Friday, July 30, 2021

Vacation Markets Expected to Stay Hot




Since the pandemic began, vacation home sales have soared as Americans have looked for an alternate work-from-home space and a place to relax and spread out. That has prompted a vacation-town boom.


Vacation home sales have jumped 57% this year compared to 2020, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.


Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, told Marketplace that he expects the vacation-home market to stay elevated through the rest of the year. Many employers have chosen flexible work options that will continue to drive demand in the vacation-home market, he says.


But some of these vacation towns aren’t used to the rising number of year-round residents. Longtime full-time residents are complaining about increasing traffic, lack of parking, and crowded stores. Also, bidding wars for homes are driving up prices.


Buyers of vacation homes are more likely to pay with cash, a tactic that can give them an edge in today’s market. From January through the end of April 2021, all-cash sales rose to 53% of all vacation-home purchases compared to 22% of all-cash purchases for existing-home sales over that same period, according to NAR’s data.


NAR’s 2021 Vacation Home Counties Report identified the following top 10 counties for vacation-home sales:







      • Lee County, Fla.

      • Oscoda County, Mich.

      • Swain County, N.C.

      • Collier County, Fla.

      • Dukes County, Mass.

      • Alleghany County, N.C.

      • Garrett County, Md.

      • Barnstable County, Mass.

      • Alcona County, Mich.

      • Macon County, N.C.






 




Thursday, July 29, 2021

New Definition for Financial Well-Being After the Pandemic




More Than Half of Americans Have a New Definition for Financial Well-Being After the Pandemic, Poll Finds


 


If you’ve taken a step back to review your finances during the pandemic, you’re certainly not alone.


A new survey revealed 58% of Americans have “completely” changed how they think about money due to the pandemic and nearly as many (56%) believe their concept of financial well-being has been altered since the pandemic.


The poll of 2,000 Americans explored the impact financial wellness has on their mental and physical health.  In fact, the pandemic caused 48% to increase the amount of money they believe they need in their rainy day or emergency fund.  Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Capital One, the survey found respondents added one month of emergency expenses to their savings (an average of five months pre-pandemic to six months now).  3 in 10 respondents said their top financial struggle is establishing good spending habits, so it’s no wonder the top habit they want to change is spending on items they don’t really need (44%).


Impulse spending is another habit two in five respondents are trying to shake, and 41% even said they made impulse purchases during the pandemic they regretted.  29% of these respondents blamed pandemic-related stress for their impulse spends—which cost an average of $162 per spend.  And while men were less likely to make impulse purchases than women, they were often more expensive with more than 1 in 4 (27%) spending over $250 on their impulse purchase.


“After living through the last year and a half, one of the most important things we’ve learned is that there isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to well-being,” said Lia Dean, President, Retail Bank & Premium Card Products, Capital One. “People have always been stressed about money, perhaps never more so than right now, which is why we want to create a world where our customers can save more and live fully without losing sleep over their finances.”


Nearly 3 in 10 (29%) respondents believe their credit score is the strongest indicator of their financial well-being, followed by the ability to pursue their financial goals without concern (19%).  1 in 5 respondents used the pandemic to start a new savings goal as they strive toward a healthier financial future.  As they look ahead over the next year, some of Americans’ top goals included starting an emergency fund (39%), paying off their credit card (34%) and starting to save for retirement (24%).


With all of these financial firsts and new goals in mind, 33% of those surveyed are confident they could actually become a “finfluencer” to advise their family and friends on financial decision-making.


TOP PANDEMIC FINANCIAL FIRSTS

Made a new savings goal – 20%

Prioritize my mental health with therapy, meditation or another ritual – 19%

Started a side hustle – 18%

Started exercising regularly – 17%

Investing in stock – 12%

Started an emergency fund – 12%

Applied for a credit card – 11%

Investing in cryptocurrency – 11%

Started a 401k – 5%

Applied for a mortgage – 4%

Began consulting with a financial coach – 3%


TOP GOALS FOR NEXT 12 MONTHS

Start an emergency fund – 39%

Pay off my credit card – 34%

Save up for a big vacation – 29%

Start saving for retirement – 24%

Pay off student loans – 15%

Pay off my mortgage – 9%


 


Article Link



Wednesday, July 28, 2021

NUMBER OF MORTGAGES IN FORBEARANCE DROPS TO 3.5%




Mortgage bankers say that many homeowners are coming out of forbearance, with only 7.4%, so far, either selling the home, doing a refi or otherwise paying off the mortgage. 1 in 4 (23.2%) never stopped making monthly payments; another 1 in 4 (28%) ended up having their loans deferred.


 


The number of homes in forbearance this week (3.5%) dropped again from last week’s numbers (3.76%), according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) latest Forbearance and Call Volume Survey. According to MBA’s estimate, 1.75 million homeowners are in forbearance plans.


Percentage in forbearance by type of loan







      • Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans (conventional): Down 8 basis points to 1.83%.

      • Ginnie Mae (FHA, VA, etc.): Down 42 basis points to 4.36%

      • Portfolio loans and private-label securities (PLS): Down 61 basis points to 7.33%

      • Independent mortgage bank (IMB) servicers: Down 19 basis points to 3.68%

      • Depository servicers: Down 36 basis points to 3.62%






 


“Forbearance exits edged up again last week, and new forbearance requests dropped to their lowest level since last March, leading to the largest weekly drop in the forbearance share since last October and the 20th consecutive week of declines,” says Mike Fratantoni, MBA’s senior vice president and chief economist.


“The forbearance share decreased for every investor and servicer category,” he said, crediting recent economic data that supports “further improvements in the forbearance numbers as more homeowners are able to resume their payments.”


Where happened when homeowners came out of forbearance?


According to MBA, of all forbearance exits between June 1, 2020, and July 11, 2021:








      • 28.0% resulted in a loan deferral/partial claim




      • 23.2% were borrowers who kept making monthly payments in forbearance, perhaps seeing the forbearance option as a “just in case” tool




      • 15.7% didn’t make all of their monthly payments while in forbearance, yet exited the program without a loss-mitigation plan in place




      • 13.5% resulted in reinstatements – paying back past-due amounts and picking up where they left off




      • 10.7% resulted in a loan modification or trial loan modification.




      • 7.4% paid off the full loan, either by refinancing or selling the home




      • 1.5% resulted in repayment plans, short sales, deed-in-lieus or other reasons








 


Source: Florida Realtors®



Tuesday, July 27, 2021

SOUTH FLORIDA REALTORS® HOST BACK-TO-SCHOOL DRIVE




Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors® are hosting a Back-to-School Supplies Drive in partnership with Women in Distress of Broward County, Education Foundation of Palm Beach County and St. Lucie Public Schools.


 


Broward, Palm Beaches and St. Lucie Realtors® are hosting a back-to-school supplies drive to benefit students in need. The Realtors® Association is working closely with multiple charitable organizations across South Florida and the Treasure Coast.



“It’s our duty to give back; we are advocates for our communities and want to see success from all citizens. Together, Realtors® in South Florida and the Treasure Coast are teaming up to help our local students get ready for the new school year. These students are our future, and we want to make sure that every child has the school supplies they need to succeed,” said Karen Johnson, President of Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors®.



The donations collected in Broward County will go to students who are part of the Women in Distress of Broward County. The Women in Distress of Broward County is the only nationally accredited, state-certified, full service domestic violence center serving Broward County. Their mission is to stop domestic violence abuse for everyone through intervention, education and advocacy.


Donations received at the Palm Beach County locations will be given to the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County. The Education Foundation of Palm Beach County is the nexus of the Palm Beach County public-school system, the private sector, and the community. They facilitate student achievement by supporting high-quality public education through partnerships, grants, events, and public awareness.



“In two weeks, 179,000 students will return to schools in Palm Beach County. Sadly, 40,000 to 50,000 of them will not have the basic school supplies they need to succeed. Every year, teachers spend approximately $500.00 out of their own pockets to provide schools supplies to their neediest students. The Education Foundation of Palm Beach County and our Red Apple Supplies is trying to meet this need. With the generous support of the Broward, Palm Beach and St. Lucie Realtors®, we will make sure that every student has what they need to learn, grow, thrive and succeed. This massive Supply Drive is a critical piece in our “supply chain”, ensuring that we have enough pencils, pens, glue sticks, erasers, notebooks, composition books, etc. so that every child has the same educational opportunity. Thank you to all the Realtors® who are making this happen,” said James S. Gavrilos, CEO and President of the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County.



All the school supplies collected at the Port St. Lucie office will be donated to students in St. Lucie Public Schools. The mission of St. Lucie Public Schools is to ensure all students graduate from safe and caring schools, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and desire to succeed.


All eight Broward, Palm Beaches and St. Lucie Realtors® locations will be collecting donations from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday until August 6th. If you would like to view the wish items and find out more information about the back-to-school drive, visit Rworld.com/schools.



Monday, July 26, 2021

BLAZING SUMMER SETS NEW RECORD HIGH IN ST. LUCIE COUNTY






Just in! Newly released market reports from Florida Realtors® detailing recent real estate activity in St. Lucie County. The reports compare year-over-year data for June. Here are statistics on single family homes.




 






“It was a monumental month for the St. Lucie County housing market! The median sale price hit $305,000, making it the highest we have ever seen. June’s market stats show that the low inventory levels aren’t deterring prospective homebuyers from jumping into this red hot market. Low mortgage rates combined with rising sale prices have everyone shopping for homes in the Treasure Coast,” said Karen Johnson, President of Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors®.






Median sale price is our preferred summary statistic for price activity because, unlike average sale price, median sale price is not sensitive to high sale prices for small numbers of homes that may not be characteristic of the market area.


“Meanwhile, closed sales increased 25.7 percent to 723 and homes are flying off the market at astonishing rates. The amount of closed sales we’ve seen this summer easily tops what we saw in the summer of 2020. Homes are going under contract as soon as they are listed; the median time to contract in June was an astonishing 8 days. With the help of Realtors®, people are buying their dream homes or cashing in on the market momentum. So, whether you’re looking to buy or sell, a local Realtor® will help you find what you’re looking for at the right price,” continues Johnson.


Time to contract is a measure of length of the home selling process calculated for sales which closed during the month. Time to contract measures the number of days between the initial listing of a property and the signing of the contract which eventually led to the closing of the sale.




 


Market Reports: St. Lucie Single Family (Opens as PDF.) | St. Lucie Townhouses/Condos



Friday, July 23, 2021

Treasure Coast Weekend Happenings




Farmers Market and Craft Show at the Fort Pierce Marina


Farmers Market


St. Lucie County

Date: Event occurs every Saturday of every month.

Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: Downtown Fort Pierce

Address: 1 Avenue A – Fort Pierce

Category: Other


Come enjoy the extraordinary Downtown Fort Pierce Farmers’ Market where there are over 70 friendly vendors that offer a wonderful and diverse selection of delicious foods, exotic plants, savory spices, and much much more!


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Christmas in July


Christmas in July


Date: Saturday July 24, 2021

Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Location: Down Town Fort Pierce

Price: Free

Category: Kids / Family



Come Downtown & take selfies in your Christmas Shirt with store logos in the background & earn tickets to enter our Downtown Shopping Spree Giveaway! Bring school supplies to Legit Cuts Barbershop and take a selfie showing the supplies and earn 2 extra tickets!!! 1 selfie per store or selfie station = 1 ticket. MUST be taken with store logo in the background . The more stores or restaurants you visit downtown the more tickets you earn to win. WINNER takes ALL!!!! Must be 18 years or older. Bring your phone to Notions & Potions by 6pm for proof & get your tickets. Drawing will be held at 6:30 pm (you do not have to be present to win) no worries if you can’t take selfies we will help


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Free Concert Series in Wickham Park


Free


Date: Saturday July 24, 2021

Time: 6:00 pm

Location: Wickham Park, Melbourne

Category: Concert / Live Music


The event will take place at Wickham Park Regional Pavilion from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Orange Food Concepts will provide the Food Trucks that will be serving during the event.


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Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti & His Big Band



St. Lucie County

Date: Saturday July 24, 2021

Time: 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Location: St. Lucie County

Address: , , FL,

Price: $46.35

Category: Other


Sal The Voice Valentinetti, Heidi Klums unforgettable 2016 Golden Buzzer recipient and finalist of Americas Got Talent, is an Italian-American crooner known best for his flawless vocals, larger than life personality, and his heart of gold. Born August 26, 1995, Sal was raised in the small town of Bethpage, New York where he still resides today. From a very young age Sal was influenced by his grandmother to love the musical genius of the classic crooner sounds of Dean Martin, Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra.

At the young age of fifteen Sal realized the hidden talent he possessed and began performing his flawless tribute to the great Frank Sinatra across New York.

In 2016, Sal made his debut on Season 11 of the NBC hit show Americas Got Talent. That night, The 20-year-old college student went from delivering Pizzas for his cousins restaurant, to delivering whats considered one of the best performances in AGT history.

Before long, the world would come to know and admire him as Sal the Voice.

Since racking up over 350 million views worldwide with his captivating AGT audition, the celebrated charismatic crooner has been invited to appear in hundreds of sold out solo performances on stages around the world.

From Madison Square Garden in NYC, to opening for Jay Leno in Las Vegas, to selling out the legendary NYCB Theater at Westbury like all of the greats before him; its safe to say that Sal is only getting started.


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Unity Artist Series-FPC Youth Orchestra



Date: Sunday July 25, 2021

Time: 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Location: Unity Spiritual Center

Address: 950 43rd Avenue

Price: Free

Category: Entertainment


Unity Artist Series welcomes Dr. Jacob Craig and the FPC Youth String Orchestra to our opening concert on July 25th, 2021 @ 4PM. This will be their final fundraising performance before they leave for Colorado to represent Vero Beach in the Aspen Invitational Music Festival. Open to the Public. Suggested donation $10. Limited seating. Check VeroVinoFestival.com under Unity Artist tab for details and reservations.


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Thursday, July 22, 2021

Millennials Lead Charge to Revamp Aging Housing Stock









The country’s aging housing stock is prompting homeowners to make more home renovations, particularly among younger owners who have faced limited housing inventories for sale. Nearly half of U.S. homeowners plan to upgrade or remodel their homes this year, according to a new survey from LendingHome, a lender to real estate investors.


But it’s younger homeowners, between the ages of 25 to 44, who are undertaking most renovations and looking to bring new trends and renovations to the aging homes they purchase.


Two-thirds of the U.S. housing stock is more than 30 years old, according to LendingHome. “Our ability to refresh those homes and make them ready for another generation of families is critically important,” said Michael Bourque, LendingHome CEO.


Millennial homeowners are taking on most of the renovation projects: 63% of respondents 25 to 34 years old are planning to upgrade or remodel their homes this year. That compares with 58% of those who are 35 to 44 years old planning similar activity, according to LendingHome.


Home Style, Renovation Preferences


Homeowners are appreciating older home styles. Americans who purchase vintage homes say they’re most swayed by the character of the house (40%) and the layout (27%). Others (22%) say they look for a specific characteristic, like a fireplace or hardwood floors, according to the LendingHome survey.


The survey found some of the following vintage home styles to be favored the most:



  • Modernist

  • Victorian

  • Colonial

  • Bungalow







 


For major renovation projects, such as kitchen and bathroom renovations, homeowners are likely to contract work out. But the top three upgrades that Americans say they’re willing to handle themselves are:








  • Minor facelifts, like flooring and paint (57%)

  • Outdoor space improvements (54%)

  • Bedroom upgrades (53%)







 


Source: LendingHome





















Wednesday, July 21, 2021

WHY THE TREASURE COAST HOUSING MARKET IS BOOMING




Home values on the Treasure Coast — St. Lucie County, Indian River County and Martin County — are booming. This surge is caused by new growth in the area economy including an influx of new companies plus out-of-state residents moving to the area.


The Treasure Coast has become one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in the U.S. in the past year with a recent wave of transplants from high-tax areas such as New York and California, especially after the pandemic. That growth is projected to increase dramatically, say experts.


The state of Florida’s population is forecast to increase from 21.6 million in 2021 to nearly 26 million by 2030, according to the Florida Chamber of Commerce. The new decade will see an increase in out-of-state transplants as well as an influx of foreign-born residents. South Florida Business Journal reported that the sales volume of single-family homes has increased by 24.4% since last year. Port St. Lucie has become one of the fastest-growing cities in Florida.


St. Lucie County’s single-family home median sale price rose to $299,000, up from $236,500 year over year ending in May, an increase of 26.4%. At the same time, active listings plummeted to 888, down from 1,571 a year ago, for an inventory decline of 43.9%.


Thirty years ago, the western Port St. Lucie real estate market was made by new homebuilders for the second home and retirement market. Then 20 years ago, it became known as the affordable housing region with homeowners buying lower-cost larger houses and commuting 30 to 60 miles one way to work. But over the last few years the market is changing.


“Things are a lot different now,” said John Slivon, past president of the Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors Association. “St. Lucie County and the Treasure Coast are growing much more with a business and growth-friendly atmosphere. We now have Legacy Park at Tradition with their first big tenet FedEx Ground Sortation Center, Cheney Brothers Food Distribution Center and more distribution and manufacturing companies planned along what is being called the Jobs Corridor. Plus, the boating industry is expanding with the new Derecktor Shipyard for megayacht building and repair.”


Slivon added that expanded infrastructure is on the way with the Florida Turnpike going from two lanes each way to four lanes and new interchanges. All the new business and new homeowners will need the larger capacity roads.


Pete Tesch, president of the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County said on their website that 60% of St. Lucie County’s workforce travels outside the county for work. He believes the upcoming wave of commercial development in St. Lucie could be an opportunity to reverse that daily flow and keep some of those residents closer to home.


Port St. Lucie is ranked No. 4 in the nation for housing price increases with the largest price gains since 2017. Over the past four years, the median home sale price for homes has grown almost 58%, according to new data from Realtor.com.


Mansion Global found that northerners are staying for longer than just a few months during the winter. Rather, they are shifting from vacation homes or rentals and looking into permanent residences. This real estate trend was accelerated by the pandemic.


“We’re seeing a lot of cash buyers,” said Jenifer Scott, a longtime new home and resale Realtor with her husband Warren on the Treasure Coast. “Buyers are still coming from out of the area, either move-ups from West Palm and Broward or from the northeast. What’s new is more home and Realtor unseen purchasers. That’s growing.”


According to Scott, out-of-area buyers are looking online and since inventory is so low, they’re connecting with agents that they’ve never met face-to-face and making an offer on a house they’ve never seen, except online. She said it’s happening more and more.


“With booming business and relocation exploding, inventory is not anticipated to keep up with demand,” said Scott. “New homebuilders are raising prices after three or four sales. Buyers know it. And they know prices will probably not decrease. So, they’re anxious to make a deal.”


And it’s not just single-family homes that have been in demand. Scott has also seen a rise in interest for beachside condos and townhouses.


“Buyers are looking for a more affordable and better quality of life with more home or lot size for the money,” said Scott. “California buyers know that and they’re acting on that knowledge by moving to the Treasure Coast. In fact, one California family just bought two houses and are looking for a third for their other family members. They’re all moving here together.”


 


Source: Michael Brown of South Florida Agent Magazine



Tuesday, July 20, 2021

FHFA Tosses Extra Refinance Fee for Fannie, Freddie Loans









The Federal Housing Finance Agency has announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will no longer charge an extra refinance fee on loans starting Aug. 1.


The Adverse Market Refinance Fee was added at the end of 2020 to cover losses that were projected to occur from the pandemic. But the FHFA says Fannie and Freddie policies shielded the government-backed mortgage financing firms from severe losses, and the housing market has stayed strong. Therefore, the extra fee is no longer needed, FHFA says.


Lenders will no longer be required to pay Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac a 50-basis-point fee for mortgages they refinance, the cost of which has largely been passed down to borrowers. For example, the fee could have amounted to $1,400 in extra costs on an average $300,000 GSE-backed refinanced loan. Certain loans were exempt from the added fee.


But now that the extra fee is being eliminated, the FHFA says it expects lenders to offer some cost savings to refinancing borrowers. “The COVID-19 pandemic financially exacerbated America’s affordable housing crisis,” FHFA Acting Director Sandra L. Thompson said in a statement. “Eliminating the Adverse Market Refinance Fee will help families take advantage of the low-rate environment to save more money.”


The FHFA had anticipated billions of dollars in loan losses due to expected forbearance defaults once pandemic aid expires. But the majority of borrowers with Fannie Mae- and Freddie Mac-backed loans have already exited COVID-19 forbearance plans, the FHFA says. In April, about 2% of single-family mortgages guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac remained in forbearance, down from a high of about 5% in May 2020.







 


Source: FHFA.gov



Monday, July 19, 2021

LEGO Unveils First Brick Prototype Made from Recycled Plastic




LEGO recently announced they now have a prototype brick made from recycled plastic that lives up to company standards for the iconic building toy.


The new prototype uses PET plastic from discarded bottles, yet it meets all the company’s strict quality and safety requirements.


A team of more than 150 scientists and engineers are working to find sustainable solutions for LEGO products. Over the past three years, they’ve tested over 250 variations of PET materials and hundreds of other formulations. The result is a brick that meets several play requirements—including clutch power. (See video below showing their testing fun.)


“We are super excited about this breakthrough,” says the Vice President of Environmental Responsibility at LEGO, Tim Brooks. “The biggest challenge on our sustainability journey is rethinking and innovating new materials that are as durable, strong and high quality as our existing bricks—and fit with LEGO elements made over the past 60 years.”


However, it will be some time before bricks made from a recycled material appear in stores. The next phase of testing is expected to take at least a year, but they do have a patent pending on the material formulation which “increases the durability of PET to make it strong enough for LEGO bricks.”


“Even though it will be a while before they will be able to play with bricks made from recycled plastic, we want to let kids know we’re working on it and bring them along on the journey with us.” says Brooks. “Experimentation and failing is an important part of learning and innovation. Just as kids build, unbuild and rebuild with LEGO bricks at home, we’re doing the same in our lab.”


The prototype is made from recycled PET sourced from suppliers in the United States that use US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and European Food Safety Authority approved processes to ensure quality. On average, a one-liter plastic PET bottle provides enough raw material for ten small LEGO bricks.


In 2020, the company announced it will begin removing single-use plastic from its boxes. And, the company said it will invest up to US $400 million over three years to 2022 to accelerate its sustainability ambitions.


WATCH how they’re transforming plastic waste…











Friday, July 16, 2021

Weekend Happenings :-)




The Jazz Market


40


Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society

Date: Event occurs every Saturday of every month.

Time: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

Location: Historic Downtown on the Waterfront

Address: 200 N Indian River Dr

Category: Festival



Every Saturday, the Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society hosts a Jazz Market “featuring creative arts & crafts” in Historic Downtown Fort Pierce on the waterfront of the Indian River. Original hand made crafts, stained glass, Highwaymen paintings, hand-painted glassware and much, more are available for purchase. Funds raised support education programs and local scholarships.  The Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society Jazz Market is a year-round event. The Jazz Market summer hours are 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Although we enjoy promoting our local Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County resident artists and crafters, our market is open to all crafters who wish to participate, given space available and our Market Managers discretion. If you are interested in displaying or selling your items, download the The Jazz Market Guidelines and Vendor Application.  If you are an interested new vendor, applications are now being accepted.  Print and fill out an application and return it with pictures of your items to:

P.O. Box 1086, Fort Pierce, FL 34954-1086  For more information, please email: JazzMarket@jazzsociety.org




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Farmers Market and Craft Show at the Fort Pierce Marina


 


St. Lucie County

Date: Event occurs every Saturday of every month.

Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: Downtown Fort Pierce

Address: 1 Avenue A – Fort Pierce

Category: Other


Come enjoy the extraordinary Downtown Fort Pierce Farmers’ Market where there are over 70 friendly vendors that offer a wonderful and diverse selection of delicious foods, exotic plants, savory spices, and much much more!


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Tales On The Trails: Izzie Lizzie Alligator


St. Lucie County

Date: Saturday July 17, 2021

Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Location: St. Lucie County

Address: , , FL,

Price: $3.00 per vehicle

Category: Community



Tales on the Trails


Take a trip to tour the Tales on the Trails at Savannas Preserve State Park. A 5 part literacy program will take place this summer every other Saturday starting June 5, 2021 through July 31, 2021 from 10 am to 2 pm.  Environmentally themed storybooks will be placed along a trail for visitors to read as they stroll along. Each date of the program will feature a new book. Upon arrival, be sure to pick up your Official Tales on the Trails Passport from the trail entrance. Earn prizes by filling in your Passport each time you return for a new Tale on the Trail, youll receive a stamp to put in your passport. Earn 3 stamps to become a Happy Hiker or earn all 5 stamps to become a Trail Trekker. Prizes can be collected at the trail entrance as well. This program is geared towards participants in early childhood ,Kindergarten through 4th grade, but anyone is welcome to join in.  The list of event dates is as follows: June 5, June 19, July 3, July 17, July 31. The Tales will be posted on the Trail from 10 am to 2 pm. The trail is unpaved and could possibly be muddy. We encourage closed toed shoes that can get wet. Please observe local social distancing guidelines, such as staying 6 ft. away from others. Avoid overcrowding the trail by leaving space between groups.  Park Admission Fee is required for event participation, passes are valid for one-day entry. You can purchase a one-day pass online by visiting www.floridastateparks.org or you can purchase your pass at the park entrance with exact cash or via credit card using the posted QR Codes. The online purchased passes are only valid on the date purchased. Cost is 3 dollars per vehicle with up to 8 people or 2 dollars per person for anyone arriving at the park on foot or by bicycle.  The Tales on the Trails will be posted along the Glass Lizard Trail to the right of the Savannas Preserve State Park Education Center located at 2541 SE Walton Road, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34952. For more information, please call the Education Center at 772 398 2779 or go online to www.FriendsofSavannas.org. To learn more about Floridas awardwinning state parks, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.




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MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center

Date: Saturday July 17, 2021

Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Location: MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center

Address: 9221 SE Event Center Pl, Port St. Lucie , FL, 34952

Category: Expo

Touch of Magic Events presents the Treasure Coast Kids Expo!


This expo covers pregnancy to middle school! Your one-stop shop to the best family-friendly products, services and resources. Free admission and free activities including face painting, stage shows, photo booth, hands-on activities, balloon twisting, crafts and special guests throughout the day! All activities are indoors. You won’t want to miss this!  We will also be teaming up with OneBlood to host a blood drive on their Big Red Bus. They will be parked in front of the building, be sure to stop by and share your power!  Register here!




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5 Year Anniversary Block Party


5 Year Anniversary


Date: Saturday July 17, 2021

Time: 2:00 pm

Location: Walking Tree Brewery

Address: 3209 Dodger Road, Vero Beach, FL

Category: Festival


You’ve been Stayin’ Rooted with us for FIVE YEARS!! It’s time to celebrate. Join us for the biggest block party of the year! We’ve got a killer lineup of live music, 6 food trucks, water slides, plenty of kids activities & more!  Our Charity for this year’s event will be @teamorca and they will be running the ole dunk tank.  FREE admission-Family friendly-Parking shuttle serviceMusic Line Up- Headliner with an crazy, amazing, PYROTECHNIC show!!!: KISS Alive,

not simply just another KISS tribute band, but a theatrical stage and music act.

2pm-2:30pm: The Flint Blade Band

3pm-4pm: The Fascinating Type

4:30pm-6pm: Souljam

6:30pm-8pm: Firewater Tent Revival

8pm-9pm: Switch N’ Whisky

9:30pm-11pm: KISS Alive


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Summer Musical Extravaganza Hits The Barn Theatre Stage, “Legally Blonde,” July 15th – August 1st


Date: Thursday July 15, 2021 through Sunday August 1, 2021.

Time: Times Vary

Location: The Barn Theatre

Address: 2400 SE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, Fl

Price: $35 Adults; Student and group discounts available

Category: Entertainment



The Tony Award nominated musical comedy, Legally Blonde, will rock The Barn Theatre stage with unforgettable music and choreography this summer, from July 15th to August 1st. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances, you’ll make your way to Harvard Law School where you will meet our zany characters. Elle Woods appears to have it all. But her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend, Warner, dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle ingeniously charms her way into the prestigious law school. While there, she struggles with peers, professors, and her ex. With the support of new friends, though, she quickly realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world. And, oh, you will love our two energy packed doggie characters, Rufus and Bruiser.  The production team for Legally Blonde consists of Ben Earman, Director, Jeanette Mazzella, Producer, Karen Wiggins, Musical Director, Andrew Currie, Choreographer, Carey Anne Elmquist, Stage Manager,and Marcia Molinari, Costumer.  Tickets are now on sale. We are sure to sell out so don’t wait to get your tickets. Only $35. Group and student discounts are available. For tickets and/or more information, caall the box office at 772-287-4884 or visit The Barn’s website at www.barn-theatre.com.  COVID measures are in place.  The Barn Theatre is a non-profit community theater. Your donations would be much appreciated and may be tax deductible.




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SUNDAY DECK PARTY by the Docks! Waterfront Bar, Art Market



Date: Event occurs every Sunday of every month.

Time: 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Location: Causeway Cove Marina – Wet Whistle Bar

Address: 601 Seaway Dr. Fort Pierce FL 34949

Price: $0

Category: Concert / Live Music


Sunday Funday weekly Deck Party on the water – Cocktails, Live Music, Art & Table Vendors Market, Food, Water-views, FREE to attend & park!  Experience OLD FLORIDA FUN!  Spend time by the water with a deck, the docks, great drinks, yummy food, and the most chill vibe around. THE WET WHISTLE BAR at Causeway Cove Marina will transport you to the Florida of old. No attempts to be plush, trendy, or hip – just an authentic deck bar with friendly servers, fantastic river views, and good times!  **********EVERY SUNDAY you’ll hear great local musicians, while enjoying Drink Specials including $5 Margaritas (3 flavors). Stacked Bloody Mary’s include a slider! ARTIST AND TABLE VENDOR MARKET every Sunday as well. Loads of free easy parking. Plenty of space to hang out, spread out, bring your beach umbrella and chairs if you like! (no outside beverages allowed). No cover charge or event fee, just a great way to spend a Sunday Funday in the Fort. !  Friendly dogs welcome on grassy area beside bar – lawn chairs welcome. NO COOLERS OR OUTSIDE BEVERAGES allowed. All ages venue.  See you here, tell your friends! Cheers!



Thursday, July 15, 2021

Buyers Are Realistic About Housing Shortage Challenges









House hunters are realizing they may need to expand their timelines to find a home. While they’re still anxious to buy, they are getting the messages about the competitive housing market and fierce bidding wars that they realize may delay their plans.


The share of consumers who hoped to buy a home in the next six months plummeted from 34% a year ago to 21% this year, according to a newly released homebuyer flash survey conducted by Point2 Homes, an online real estate marketplace.


But it’s not from a lack of eagerness: 50% of respondents said they were determined to buy as soon as they find the right property.


As one survey respondent from Dallas said, “I’ve been looking since December 2020 for a home but everyone keeps taking them off the market or increasing their pricing at a ridiculous amount.”


Concerns about housing shortages are increasing. But fewer respondents this year appear worried about their personal financial stability.


As such, the higher home prices aren’t scaring them away. Fifty-one percent of the more than 2,600 respondents said they were confident that the steep price hikes would not be a problem in their house hunt. On the other hand, 45% of consumers surveyed said they did not believe they’ll be able to keep up with the price hikes.


Also, buyers are still showing an interest in virtual home tours to shop for homes, but that interest does seem to be waning in favor of a return to in-person viewings. Interest in online pictures declined, while 11% of respondents expressed an interest in going to showing this year compared to just 4% last year, according to the Point2 Homes survey.


“Home seekers all across the U.S. remain positive about the home buying process, and seem more determined than ever to find the perfect home,” the report says. “Although the competition is fiercer than it has been in the past, many Americans are keeping their eyes on the market and are willing to play by the new rules—which imply more preparation, higher offers, and going through bidding wars without losing hope.”







 


Source: “Changes in Homebuyer Behavior & Expectations 1 Year Into the Pandemic



Wednesday, July 14, 2021

The 3D-Printed Home Option




A new era of affordable, fast-built, more sustainable homes is underway.


 


With home prices rising and housing inventory tight, home buyers are craving a wider variety of options in a competitive market. While construction has picked up, labor shortages and the rising cost of lumber remain challenges. The U.S. is nearly 5 million homes short of meeting market demand. A new crop of companies say they have a solution: 3D printing technology. And their work could transform the way we build houses on a broader scale.


Mighty Big Plans


Mighty Buildings, a construction technology company based in Oakland, Calif., has gotten a foothold with small (and tiny) 3D-printed houses and has ambitious plans for the future. Founded in 2017, the company began in “stealth mode,” developing its technology before emerging on the market last August with $30 million in backing. In February, the company announced that it had raised an additional $40 million.


Mighty Buildings currently sells Mighty Mods, accessory dwelling units that are set up on the same property as an existing home and that range from 350 to 700 square feet, and Mighty Houses, which range from 400 to 1,440 square feet. Each home is manufactured on a prefabricated model and then shipped and installed on the purchaser’s land.









To date, five units have been delivered to customers, with two additional units awaiting delivery, and 30 more units have been contracted and are in the production pipeline. The products’ low prices—Mods start at $187,250, Houses at $221,500—follow the company’s vision, says Helen Chong, head of marketing and public relations. “Mighty Buildings aims to make construction more sustainable, efficient, and affordable,” says Chong.


The homes are printed with a synthetic stone the company invented called Light Stone Material and are assembled in the company’s factory. Mighty Buildings’ Big G printer creates 3D-printed panels that are applied to a steel frame. Robots add insulation and interior woodwork. Finishes that look like siding or brick can be applied to the outside. Workers add items that are too complex for robots to assemble, such as cabinets, HVAC systems, and appliances.


Chong says Mighty Buildings can print a 350-square-foot home in under 24 hours with virtually no waste, since the process entails printing only what is necessary. She estimates that the process is 30% to 40% cheaper than traditional construction.


Recently, the company began work on what it calls “the world’s first planned community of 3D-printed homes” in Rancho Mirage, Calif., in conjunction with Beverly Hills–based developer Palari. The community will consist of 15 1,450-square-foot homes and is expected to be completed by next spring.


Housing for All


Austin, Texas–based ICON also has lofty plans. The company began in 2017 with $9 million in seed money, and by the next year, it had printed its first house, a 350-square-foot dwelling in Austin that was permitted but never sold. Last August, ICON raised an additional $35 million in funding.


The company is currently printing houses for the Community First! Village in Austin in partnership with Mobile Loaves & Fishes, a charity that addresses homelessness. ICON’s 400-square-foot homes will eventually be part of a 51-acre community that will house an estimated 480 formerly homeless individuals. ICON’s plans involve creating housing for all income levels, says Dmitri Julius, chief people officer. “The aim is to shift the paradigm of home building,” he explains.


ICON 3D-prints homes onsite using its Vulcan II printer and Lavacrete, a proprietary cement-based material. Julius says the process can print a home in less than 48 hours using a minimal number of workers and virtually no waste.


The company has also begun work on its first mainstream residential project, offering homes for sale in Austin. In partnership with Kansas City, Mo., developer 3Strands, ICON is building a community of four single-family homes. The two-story homes will range from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet, with a 3D-printed ground floor and a traditionally constructed second floor. The homes should be move-in ready this summer. As of early spring, one house had sold, and another was under contract.


ICON plans additional projects with 3Strands. “This is just the beginning of opportunities for 3D-printed homes in the mainstream market,” says Julius.


Partnering With a Sales Agent


In a field full of firsts, Patchogue, N.Y.–based construction tech company SQ4D has one of its own: the first 3D-printed house to be offered for sale on an MLS.


Stephen King, a salesperson with Realty Connect USA in Patchogue, listed the 1,400-square-foot house in Riverhead, N.Y., in late January for $299,999. By early March, the house had found a buyer and gone under contract over asking price—even though the house hadn’t been printed yet.


Prospective buyers were able to view a 1,900-square-foot model home constructed in nearby Calverton at an open house. The model required 48 hours of print time over eight days and was built with less than $6,000 in materials. Printing on the Riverhead house is expected over the summer.


For all its promise, obstacles keep 3D-printed homes a niche product, starting with the price of a printer, ranging from $180,000 to $1 million. Ludivine Cherdo of the 3D printing consultancy Aniwaa says that certification of the 3D printing process is more complex than it is for traditional construction. “It’s about certifying metal parts,” says Cherdo. “Standardization is still complicated at this point.”


The technology’s place in the wider construction world will likely involve a hybrid approach to building. Mighty Buildings, ICON, and SQ4D are already operating on a hybrid model, using workers to supply what a 3D printer cannot. And it will take time to convince developers, regulators, municipal authorities, and buyers that 3D-printed homes are well built and safe and hold their value. Still, traditional builders are noticing of the benefits of 3D printing. Luxury home builder Forté Specialty Contractors in Las Vegas recently purchased a 3D printer that produces small-scale models for clients made of acrylics, allowing them to see changes in advance. “They’ve made the process a lot more fun,” says Scott Acton, Forté’s CEO. The company also uses the printer to create artistic features and other home elements that would typically require hand carving. Adds Acton: “As 3D printing advances, the ways it can be applied to construction will only develop further. I’m excited to see what happens.”


 


Catherine Mesick





Catherine Mesick  – Catherine Mesick is a writer and a member of the National Association of REALTORS® Advocacy Group. She can be reached at cmesick@nar.realtor.






Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Smart Technology is Not Making Us Dumber




Smart Technology is Not Making Us Dumber After All, According to New Study…


 


There are plenty of negatives associated with smart technology—texting and driving or blue light rays inhibiting sleep. But now we can be assured that the digital age is not making us dumber, according to a new study.


While some might struggle to find places without Google Maps, the researchers found that the digital age is not sapping away any brainpower.


“Despite the headlines, there is no scientific evidence that shows that smartphones and digital technology harm our biological cognitive abilities,” says the University of Cincinnati professor Anthony Chemero, who co-authored a new paper in Nature Human Behavior.


In the paper, Dr. Chemero and colleagues at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management expound on the evolution of the digital age, explaining how smart technology supplements thinking, thus helping us to excel.


“What smartphones and digital technology seem to do instead is to change the ways in which we engage our biological cognitive abilities,” Chemero says, adding “these changes are actually cognitively beneficial.”


Computers, tablets, and smartphones assist with memorization, calculation, and storing information and presenting it when you need it. Because our phones can direct us to where we want to go, can solve mathematical problems with ease, and memorize phone numbers, our brains can use that energy for other uses.


Additionally, smart technology allows us to make decisions that we would find difficult to make on our own. For example, using GPS technology we can choose a route based on traffic conditions or whether to take a more scenic route.


For example, he says, your smart phone knows the way to the baseball stadium so that you don’t have to dig out a map or ask for directions, which frees up brain energy to think about something else. The same holds true in a professional setting: “We’re not solving complex mathematical problems with pen and paper or memorizing phone numbers in 2021.”


Albert Einstein once described how he never memorized anything, so he could use his brain power for forming ideas.


“You put all this technology together with a naked human brain and you get something that’s smarter…and the result is that we, supplemented by our technology, are actually capable of accomplishing much more complex tasks than we could with our un-supplemented biological abilities,” added Chemero.


For example, he says, your smart phone knows the way to the baseball stadium so that you don’t have to dig out a map or ask for directions, which frees up brain energy to think about something else. The same holds true in a professional setting: “We’re not solving complex mathematical problems with pen and paper or memorizing phone numbers in 2021.”


Albert Einstein once described how he never memorized anything, so he could use his brain power for forming ideas.


“You put all this technology together with a naked human brain and you get something that’s smarter…and the result is that we, supplemented by our technology, are actually capable of accomplishing much more complex tasks than we could with our un-supplemented biological abilities,” added Chemero.


 


Link



Monday, July 12, 2021

Summer of the Speed Buyer




The housing shortfall is driving up prices, but a crash is unlikely.


 


Remember when it could take years to sell a home? MLSs were flooded with distressed properties. In Miami, it was up to six years, according to news accounts in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis.


Today, of course, it’s the opposite story. It’s generally taking just a couple of weeks, and sometimes days, to find a buyer. From listing to contract, homes typically sold in 17 days in April, the fastest rate ever. In most markets, home buyers can’t risk leisurely weighing several listings before committing to likely the most expensive purchase of their life. Rushed decisions can easily lead to buyer misgivings—about overspending for the home, its size, or having insufficient reserves for upkeep. Still, most buyers come to see they made the right decision in these competitive times. Seeing prices, and hence their wealth, rising helps.


Could it all crash as happened from 2008 to 2010? Not likely. The current housing cycle is fundamentally different. We thankfully don’t have risky subprime mortgages that overstretched buyers’ budgets. The gatekeepers at banks, mortgage brokers, and government regulators demand that loan-to- value ratios, debt-to-income ratios, and income documentation meet guidelines before a mortgage is approved. To be sure, even with soundly written mortgages, we know some defaults can occur.


A second major difference is supply. Leading up to the housing bubble heyday, builders overbuilt. By my calculations, America had 2.1 million surplus housing units by 2006. Following the crash, underproduction steadily chipped away at the surplus, such that inventory normalized by 2011. Continuing underpro- duction led to the housing shortage. By 2015, the shortfall was 2 million homes. By the end of 2020, it totaled 4.8 million homes. The lack of inventory is why home prices are in no danger of falling sharply.


Homebuilding activity in 2021 will be slightly above historical norms. But it will take at least a few years to correct the massive shortage. In the meantime, we expect the national median home price to rise 9% this year and another 3% in 2022. Hyperspeed homebuying should taper off by year’s end as supply improves and affordability challenges persist.




Months’ Supply Continues at Record Lows


Sales slowed as listing shortages persisted in April. The low 2.4 months’ supply of inventory was the highest so far in 2021, though 40% down from a year earlier.


 






Supply & Demand/All-cash Sales Edge Out First-time Buyers






Article Link  –   Lawrence Yun  Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research at the National Association of REALTORS®



 





Friday, July 9, 2021

SOUTH FLORIDA REALTORS® UNITE TO CLEAN UP FLORIDA WATERS






Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors® are hosting beach clean ups in partnership with the Clean Up Florida Waters Initiative.




 


Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors® are partnering with Florida Realtors® in their Clean Up Florida Waters Initiative. For the entire month of July, Florida Realtors® and community partners are coming together to clean up Florida lakes, rivers, streams, bays, intracoastal waterways, gulfs, and oceans. Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors®, the 3rd largest local association in the country with 37,000 Realtor® members have announced that they will be hosting beach clean ups on July 9th. The clean up efforts will be led by the Association’s Community Outreach Committees and Young Professionals Network Committees.




Over a hundred Realtor® members from Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors® are participating in the clean up as they meet at beaches across South Florida and the Treasure Coast. The locations of the clean ups are Pompano Beach (9 North Pompano Beach Blvd), Boynton Beach (6620 N Ocean Blvd), Juno Beach (14200 US-1), and Jensen Beach (6700 S Ocean Drive).


The Realtors® will be joined by local elected officials, such as Broward County Commissioner Lamar Fisher (District 4), Pompano Beach Mayor Rex Hardin, Pompano Beach Commissioner Rhonda Eaton (District 1), and Pompano Beach Commissioner Tom McMahon (District 3). Staff members of State Representative Chip LaMarca (District 93) will also be in attendance.







“As Florida residents, it’s our duty to keep our waters clean and improve our ecosystems. We’re excited to participate in the Clean Up Florida Waters Initiative and have some of our local elected officials join us in this effort. For Florida to continue to grow, we must come together and protect our natural resources”






The Association is encouraging volunteers to bring their own work gloves and post their volunteer pictures on social media with the hashtag #CleanUpFloridaWaters. Latex gloves and trash bags will be provided to all participants. For more information on the Clean Up Florida Waters Initiative, please contact communications@rworld.com.





Thursday, July 8, 2021

FLORIDIANS’ CONFIDENCE UP IN JUNE AFTER DIP IN MAY




According to the University of Florida, consumer outlooks fell in May but rose 1.5 points to 82.7 in June. Economist expects confidence to “keep recovering slowly in the months ahead.”


 


After falling in May, consumer sentiment among Floridians rose 1.5 points in June to 82.7 from a revised figure of 81.2 in May, according to the monthly Florida Consumer Sentiment Index published by the University of Florida (UF).


All five components that make up the index went up.


Current conditions: Floridians’ opinions of personal financial situations now compared with a year ago increased 3.2 points, rising from 73.5 to 76.7 and the greatest increase of any reading this month. All Floridians generally agree, but it’s even stronger among people with an annual income under $50,000.


Attitudes as to whether “it’s a good time to buy a big-ticket item such as a refrigerator, car or furniture” increased slightly – by less than one point – going from 76.7 to 77.5.


“While the latest jobs report noted that the unemployment rate in Florida went up by 0.1% in May, reaching 4.9%, new filings for unemployment benefits have followed a downward trend in May and reached a pandemic-low in early June. The latter trend suggests that Florida’s labor market will continue to recover in the months ahead,” says Hector H. Sandoval, director of the Economic Analysis Program at UF’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research.


“The reason behind this move is to push people back into the workforce,” he adds. “However, critics say these benefits have a small impact on job search and workers availability. It remains to be seen whether this move will have a significant effect on the labor market,” Sandoval added.


“Furthermore, by the end of June, Florida will stop providing $300 a week in federal unemployment assistance to jobless Floridians on top of the maximum provided by the state.


Future expectations: An index question about personal finances one year from now increased 1.3 points, from 90.3 to 91.6, though Florida’s older demographic had a less favorable view.


When asked about U.S. economic conditions over the next year, the index also rose slightly, again by less than a full point, going from 82.5 to 83.3. However, longer-term expectations about conditions five years in the future increased 1.1 point, rising from 83.1 to 84.2.


“Overall, Floridians are more optimistic in June,” says Sandoval. “Nonetheless, consumer confidence has remained mostly unchanged over the past months. Looking ahead, we expect consumer sentiment to keep recovering slowly in the months ahead.”


The index used by UF researchers is benchmarked to 1966, which means a value of 100 represents the same level of confidence for that year. The lowest index possible is a 2, the highest is 150.


 


Source: Florida Realtors®



Wednesday, July 7, 2021

NEW FLORIDA LAWS AS OF JULY 1




Three bills from the 2021 final report on the Legislature became effective on July 1st, including a new property insurance law and $900M to help the environment.


 


Florida Realtors® advocated for a number of issues in the 2021 session of the Florida Legislature, including three that were signed by Gov. DeSantis and go into effect on Thursday, July 1.


Property insurance: The first, SB 76 (Opens in new tab.), is a comprehensive property insurance bill that implements several measures intended to address rising insurance costs within the state, by generally tightening some issues that can lead to rising insurance costs, including:








      • Limiting some of the things contractors may do in relation to insurance claims for roof damage




      • Limiting the fees attorneys representing claimants may receive




      • Requiring policyholders to file claims within three years of a loss




      • Strengthening Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) oversight of companies affiliated with Florida property insurers




      • Requiring Florida residential property insurers to file a comprehensive annual report with OIR regarding closed claims




      • Increases the 10% cap on Citizens rate increases by 1% annually beginning in 2022, until the cap reaches 15% in 2026








 


Environment: As part of the state budget, nearly $900 million will also be available to help the environment on July 1. This year’s fiscal budget includes money for:








      • Everglades restoration: $487 million




      • Springs protection: $50 million




      • Beach projects: $100 million




      • The Wastewater Grant Program: $116 million




      • The Resilient Florida Grant Program: $29 million








 


The federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 passed during the pandemic also includes a total of $1.08 billion in federal funding that has been allocated for several of the environmental programs.


 


Unlicensed activity: The Florida Legislature also allocated up to $500,000 to be used during the new fiscal year to prevent unlicensed real estate activity.


 


Source: Florida Realtors®