accelerated depreciation for utilities installing smart meters and smart grid systems. See the press releases from SEIA http://seia.org/cs/news_detail?pressrelease.id=217 and SEPA http://solarelectricpower.org/docs/SEPA%20Statement%20on%20ITC.pdf.
In terms of energy efficiency and alternative fuels, the act extends and revives a number of energy efficiency tax incentives for buildings, creates new tax credits for efficient vehicles, and extends and modifies tax credits for biofuels. Specifically, it extends energy efficiency tax deductions for commercial buildings through 2013 and revives similar deductions for home improvements installed in 2009, adding a new $300 tax credit for energy-efficient biomass fuel stoves. It also extends tax credits for builders of new energy-efficient homes through 2009 and increases tax credits for manufacturers of energy-efficient appliances, while extending that credit through 2010. The act creates a new tax credit of up to $7,500 for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which are expected to go on sale in 2010, while providing tax exemptions for idle reduction technologies and advanced insulation installed in trucks. The act also extends a 30% tax credit for alternative fuel refueling facilities through 2010 and expands the credit to include electric charging stations. For biofuel producers, the act extends a 50% first-year depreciation for cellulosic biomass ethanol plants to include any plant producing biofuels from cellulosic (non-food) biomass sources. The act also extends through 2009 a PTC of $1 per gallon for biodiesel and other biomass-based diesel fuels and a credit of 10 cents per gallon for small biodiesel producers, but it cuts the PTC for renewable diesel blended with petroleum to 50 cents per gallon, while closing a loophole that allowed foreign producers to earn a U.S. tax credit. See the press releases from the ACEEE http://www.aceee.org/press/0810legislation.htm and the National Biodiesel Board http://biodiesel.org/news/08clickthrus/20081003_taxextender.shtm.
To help individuals take advantage of all the tax credits, Division C of H.R. 1424 increases the income limits for the Alternative Minimum Tax, while the energy tax provision allows unused tax credits to be carried over to the next tax year. And to help finance energy efficiency improvements, the bill authorizes $800 million in Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds, which will be issued by state and local governments. The bonds can be applied to a wide range of energy efficiency projects, research and demonstration projects, and even renewable energy projects. The bill also extends the authority to issue bonds for qualified green building and sustainable design projects through 2012. See the Division B and C of H.R. 1424, and for comparison, see Subparts A, D, and E of Part IV of Subchapter A of Chapter 1 of the existing Internal Revenue Code http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/26/usc_sup_01_26_10_A_20_1_30_A_40_IV.html (posted by the Cornell University Law School), as well as Section 168 of Part VI of Subchapter B.
To subscribe to the source newsletter, visit http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/subscribe.cfm.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Our Libraries Rock!
Sarasota County residents are among the most active library users in the state, with 77 percent of them holding library cards.
That ranks first among mid-sized counties, according to the State Library and Archives of Florida.
Sarasota County ranks third in per-capita library visits, with more than 2.6 million visits annually.
Visit our libraries online: http://suncat.co.sarasota.fl.us/.
For full article: http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080831/ARTICLE/808310343.
Source: SHT online 8-31-8
That ranks first among mid-sized counties, according to the State Library and Archives of Florida.
Sarasota County ranks third in per-capita library visits, with more than 2.6 million visits annually.
Visit our libraries online: http://suncat.co.sarasota.fl.us/.
For full article: http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080831/ARTICLE/808310343.
Source: SHT online 8-31-8
Saturday, June 28, 2008
"Home-Value Web Sites Miss the Mark"
I often hear from clients or folks "on the street" that their home is worth X amount of dollars according to some online home valuation site and, therefore, should sell for more than the current market conditions seem to allow. While I'm generally a fan of free access to information and go out of my way to make sure my buyers and sellers are as informed and aware of the current market conditions as possible, I feel it is important to take a moment to share with all my opinion on these sites.
Although websites like Trulia, Zillow and Cyberhomes CAN give you an estimate of your home's value, I encourage you to remember the source. These sites pool public (county tax records) and private (MLS figures) information and use computer programs to generate their figures. These computer programs, for example, simply can't account for granite counter tops versus crumbling composite counter tops that need to be replaced. As everyone knows, your home is very different from your neighbor's or their neighbor's or the eyesore a few blocks over that is on a major road.
When a Realtor creates a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to assess a home's value, factors such as condition, location, recent sales and the currently available inventory are taken into consideration. A good Realtor will even go so far as to verify the facts used to compile a CMA by accounting for a home's unique details in pictures, virtual tours and general descriptions. A great Realtor will make phone calls to find out why nearby homes sold for the amount they did and will even preview homes for sale in the neighborhood before they suggest a listing price.
In summary, check out these sites as you should stay informed about the biggest purchase in your life to date. However, please remember that although computers can replicate on canvas Van Gogh's Starry Night down to the direction and width of each brush stroke... they lack creativity and critical thinking skills.
If you would like a more accurate and human generated valuation of your home, email me your property's address.
For a second opinion on these websites, here's one from The Associated Press: http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2008062402?OpenDocument
Although websites like Trulia, Zillow and Cyberhomes CAN give you an estimate of your home's value, I encourage you to remember the source. These sites pool public (county tax records) and private (MLS figures) information and use computer programs to generate their figures. These computer programs, for example, simply can't account for granite counter tops versus crumbling composite counter tops that need to be replaced. As everyone knows, your home is very different from your neighbor's or their neighbor's or the eyesore a few blocks over that is on a major road.
When a Realtor creates a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to assess a home's value, factors such as condition, location, recent sales and the currently available inventory are taken into consideration. A good Realtor will even go so far as to verify the facts used to compile a CMA by accounting for a home's unique details in pictures, virtual tours and general descriptions. A great Realtor will make phone calls to find out why nearby homes sold for the amount they did and will even preview homes for sale in the neighborhood before they suggest a listing price.
In summary, check out these sites as you should stay informed about the biggest purchase in your life to date. However, please remember that although computers can replicate on canvas Van Gogh's Starry Night down to the direction and width of each brush stroke... they lack creativity and critical thinking skills.
If you would like a more accurate and human generated valuation of your home, email me your property's address.
For a second opinion on these websites, here's one from The Associated Press: http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2008062402?OpenDocument
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Free Hurricane Home Inspection
Everyone wants to save money, right? So hurry up and schedule your free wind inspection through the My Safe Florida Home Program before it's too late! The program is so popular there's only 35,000 free inspections left....
Once you get the results, all you have to do is either 1) submit your report to your insurance company or 2) implement the safety suggestions found in the report, have these changes reviewed and then submit your report to your insurance company.
To learn more or schedule an inspection, visit www.MySafeFloridaHome.com or call (866) 513-6734.
For more ways to save money on your home insurance, send me an email at Christina@YourHometownConsultant.com. I have clients paying only $1000 or less a month--seriously.
Once you get the results, all you have to do is either 1) submit your report to your insurance company or 2) implement the safety suggestions found in the report, have these changes reviewed and then submit your report to your insurance company.
To learn more or schedule an inspection, visit www.MySafeFloridaHome.com or call (866) 513-6734.
For more ways to save money on your home insurance, send me an email at Christina@YourHometownConsultant.com. I have clients paying only $1000 or less a month--seriously.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Sarasota County Tax Appraiser?
Friday I attended the Sarasota Association of Realtors Quarterly Luncheon which presented a forum for both county tax appraisers to debate their qualifications and ability to affect a positive change for Sarasota County. Other county candidates (for school board, commissioner etc) were also invited to “meet and greet” the Realtors in attendance. I’m glad I came, but not only because the food and company was fabulous, because I was glad to be introduced to and learn more about so many folks who make or will make importance decisions on behalf our county and folks.
My main motivation for attending, however, was to find out what sort of freewill is allowed in the role of county tax appraiser otherwise I didn’t really understand how a change in person will make a difference in our purses and wallets. Before the luncheon, I assumed it was a position of management, accounting and networking, with the latter being the only viable way to impact change by involvement with state politics. Indeed, my assumption was partially correct except for the candidates interpret the impact of state laws and regulations for our county. Jim Todora claims these to be the law of the land to be adhered without exception and is very knowledgeable as to their specifications and even exact language, some of which he drafted. Bill Furst claims there is room for interpretation and it is the role of the tax appraiser to infer from these “guidelines” for the greatest benefit of the county and folks represented; and deal with any ramifications later. I honor and respect both approaches and generally meander through life with a bit of both, but as far as for this position I suppose I need to do a bit more research.
Which candidate will I support? Both are incredibly qualified though in different respects. Furst, a former Realtor and broker manager, has experience with the many varied aspects of real estate and Todora obviously has been our tax appraiser for the past twelve years. To learn more about each candidate, visit their websites: www.jimtodora.com and www.furstforfairness.com.
To learn more about exemptions for your property, the appraisal process and the recorded details of your home or commercial property, visit the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s official website: www.sarasotaproperty.net.
My main motivation for attending, however, was to find out what sort of freewill is allowed in the role of county tax appraiser otherwise I didn’t really understand how a change in person will make a difference in our purses and wallets. Before the luncheon, I assumed it was a position of management, accounting and networking, with the latter being the only viable way to impact change by involvement with state politics. Indeed, my assumption was partially correct except for the candidates interpret the impact of state laws and regulations for our county. Jim Todora claims these to be the law of the land to be adhered without exception and is very knowledgeable as to their specifications and even exact language, some of which he drafted. Bill Furst claims there is room for interpretation and it is the role of the tax appraiser to infer from these “guidelines” for the greatest benefit of the county and folks represented; and deal with any ramifications later. I honor and respect both approaches and generally meander through life with a bit of both, but as far as for this position I suppose I need to do a bit more research.
Which candidate will I support? Both are incredibly qualified though in different respects. Furst, a former Realtor and broker manager, has experience with the many varied aspects of real estate and Todora obviously has been our tax appraiser for the past twelve years. To learn more about each candidate, visit their websites: www.jimtodora.com and www.furstforfairness.com.
To learn more about exemptions for your property, the appraisal process and the recorded details of your home or commercial property, visit the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s official website: www.sarasotaproperty.net.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Save Money & Energy
Florida Power and Light now offers Sarasota residents two easy ways to save both money and energy. In addition to their Budget Billing Program (www.fpl.com/resbb) which evens out the amount of your monthly bills by averaging your annual usage and billing based on this amount each month, FPL has introduced the On Call Program. By enrolling for this program, you agree to let FPL "cycle off equipment you select for brief periods of time" during times of heavy usage, which offers an annual savings of about $100. To learn more or enroll, visit www.fpl.com/oncall.
For more ways to save money and energy, check out the info available at www.fpl.com. Every little bit helps your pocket and the world.
For more ways to save money and energy, check out the info available at www.fpl.com. Every little bit helps your pocket and the world.
Flood Facts
Want to buy some of Sarasota's amazing waterfront but are concerned about the risks?
FEMA keeps track of the potential flood risk of every address in the United States and has kindly made this information available to the public at http://www.floodsmart.gov/. In addition, you can also check out local floodplain maps at http://www.msc.fema.gov/.
For more information, including how to apply for flood assistance, visit FEMA's website: http://www.fema.gov/.
FEMA keeps track of the potential flood risk of every address in the United States and has kindly made this information available to the public at http://www.floodsmart.gov/. In addition, you can also check out local floodplain maps at http://www.msc.fema.gov/.
For more information, including how to apply for flood assistance, visit FEMA's website: http://www.fema.gov/.
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