Making sure a home gets appraised accurately…

Appraisers make the final call, of course, but here are steps that sellers and their agents can take to ensure that valuations are fair and accurate. Read more…http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=278815

Insurance tips for first-time buyers…

Property insurance is confusing. At a minimum, new buyers should understand the levels and types of coverage, and take a few additional steps to protect themselves. Read more…http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=278351

Vacation-home buyers pounce on short sales, foreclosures…

Central Florida’s second-home market has been thriving, thanks to a seemingly irresistible combination of record-low prices and record-high numbers of tourists. The Orlando metropolitan area was recently listed, for instance, as one of the country’s “10 hot spots for foreign buyers” by Inman News, an online real-estate news service. Read more…http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=278097

How to snag mortgage rates in 3% range!

Mortgage rates are at record lows, with 30-year fixed-rate mortgages – the most popular choice among homebuyers – averaging in the 3 percent range for the last several weeks.

So how can homebuyers snag such low financing for their home purchase? Read more…

http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=277879

Free Florida Webinar: Hurricane Preparedness

What does it take to brace for high winds and driving rain? Florida-created webinar to help owners and residents prepare. Read more.

IBHS study says FL and VA have best building codes…

Florida and Virginia ranked highest in a new comparison study that examined residential building codes and enforcement systems in the most hurricane-prone states. http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=276951

Well Prepared for 2012 Hurricane Season

With the 2012 Hurricane season already begun, June 1, 2012 – November 30, 2012, it is always good to have access to information and resources in case of an emergency or damage caused by a hurricane. The Florida Division of Emergency web-site contains valuable information to assist homeowners and visitors to prepare for this type of situation: http://www.floridadisaster.org/DEMpublic.asp