The state-run insurance pool is getting ready to move second homes, vacation homes and most investment properties off its books. An insurance bill passed in May requires Citizens Property Insurance to stop offering windstorm coverage to non-homestead properties after March 1, 2007. The aim of the law is to reduce risk and slow the growth […]
Home Buyers: Don’t Repair Defects Without First Calling Inspector
When I bought my home, I made the mistake of not being present for the home inspection. Instead, I trusted that the inspector did a good job and that everything was OK. After moving in, I began finding things the inspector had missed. Worst of all was moisture and rotted wood at the base of […]
Property Owners Get Tax Relief
WEST PALM BEACH, Florida – Palm Beach County commissioners voted unanimously in September to drop the county’s tax rate by less than a percent. It’s the second time in two months they have agreed to lower the rate. The commission agreed to cut $3 million in unallocated money from the county’s spending plan, resulting in […]
Home Buyers: 5 Costly Mistakes to Avoid
Fall 2006 is proving to be a great time to be a home buyer (but not such a great time to sell your house or condo). In most cities, it’s a very strong “buyer’s market” for homes. A buyer’s market means there are more houses and condominiums listed for sale than there are prospective home […]
Tips for Maximizing Bathroom Remodel
People do lots of thinking when they remodel a bathroom. They agonize over colors, countertop materials, and choosing the latest lavatory sink, but too often they overlook the kind of improvements that would matter most. Simply upgrading your bathroom with fancy fixtures and materials won’t do a thing to improve its function. You’ll just be […]
Homeowners Forced out of Citizens Offered Relief
Florida insurance regulators offered some relief to the thousands of homeowners who were forced out of Citizens Property Insurance to Florida Peninsula Insurance and HomeWise Insurance. Both companies charged much more than Citizens – but their rates have yet to be approved by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. Regulators today ordered Citizens to offer […]
Boca Resort Wins Approval for Plan to Redevelop Beach Club Property
Boca Raton After years of battling it out, the Boca Raton Resort & Club and its neighbors on the beach called a truce, a move that should allow its owner to move forward with stalled redevelopment plans. Resort officials are seeking city permission to build and renovate their Boca Beach Club property on State Road […]
Several Ways to Save: You Won’t Pay Tax if You Buy Energy-Efficient Appliances by Oct.11
(South Florida Sun-Sentinel (KRT) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Buying a new refrigerator or air conditioner has never been so cool: Beginning Thursday, Floridians who buy certain energy-efficient appliances will save sales tax and help lower their electric bills. Washing machines, dishwashers, ceiling fans and a few other household items also are tax-free under the first […]
Bush, Cabinet Approve New Insurance Rules
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Jeb Bush and the Florida Cabinet approved two insurance rules on Tuesday, one that could double the discounts homeowners get on their insurance premiums for making their residences more hurricane-safe and another that finalizes state-funded property insurance for businesses. Under the new rule, insurers will now be required to give homeowners a […]
Palm Beach County delays biotech money decision
WEST PALM BEACH Still bitter about the contract battle with Scripps, county commissioners Tuesday delayed committing $21 million to lure another California-based institute to Palm Beach County until more detailed contract terms can be ironed out. County commissioners issued a one-week deadline for staff to negotiate with the Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Boca […]
