My New Blog

     Another year without storm activity. Of course the insurance companies consider this to be unusual and want to raise rates " to have enough reserves to cover when the big one comes". Never mind the fact that the state underwrites the reinsurance pool to mitigate losses, or that carriers are retreating from all coastal counties. I want to see either a national catastrophy pool, or the elimination of the Florida only loophole that was created back in the 90's.

     In other words, I'd like to see our duly elected officials grow a pair and do something for the people for a change instead of bowing down to the bigger campaign donators. And while they're at it, reform the sales tax, get rid of the unneccessary exemptions and lower or eliminate the property tax on homesteads. I know I'm far from alone on this issue.

     Enough diatribe, for the people who follow my ramblings, have a merry holiday season!

     Well it's that time of year again, Have we been naughty or nice? Thanks to recent sales at least the kids have something under the tree.

     I have noticed an increase in sales activity as sellers (mostly bank owned) have lowered prices to an acceptable level. Buyers on the fence are taking advantage while interest rates are low. Speaking of which, for the astute out there the bond yields are dropping which translates into higher long term interest rates. It also can signal the onset of a recession, something the Fed is trying to avoid. It's a tough ballancing act, and to borrow from Clinton's first run at the White House "It's the economy, stupid". True then and true now.

     What I want in my stocking - wish list: real tax and insurance reform. Stop pandering to multi billion dollar a year profit centers! Abolish the Florida only subsidiaries and require Geico and the like to provide all types of insurance. The other is to eliminate the bogus sales tax exemptions and either eliminate, or at least restore fairness to property taxes. Freezing in time a homes property values is insane. When first enacted into law values were stagnant for many years so it wasn't a big deal, but now... (and yes my taxable value would go up). This state will not attract real businesses to locate here if the cost is too high, period.

     On that note, happy holidays and see you next year.