08/12/2013 Florida Realtors News

Daily Briefing: Monday, August 12, 2013 TODAY'S TOP STORIES Foreclosure fears less haunting to housing recovery Some experts predicted a new round of foreclosures, but it didn't happen, say mortgage bankers. Fla. still hurting, but much of U.S. is almost back to normal. Read more. Florida gets federal grant to study sinkholes Starting this fall, the Florida Geological Survey and the Florida Division of Emergency Management will spend three years assessing the risk statewide. Read more. Congress still considering tax hit for homeowners Lawmakers may be on summer recess, but their staffers continue to toil in D.C. on multiple real estate tax changes, such as the mortgage interest deduction. Read more. NOAA trims forecast for busy hurricane season The "busy" hurricane season predicted has been dull so far in Fla. However, high season starts now, and experts still warn of six to nine storms. Read more.   HUD reduces furlough days from 7 to 5 FHA offices should be open on regular business days from now on. HUD, which oversees FHA, said it found money to keep the phone lines active. Read more.   AROUND FLORIDA Flagler, Volusia counties: Homebuilding on the rise Tampa: City gives OK for 2 residential towers Jacksonville: Can $9M investment spark downtown? Pinellas County: Economy rebounds, residents against project Palm Beach County: Housing recovery being felt Orlando: UCF pushes date for new campus housing