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by Kim Miller | “The number of foreclosed homes that have been abandoned by their owners is by far the highest in Florida with 55,503 properties sitting empty and in some stage of a bank takeover. That’s 33 percent of the national total with Illinois coming second with 17,672 vacant and foreclosed homes. In aRead more

Gray Rohrer | “Florida has more vacant homes in foreclosure than any other state in the nation, easily beating out other large states with troubled housing markets, according to a report released Thursday by RealtyTrac, a California company that tracks distressed properties. There are 55,503 housing units in foreclosure in Florida that are vacant. That’s 33Read more

By Lauren Carroll, Times Staff Writer | “Homeowners facing foreclosure should prepare for speedier judgment than they might expect. Last week, Gov. Rick Scott approved legislation intended to expedite the foreclosure process, which led the Pinellas-Pasco Circuit to make changes that will affect lenders and buyers. Currently, the average Florida foreclosure case lasts about 900 days. ChiefRead more

By Michelle Conlin and Peter Rudegeair | (Reuters) – “Six former Bank of America Corp employees have alleged that the bank deliberately denied eligible home owners loan modifications and lied to them about the status of their mortgage payments and documents. The bank allegedly used these tactics to shepherd homeowners into foreclosure, as well asRead more

WJHG | “A fast-track foreclosure will shorten the length a homeowner has to fight a bank. Governor Scott signed the Republican-driven bill and it is now the law in Florida. “It’s going to make sure we have a timely foreclosure process. So our families make sure they can keep their homes,” said Governor Rick Scott. Scott saysRead more

Drew Harwell | Times Staff Writer | “Suffer a foreclosure abuse while losing your home? How does $1,480 sound? That’s how much 72,000 Floridians will receive from a big bank settlement, Attorney General Pam Bondi said Tuesday. The $106 million in checks will be split among homeowners who filed claims of wrongdoing after their foreclosure betweenRead more

by Ruth Mantell | “States where lenders must go through the court system to move a borrower into foreclosure have the highest rates of troubled properties, according to data released Wednesday. In April the three states with the highest foreclosure inventory as a percentage of all mortgaged homes in April were Florida, New Jersey andRead more

By: Amy Green | May 13, 2013 | WMFE – A consumer advocacy group is calling on Gov. Rick Scott to veto legislation aimed at accelerating the foreclosure process. Advocates say the bill should focus on banks and funding for judges, not homeowners. The bill allows more parties – like homeowners and condominium associations –Read more

A few lenders are offering loans to borrowers with damaged credit. But, unlike during the boom, they are asking for big down payments and lots of documentation. By Teresa at MSN Real Estate They’re ba-ack. We don’t mean ghosts. But some may see the ghosts of the real-estate crash past in the reappearance of subprime loans.Read more

Foreclosure | By Zac Anderson, Herald-Tribune |   TALLAHASSEE Lawmakers rammed a controversial fast-track foreclosure bill through a second Senate committee Tuesday, limiting debate on legislation critics say weakens legal protections for homeowners. The legislation passed the Senate Judiciary Committee 6-2 and is gaining momentum after little activity in recent weeks. Even lawmakers who voted againstRead more