South Floridians turn to alternative home insurance

South Floridians turn to alternative home insurance With major insurers poised to shed more property insurance policies this year, Florida residents will be shopping for alternatives. Two little-known options expected to become more popular are surplus-lines companies and self-insurance pools. Surplus lines and condo self-insurance pools aren’t subject to Florida rate regulations, so they may …

Tenants: Be aware of landlords facing foreclosure

Tenants: Be aware of landlords facing foreclosure While South Florida’s falling housing prices may favor renting rather than buying right now, the recent real estate bubble is also creating new risks for tenants. Plenty of homes and condos are available for lease because their owners can’t sell them, giving renters a variety of options. The …

State Joins Inquiry of Unusual Loans [Tampa Bay Area]

State Joins Inquiry of Unusual Loans [Tampa Bay Area] Hundreds of peculiar home sales and foreclosures clustered in low-income neighborhoods in south St. Petersburg have attracted the attention of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The deals involved unusual mortgages uncovered last summer in a Tampa Tribune investigative report. The sales are tied to a …

‘Angels’ help woman escape foreclosure [Connecticut]

”Angels’ help woman escape foreclosure [Connecticut] Maria Leon can’t stop smiling because, as she puts it, she got a second chance at a new life. Her smile is a big change from January and an even bigger one from Thursday night, when it appeared all Leon’s options had been exhausted and the court would finally …

Kuhn’s Woes Threaten Revitalization Plans [Central Florida]

Kuhn’s Woes Threaten Revitalization Plans [Central Florida] Cameron Kuhn, who has emerged in recent years as a major developer in downtown Orlando and Jacksonville, Fla., is under siege on numerous fronts, raising questions about the revitalizations of these two city centers. Late last year, Mr. Kuhn defaulted on about $31 million in loans on land …