Florida unveils Web site to fight mortgage fraud-related scamsTALLAHASSEE, 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®

CHICAGO – April 7, 2009 – The chief economist of Mesirow Financial, a $31.4 billion asset financial services firm in Chicago founded in 1937, announced that the housing market probably bottomed out in February and is now on the road to recovery. “An unexpected jump in new and existing home sales, a fairly sharp increase in mortgage applications, and a surprise increase in pending home sales prompted many to declare the bottom in housing in the month of February,” says Swonk. “Even home prices, which had been falling like a rock, showed some signs of stabilizing during the month. Moreover, speculators appear to be re-entering the market, picking up properties on the cheap.”

“Swonk says a number of housing market shifts suggest a turnaround has started, including: • Starts of single-family home sales, in particular, are already close to zero and cannot fall much further. Multi-family starts are also exceedingly low and off more than 50 percent from their 2005 high. On net, overall starts are expected to decline again in the second quarter and then begin a gradual rebound in the second half of the year.Regional differences: The West and the South are expected to remain the weakest markets when it comes to construction activity, since they still suffer from the greatest overhang of vacant new properties.• Home sales are expected to bottom sooner than starts, which may have also hit their turning point in February, although a safer bet is probably May. Swonk says that’s not surprising given the fact that it’s easier to get a mortgage to buy a home than to get funding to build a housing development.

Crazy Crazy Low Condo in Naples FL

JUST 33K!!!

Crazy Crazy low- this condo is only 33K thousand yup! 33K. It is assessed for 267K Three bedroom. The only catch is someone else just put in an offer! There are a few more like this. Contact the Dusek TEAM today!!! Seriously....look at this condo!

Scam Alert using NAR

The National Association of Realtors issued an advisory Friday about a property rental scam that implies NAR is collecting rental deposits from prospective tenants. "NAR is not involved in this business and has contacted law enforcement officials to request that the matter be investigated," says NAR President Charles McMillan. "We encourage any consumers who may be affected to file a complaint."

Lacrosse in Naples

This sport is sweeping the nation and now Collier County FL is in its third year. The Dusek Family Team with John R Wood Realtors is very involved with the lacrosse program. Alex coaches youth boys and Lynlee coaches High School women's. Gulf Coast High Women's team has a big game this Wednesday that will help determine if we are #1,#2, or #3. If you have any questions about lacrosse and want more info checkout CCLA (Collier County Lacrosse Association)

Latest on Home Insurance- F.A.I.R

F.A.I.R. for Collier
Fighting Against Insurance Rates

After 15 years of trying to use state regulations, financial and insurance mechanisms to ensure availability and affordability for residential property insurance, the state realizes it hasn’t found the final solution to the issue. During this year’s general session of the legislature they will revisit property insurance again.
Let’s just take a quick look at the last few years of change to the property insurance law.
In January 2007 there was a special legislative session just to discuss and create a law to bring down the sky rocketing property insurance rates. Many things were accomplished during that session, most especially was Citizens Property Insurance rates were frozen to 2009 and then later extended to 2010.
In 2008 there was some fine tuning of the previously written bill. A Task Force was formed to study ways to return Citizens Property Insurance to its original role as a non-competitive residential market mechanism. Citizens receive 50,000 new applicants each month. At present there are about 1.1 million policy holders. Approximately 400,000 policies have been taken out of Citizens by other private companies. These companies must hold these policies for at least 3 years at rates no greater than Citizens. Citizens Wind Only policies are not being renewed. You must reapply for eligibility for a new policy. They are mainly looking at roofs, but do have some other criteria as well. If your home is in a wind-borne area and has an insured value of $750,000 or more you must have all openings brought up to the new FL building code. In 2011 this will be a requirement for all insurance companies. If a home is insured with Citizens, as of January 1, 2010, anyone wishing to purchase a home located in the wind-borne area with an insured value of $500,000 or more, must be provided a windstorm mitigation rating prior to the contract for sale and purchase. If Citizens incurs a deficit it may assess each of its policyholders 15% per account; may levy a 6% per account on all other private insured policies. If more money is needed in an emergency, a 10% assessment may be assessed on all policies.

The Task Force is suggesting to the legislature the following:
1. Annual premiums be raised on a statewide average to 10% a year for the next 3 years beginning in 2010.
2. The increase by territory to be no more than 15%
3. An increase to no more than 20% a year for individual Citizens policyholders.
4. Prohibit Citizens form insuring new homes and condominiums near the coast.
5. Enforce the 15% rule. If a private insurance company offer you a policy less than 15% of Citizens rate, then you must take it.
6. Require Citizens policy holders to take the takeout offer from private carriers.

My Safe Florida Home – The state was offering free wind inspections to all single-family home owners. The funding has hit a low and therefore they had to put this program on hold; however, I have been told that there may be a few inspections still available. The legislature will be discussing increased funding for this program.

State Farm Insurance
As most of you know State Farm is pulling out of the state of Florida. They became angry with the OIR when they would not give them a 47% increase in rates in September. The OIR also told them they had to issue credits or refunds up to $120 million to current or former policy holders who did not apply for or who did not receive wind loss mitigation credits and they must also pay $1 million in penalties.
Allstate was told to take on 100,000 new policy holders.
2009
At the beginning of 2009 a new condo insurance bill was created which makes it mandatory to have interior insurance and if a unit owner doesn’t get the insurance then the association is responsible for getting it and then bill the owner for the amount. There has been so much confusion and dissention over this bill that I feel sure that it will either be repealed or amended.

WHAT IS F.A.I.R DOING NOW?

Rebuild
After hurricane Ivan in 2004 hit the Panhandle area in the NW section of FL, a program call Rebuild of NW FL was established in January 2005.
It began as a grass roots group and then became a non -profit organization. Private citizens, government, private businesses, faith based groups, social services and builders got together to organize Rebuild. It provides homeowners to fortify their homes against a CAT 3 hurricane. For every dollar spent to mitigate a home, $4 to $16 are saved and helps to reduce insurance rates. The idea is to harden against hurricanes; not repair after hurricane. This program would be for homes built before 2002 and would have to be site built single family homes. This group received 2 state grants through My Safe Florida Home and grants from FEMA. F.A.I.R. is trying to get business leaders, private citizens and local government together to organize. We have names from the state to contact and guide us through this program; however, F.A.I.R. is not capable of taking on such a large project. We want to be the catalyst to get it organized.

Thinking about Renting Your Home?

WASHINGTON – March 11, 2009 – Homeowners who decide to rent out their properties have to stop thinking of themselves as homeowners 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)

Dangerous Realtors! Beware!

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – March 3, 2009 – The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) Division of Regulation last week rolled out a statewide unlicensed activity enforcement operation aimed at protecting the public from the dangers caused by unlicensed individuals. Working in 10 regions throughout the state, staff investigators checked over 500 licenses during the operation, which resulted in 86 citations, 41 arrests, 16 cease and desists orders and 15 notices of non-compliance.“Many Floridians may not be aware of the dangers that are associated with unlicensed activity, but I have heard first-hand from consumers and licensees who have been harmed,” said DBPR Secretary Charles W. Drago. “Their stories have motivated us to increase our efforts and find new ways to combat unlicensed activity.”Unlicensed activity threatens the financial and personal safety of consumers, leaving them with little to no recourse. State-licensed professionals are also impacted by unlicensed activity. Unlicensed individuals often underbid licensed professionals, but they usually do not carry workers’ compensation or liability insurance, posing an increased threat to consumers.“All unlicensed activity puts consumers at risk, whether it’s the illegal selling of real estate that could affect the biggest investment that many families ever make – their home – or other kinds of unlicensed activity,” says Cynthia Shelton, 2009 president of the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR). “This kind of illegal activity hurts the public, harms legitimate business and business professionals, and ultimately weakens our communities. It unfairly taints the reputation of true real estate professionals, who care deeply about their work and the people they serve.“Unlicensed activity is a burden that we all bear – financially, legally, economically and in human resources. We need strong enforcement efforts by DBPR to protect consumers and our state’s responsible business interests,” Shelton says.Unlicensed activity can result in a first-degree misdemeanor criminal charge and a fine up to $5,000. The department’s ultimate goal is to bring people into compliance with the law. Unlicensed activity charges do not bar an individual from obtaining a license. The department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly, and the overall goal is to ensure that those providing professional services to Floridians obtain a license in order to comply with the law. DBPR uses a variety of tools to help eliminate the practice of unlicensed activity, including working with various agencies, industry groups and local law enforcement, which provides vital support during these operations. The department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. DBPR licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists. For more information go to: www.MyFloridaLicense.com.© 2009 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Do you want to know about foreclosures in Naples FL?

The Dusek Team can search every foreclosure in Naples fast and free for you. Just let us do the work and we can keep you updated on the best deals of a lifetime. Aren't you curious?

Naples FL continues to have the best beaches, shopping and resort lifestyle without big FL city traffic.

Is this you???

It is time to get out of winter and in paradise!!

www.realtordusek.com

Mortgage relief maybe as soon as April

Mortgage Relief Coming Soon!

....final details will be released Wednesday, but Donovan said the plan will allow borrowers with big debts from car loans, credit cards and unaffordable mortgages to have their home loans modified to lower the monthly payment, even if they are not in default.Borrowers who owe up to 5 percent more than their home’s current value will be able to refinance, as long as their mortgages are held by mortgage finance companies Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. At the same time, loan modifications will be available for borrowers who owe up to 50 percent more than their home’s current value, Donovan said.A refinanced mortgage involves a new loan contract, while a modified mortgage involves changes to an existing one, such as extending the amount of time it takes to pay the loan back from 30 to 40 years, or lowering the interest rate.Testifying before Senate lawmakers, Donovan said, “We expect to see large numbers of modifications happen very quickly,” and hope it causes foreclosure rates to drop as soon as April.

source: NAR

www.realtordusek.com search for Naples FL homes for sale for free

Florida's Existing Home Sales Rose!

Florida's existing home sales rose!

Florida's existing home sales rose 24 percent in January, making it the fifth month in a row that sales activity increased year-to-year, according to the latest housing data from FAR. Florida Realtors also reported a 13 percent gain in statewide sales of existing condos last month. NAR reported that nationwide sales of existing homes - all housing types - fell 5.3 percent last month; at the same time, inventories fell to a two-year low.

Mortgage news!! Good News!!

Today's rates are:

Conforming loans up to $417,000
30 year fixed 5.375%
15 year fixed 4.875%

Jumbo ARMS up to $650,000:
5/1 ARM @ 4.875%*
7/1 ARM @ 5.125%*

*Add .125% to rate for jumbo loans up to $3mmMortgage rates hold below 5.5 percent

The Vineyards Naples FL

Unique opportunity to own an immaculate townhouse in North Naples? premier country club community. This spacious Vineyards property is located in an established gated neighborhood with heated pool just steps away. Master bedroom on first floor and two bedrooms on the second. Brand new Kitchen appliances,paint and granite counters. This property epitomizes the Florida lifestyle and is offered beautifully furnished. Roof and Air conditioner have been recently replaced. Move-in ready or great investment to rent. Act quickly!!

Price $379,000

Size # 3 Bedroom 2.5 Baths

ASKING ONLY $235,000--- NAPLES FL

Gorgeous two story townhouse. The beautiful new walnut flooring on the first floor and up the staircase sets this unit apart from the rest. Stainless steel refrigerator, neutral kitchen cabinets and countertops. The three upstairs bedrooms have been custom painted in warm tones. One guest bedroom has a tailored sitting storage window bench. The master bath has customized crafted shower tile. There is a fabulous recreation area with tennis courts, swimming pool and playground. This lovely home is convenient to 5th Ave. shopping, dining and the beaches. And look at those LOW HOA fees. “Brand new airconditioner 09/15/08”

BRIARWOOD-CLOSE TO OLD NAPLES AND 5TH AVE.

Florida Home Insurance Update! Very Important

Florida Insurance Commissioner Approves State Farm Withdrawal Plan, With Conditions
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty today announced that he has conditionally approved the withdrawal plan submitted Jan. 27 to the Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) by State Farm Florida Insurance Co. (State Farm Florida) and State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. (State Farm Mutual). Today’s order allows the State Farm companies to move forward with their plan to withdraw from the Florida property insurance market, but stipulates several key conditions with which the company must comply.

Commissioner McCarty’s conditional approval order states in part:
State Farm Florida shall surrender its Certificate of Authority within 30 days;
State Farm shall facilitate the orderly transition of policies from State Farm Florida to the private marketplace in a method directed by the Office and shall not place any of the policies in Citizens;
State Farm shall not interfere with the appointment of its agents to other private insurance companies to place State Farm Florida policies directly with those other private insurance companies;
In an effort to minimize the impact of market disruption on all of its policyholders, State Farm shall issue pro-rata refunds of premium to any policyholder seeking to voluntarily cancel or non-renew a policy and will not short-rate the return premium for any policy in any line, whether it be automobile, boat, or property insurance coverage;
State Farm shall consider all offers to buy or assume all or part of its business. A copy of any such offer shall be provided to the Office within 48 hours of its receipt.

“I could not approve the withdrawal plan State Farm submitted, because, as Florida law states, I believe that plan was ‘hazardous’ to State Farm policyholders and to the public,” said Commissioner McCarty. “State Farm intended to dump all of its customers into Citizens; and that is not acceptable for their customers or for the people of Florida. We have private companies that are eager to grow their businesses, and I expect State Farm to fully cooperate in facilitating a smooth transition of their policyholders to those companies.

The law governing the withdrawal of an insurance company and the Office’s review of a withdrawal plan can be found in section 624.430(2), Florida Statutes.

State Farm now has 21 days to review Commissioner McCarty’s Order and to decide whether to abide by it or to request an administrative hearing by filing a petition with the Office.

A detailed chronology of all events associated with recent State Farm issues is available on the Office Web site, www.floir.com and in the Office’s Jan. 12 news release announcing Commissioner McCarty’s Final Order denying State Farm’s 47 percent average statewide rate increase. About the Florida Office of Insurance RegulationThe Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) has primary responsibility for regulation, compliance and enforcement of statutes related to the business of insurance and the monitoring of industry markets. The Office protects Florida consumers through regulatory oversight of: insurance company solvency, policy forms and rates, market conduct performance and new company entrants to the Florida market. For more information about the Office, please visit www.floir.com. If you would like information about the Cover Florida Health Care Access Program, please go to www.coverfloridahealthcare.com.

Every home in this neigborhood are in the Millions
Come see why!

Uncompromising resort-style living in one of Naples Premiere Golf Club Communities. Nestled in the luxury enclave of “Terracina”, this 4000 sq.ft home offers a combination of informality with the great room concept of the family room/kitchen opening through the disappearing sliders to the oversized lanai, pool and spa along with the formality of a French Chateau. AN INCREDIBLE PROPERTY TO CALL HOME . Minutes to the beach and shopping. Award winning privately owned debt free Vineyards Country Club boasts two championship golf courses, 12 har-tru tennis courts, fine dining, large pool and fitness center.

Investment: $1,350,000

Size: 5,571 Total square feet

Location: The Vineyards Naples FL

Age: 2004

Home Owners Insurance Rates!!! F.A.I.R

click here www.Fairforcollier.org for lastest grass roots effort in Collier County FL. They are flight to keep insurance LOW!!! and in the state of FL

F.A.I.R. “Fighting Against Insurance Rates”

Glossary of Terms

Hardening your home – There are improvements you can do to your home to give you credit on your insurance premiums.
OIR – Office of Insurance
My Safe Florida Home- Free inspection for mitigation credits. May give up to $5000 of matching funds to help homeowner mitigate (harden) home.
Hurricane Model –Used to help estimate frequency and severity of storms risk and thus be a factor in determining how rates may be set..
Wind Inspectors – Inspect home to look for ways to harden home for insurance credits.
Ordinance or Law Exclusion –Must be offered to you by insurance agent. If a local building ordinance or law increases the cost of repairing or replacing your dwelling, the insurance company will not pay that extra amount, unless you had added ordinance or law coverage to your policy.
Actual Cash Value – The amount needed to repair or replace damage to your home after depreciation.
Surplus Lines Companies - Freedom from some insurance regulation, such as coverage and rate filings, allows surplus lines insurers to respond to unmet needs of insurance consumers. This is not an admitted company in FL. The Florida Insurance Guaranty Association does not provide any coverage for claims if a surplus lines company goes bankrupt.
Citizens Property Insurance – With the new law, Citizens will be writing multi – peril insurance, not just wind. They will be competitive with the private insurance market. State supported.
Replacement Cost – The amount needed to replace or repair your damaged property with materials of similar kind and quality.
Package Policy – Is an insurance policy that includes several kinds of coverage. For example, homeowners policies usually include property damage, additional living expenses, personal liability and medical payments.
All Risk or Special – Form Policy – Is one that covers the loss of property or damage that results from any peril, except those specifically excluded in the contract.
Condominium Insurance - Condominium unit owners form(HO-6) covers property and certain items not insured by the association’s policy against the perils included in Broad Form (HO-2 – covers all perils) .
Hurricane Dispute Mediation – Anyone with a disputed residential property hurricane damage claim qualifies for mediation, if the claim exceeds $500, not including the deductible.
Flood Insurance - This is a separate policy from your homeowners policy to cover rising water damage and should be at replacement cost.
Wind Inspectors – Will come out and check out your home to see how you can get credits on your insurance policy in order to reduce the amount of the policy. Most home inspectors who are general contractors are qualified to do this.

Consumer Helpline (Department of Financial Services) – 800-342-2762
FMAP – Florida Market Assistance Program – 800-534-9023 – can offer help if you can’t find coverage.
www.firmkeys.org Monroe County organization
www.fldfs.com –Florida Department of Financial Services
www.florir.com – Office of Insurance Regulations
Public Insurance Adjustors – Work with the public to assure you collecting on your claim.
Citizens Insurance – 888-685-1555; www.citizensfla.com
www.mysafefloridahome.com
www.shopandcomparerates.com
www.flash.org , Florida Alliance for Safe Home
myfloridacfo.com. Find out if insurance company is admitted (certificate of authority)or if it is a surplus company ( certificate of authority).

Statistics for Naples FL Real Estate

Here are some new statistics for Naples and Bonita Springs FL


Closed Sales
 Closed sales units are up less than 2% over January 2008. Volume is down 46%, reflecting the large number
of closings under $250,000.
 Median Sales Price for January is down 51% from January 2008.
 63% of closed units were priced under $250,000.
Pended Sales
 Pended sales units for January are up 65.5% over January 2008.
 Properties priced under $250,000 comprised 65% of January pendings.
Listings
 Number of new listings taken in January are down 9% over January 2008.
 Active listing inventory on February 1, 2009 was 13,944 (6,776 condominiums and 7,168 single family homes).
This represents approximately a 10% decrease from the same period 2008.

Meet the Family Team

Bobbie Dusek- (ABR, CRS,GRI, FAR, NAR, Realtor) Team Leader and Customer Service Manager. Bobbie is a native Floridian and a graduate of Florida State University. Her knowledge and experience in real estate is gathered from 27 years of holding a broker’s license in NY, PA, and FL. A current member of NABOR Legal Resource Committee, Bobbie is your representative to all contracts. Not only does she service her clients in real estate, but devotes energy to helping her community by organizing a not for profit organization in 2006 called F.A.I.R. (Fighting Against Insurance Rates) in Collier County.
Alex Dusek-(Realtor, NAR, FAR) Marketing Manager. With a 40 year career in advertising marketing and public relations he will be managing all aspects of your marketing and promotion. His creative thinking “outside of the box” will set your home apart from the others. Alex also has served in the Marines. His love for this area has led him to be a Naples Historian and finds the time to coach youth lacrosse.
Lynlee Dusek-(Realtor, FAR, NAR, E-Pro) Intelligence & Technology Manager and New Construction Advisor. Lynlee is a graduate from Roanoke College with a B.A in Sociology. She has worked for America’s premiere luxury home builder, Toll Brothers. She has extensive knowledge of new home construction. Her people skills were sharpened by 10 years as a Flight Attendant. Lynlee will serve you with the latest computer technology bringing the world to your door.