Oct. 25, 2005 - Pasco County

Is real estate market now on simmer?

http://www.sptimes.com/2005/10/23/Pasco/Is_real_estate_sizzle.shtml

Oct. 25, 2005 - Sarasota-Bradenton

More homes on the market

http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051023/BUSINESS/510230404/1270/NEWS0101

Oct. 25, 2005 - Fort Myers

Four factors influence local real estate market

http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051023/COLUMNISTS17/510230329/1014/BUSINESS

Oct. 25, 2005 - FAR Disaster Relief Fund

In the wake of Hurricane Wilma, FAR is continuing to aid in recovery efforts to help
people rebuild their lives and businesses through its Disaster Relief Fund. However,
to do that, we need the continued support of Realtor members across the state through
their generous donations. To apply for disaster assistance or make a tax-deductible
contribution online using a secure connection, go to the home page of Planet Realtor
(http://www.planetrealtor.com) and click on "FAR Disaster Relief Fund: Contribute
now" under "Also on Planet Realtor." Or, to mail a tax-deductible donation, make
your check payable to "FAR Disaster Relief Fund, attention Dave Garrison," and
send it to: FAR Disaster Relief Fund, PO Box 725025, Orlando FL 32872-5025.
The FAR Disaster Relief Fund is available to assist Realtors, including their real
estate employees, Realtor board/associations and their staff, in the event of
devastation caused by a hurricane. Each request for assistance must be in the way
of a completed official FAR Disaster Relief Fund request form. You can obtain a
form by contacting your local board/association office or your FAR District Vice
President.

The FAR Disaster Relief Fund does not use professional solicitors; 100% of your
contribution goes directly to the FAR Disaster Relief Fund. The FAR Disaster
Relief Fund is located at 7025 Augusta National Drive, Orlando, FL 32822. A
COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION
MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY
CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT
IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE
STATE. To verify registration and financial information of the Florida Association
of REALTORS Disaster Relief Fund (state registration #CH2189), call the
Florida Division of Consumer Services' toll-free hotline at 1-800-HELPFLA
(1-800-435-7352) or visit http://www.800helpfla.com.

Oct. 25, 2005 - Gulf Beaches

In a compromise move that could protect Southwest Florida beaches while
opening the waters to oil drilling, Gov. Jeb Bush endorsed a proposal to allow
drilling only outside a 125-mile buffer zone.

Read the full story:  
http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=n5-10252005

Oct. 25, 2005 - Second Homes

It's sometimes difficult to own a second home in Florida. While Hurricane
Wilma departed yesterday afternoon and is now racing away from the U.S.,
many second homeowners still don't know if their house remains standing or,
if so, what condition it's in.

Read the full story:  
http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=n4-10252005

Oct. 25, 2005 - Consumer Confidence

The Consumer Confidence Index, which had plummeted in September, declined
again in October. "Much of the decline in confidence over the past two months
can be attributed to the recent hurricanes, pump shock and a weakening labor
market," says Lynn Franco, the research director.

Read the full story:  
http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=n3-10252005

Oct. 25, 2005 - Impact Fees

Home builders took Osceola County to court over impact fees and won. As
a result, a judge ordered the fee lowered by almost $2,000 per home, and the
county may even have to reimburse all the homeowners who have paid the
fee since May 2004.

Read the full story:  
http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=n2-10252005

Oct. 25, 2005 - Homes Sales

Last year, Florida residents survived the devastating triple punch of Hurricanes
Frances, Ivan and Jeanne, which pummeled the state in September 2004. A total
of 20,368 homes sold statewide last month compared to 15,272 homes sold
during the previous September for a 33 percent increase, according to FAR.
However, resales activity during last September reflected the impact of the
historic 2004 hurricane season.

Read the full story:  
http://www.planetrealtor.com/florida/news/daily/news.cfm?article=n1-10252005