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If you've been keeping up with the news this year, you've probably read some articles that state that foreclosures are on the rise or at least expected to rise by the end of the year. If you have any reason to be concerned that you may face foreclosure, now is the time to take some action if you are to have a chance to keep your property, the equity you've built up, and avoid foreclosure. It's also important to keep in mind that there is more than one way to lose your home. These other ways include not paying your taxes, filing for bankruptcy, failure to pay homeowners dues, and illegaly activity. Below are links to some articles that can provide you with your options and the best ways to deal with the potential loss of your home.
Florida Association of Realtors® Celebrates June As National Homeownership Month
Opening the doors to homeownership is a top priority for Florida Realtors® and the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR). Therefore, Realtors across the state and throughout the U.S. are joining forces to promote housing opportunities and the removal of barriers to homeownership in recognition of June 2006 as National Homeownership Month.
"As Realtors, we work every day to help people realize the American Dream of owning their own home," says 2006 FAR President Mike Dooley. "Opening the door to homeownership helps families find security and stability. Buying a home is the biggest and best financial investment that most people make in their lifetime, but it also gives them a sense of place. Florida's homeownership rate of 72.4 percent in 2005 represented a record high level, but there is still a great opportunity to help more people have a home to call their own. And Florida Realtors have the great privilege of helping to make that happen."
Recognizing June as National Homeownership Month encourages all in the real estate and housing industries to promote homeownership as source of economic strength and to increase the ranks of homeowners, especially among minorities. The White House has challenged public and private entities to work together to boost homeownership by 5.5 million homeowners by 2010. According to the most recent U.S. Census data, the overall U.S. homeownership rate was 68.5 percent in the first quarter of 2006, down from the record 69.1 percent homeownership rate in first quarter of 2005.
"Realtors build communities and we are carrying out the nation’s housing mission -- helping to elevate homeownership to more than 69 percent of U.S. households," says National Association of Realtors® (NAR) President Thomas M. Stevens.
Dooley adds that homeownership serves as a solid foundation for communities, instilling pride and a sense of belonging among individuals. Research on homeownership supports Realtors’ belief that homeownership provides a variety of tangible and intangible benefits to the community, the economy and the individual homeowner. For instance, studies have found that homeowners volunteer for political and charitable causes more frequently than renters do. Also, children whose parents own their own home tend to do better in school and to be better behaved; the greater stability of homeownership also has been found to be good for child development, according to recent research.
"Great American Realtor Days" April 18-19, 2006 in Tallahassee. The schedule includes a briefing session, receptions with legislators, and a luncheon on the Capitol courtyard.
The Florida Association of Realtors® is having their annual
The Florida Association of Realtors'® top five legislative goals for the 2006 session:
Full funding of the housing trust funds.
A robust insurance market is vital to the Florida housing market and to the state's continued economic growth.
Save Our Homes portability: an idea whose time has come.
Vote YES on SB 2238 / HB 1589, FAR's "Support Homeownership for All" license plate legislation.
Protect Florida's Constitution. (Close the loopholes that groups use to hijack the state's budget).
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If you've been keeping up with the news this year, you've probably read some articles that state that foreclosures are on the rise or at least expected to rise by the end of the year. If you have any reason to be concerned that you may face foreclosure, now is the time to take some action if you are to have a chance to keep your property, the equity you've built up, and avoid foreclosure. It's also important to keep in mind that there is more than one way to lose your home. These other ways include not paying your taxes, filing for bankruptcy, failure to pay homeowners dues, and illegaly activity. Below are links to some articles that can provide you with your options and the best ways to deal with the potential loss of your home.
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