On November 2nd, you will be asked to vote yes or no on a plan to alter Florida’s Constitution called Amendment 4. Special interest lawyers, adult entertainment interests and population control groups have designed, funded and proposed this amendment to our Constitution. Take a moment to learn more about who’s backing Amendment 4 and why.
What is the issue? Amendment 4 will prolong the recession and put recovery out of reach for thousands of working Floridians. As a result, leading business, labor, and civic groups oppose Amendment 4. What will the measure do? This proposed change to Florida’s Constitution would require a taxpayer-funded referendum for every single change to a local government comprehensive plan. Simply stated, Amendment 4 would force Floridians, not the representatives they elect, to decide hundreds of minor, technical comprehensive plan changes each year on issues like drainage, traffic circulation, and intergovernmental coordination. What does that mean for you? Here is what Amendment 4 means for you: (1) a Florida with drastically fewer jobs, (2) a significantly weaker economy, and (3) unbearably higher taxes to feed the Amendment 4 “litigation” bureaucracy.
The Florida Chamber of Commerce asked leading economists to study the impact of Amendment 4. The study indicates that Amendment 4 would likely put more than 267,000 Floridians out of work, shrink Florida’s economic output by more than $34 billion annually, and take nearly $12 billion out of the pockets of working families. With Florida’s jobless rate reaching well into double digits, our state’s top business and labor groups have put politics aside to oppose Amendment 4. Mark Wilson, president of the Florida Chamber of Commerce wrote: “If you like the recession, you’ll love Amendment 4.” Frank Ortis, executive board member with Florida’s AFL-CIO noted that “Amendment 4 will devastate Florida’s economy by costing hundreds of thousands of jobs and driving the unemployment rate even higher.” According to the Orlando Sentinel, “The cost to local governments of [Amendment 4] would soar into the millions.” Those costs would be shouldered by Florida’s taxpayers who could expect to see not only more government waste, but also nonstop lawsuits as special interests wage war in court over the technical wording of endless ballot summaries. Referencing a failed experiment in Amendment 4-style rule in the small Florida town of St. Pete Beach, the St. Petersburg Times wrote that Amendment 4 leads to “short-term thinking” and “invites lawsuits…”
What is the conclusion? Florida’s jobless rate is high—but it could get much, much worse with the passage of Amendment 4. At a time when many families and small businesses are struggling to make ends meet, that’s the last thing we need. Please take the time to learn more about Amendment 4 by visiting www.Florida2010.org.

It’s that time of year again and many people are wondering how to save money on their electric bills this winter. The U.S. Department of Energy has a new website with no-cost and low-cost energy saving tips, financial assistance links, info on tax credits, long term solutions for saving energy and a blog that covers energy saving tips. You can also find information on performing an energy audit to find out where your home is losing energy- and money!

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Looks like lenders are having problems writing loans on new construction and builders are reporting severe lacks of credit.
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Good news for Jacksonville! According to recent stats, Jacksonville has the state’s highest per capita income, the least unemployment and the most moderate drop in home prices. Jax is also predicted to enjoy the strongest job market. Thanks in part to our military presence! Interesting article to make you feel better about living here, read full article at….  LINK

Those of you associated with the military in Jacksonville know Cecil Field well I’m sure, but if you are new to the Jacksonville area, some new info on a Westside location now known as Cecil Commerce Center that is looking for new industrial development. Great article highlighting all Cecil Commerce Center has to offer….

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In a buyer’s market like we are in right now, buyer’s can be very picky about which homes to see and which homes to pass by.  So, if selling a home, you have to try and make a good 1st impression.  Check out this article with some easy, low costs ideas to make the most of your 1st impression with buyer’s.

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Pulte and Centex, both well known builders here in Jacksonville and around Florida, are looking to merge. Apparently the market has affected builders as much as people selling their own homes. Interesting article with info on homes sales, etc. Let me know your thoughts….

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With the changes in the overall market over the past 2 years, buyers are out there looking for great deals.  I get alot of phone calls from potential buyers who don’t understand the “short sale” or foreclosure buying process.  Short sales are pre-foreclosures and can be a great way to get a great deal- unless you need to buy in a short time period.  Foreclosures, where the bank now owns the home, are more straight forward and generally take less time than a short sale.  Check out this article from the National Assoc of Realtors for more information.  Still confused?  Send me a note!

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