By Cregg E. Dalton The Citrus County appraiser says he’s often unfairly criticized for raising property taxes, when it’s based on millage he doesn’t control. He only appraises home values. INVERNESS, Fla. – As the Citrus County Property Appraiser, I continually hear comments directed towards our office as a whole – “I hope you don’t raise my taxes!” or “Why did you increase my property taxes?” I have even read some similar comments in the Chronicle’s famous “Sound Off” section. These comments are understandable when it comes to the financial obligations of our property owners. It has been one of
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By Alex Veiga While mortgage rates moving closer to 6% will draw buyers into the 2024 housing market, several economists don’t think it will create a similar rush of sellers listing their homes LOS ANGELES (AP) – Several housing economists are projecting that mortgage rates will ease moderately next year, though the forecasts call for the average rate on a 30-year home loan to remain above 6%. While lower rates could help bring more buyers off the sidelines, the projected declines are unlikely to encourage homeowners who locked in rock-bottom rates two years ago to sell. That sets the stage
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By Jim Saunders The Senate Budget Committee has questions about Citizens’ exposure. If a storm hits, will the Fla.-run insurer be able to handle it? If not, will it need federal help? TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The U.S. Senate Budget Committee on Thursday requested a wide range of documents and information from Florida’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp., raising questions about climate risks and whether the federal government could be asked to bail out Citizens if a major hurricane hits. Committee Chairman Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., sent a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis, state Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky and Citizens President and CEO
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By Kerry Smith If finalized, the current version of the proposed rule would require landlords in HUD programs to give nonpaying renters a 30-day notice before filing for an eviction. WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register on Friday regarding tenant notifications in evictions related to nonpayment of rent. Stakeholders can read HUD’ proposed rule in the Federal Register, and they have 60 days – until Jan. 1, 2024 – to submit comments on the proposed rule. If finalized as proposed, the rule would require public
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