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Road warriors covet the basics when traveling

Consumers should confer with broker on mortgages

Re: Mortgage malaise is spreading, July 22

Although the housing market has slowed down, interest rates are historically low, thus providing opportunities for many Florida consumers to buy a home or refinance their existing mortgage. Fixed-rate loans and adjustable rate loans have a place in the market and it's up to consumers and their mortgage broker or other originator to determine what is most appropriate based on individual financial circumstances.

Members of the Florida Association of Mortgage Brokers and other originators that are truly dedicated to the mortgage industry have in most cases been involved in the business prior to the recent influx of activity and will remain in the industry through its peaks and valleys. There certainly were some companies that came and went when rates were very low the past couple of years, but when they had to begin working hard to stay in business, their exit from the industry was swift, which the FAMB is pleased about.

In the article, an example of a mortgage broker earning $7,000 on a loan was referenced, which is rare. Most mortgage brokers are small business owners who live in the communities where they work and make an honest living by providing a valuable service to potential homeowners in their local area.

As consumers enter the largest financial transaction of their lives, the FAMB offers these tips to avoid abusive lending practices:

- Shop around and compare. 

- Negotiate. 

- Be cautious. 

- Understand the terms of your loan. 

- Don't be afraid to ask questions. 

- Read carefully before you sign. 

- Borrow only the amount you need and can afford to repay. 

- And immediately get help if you feel you have been victimized.

Patrice Yamato

President, Florida Association of Mortgage Brokers

Tallahassee

Homeowners should be encouraged to go solar

Re: If you want an energy rebate, act now or wait in line, July 23.

I enjoyed your article on the energy related rebates and credits available for photovoltaic and other "green" applications.

I have attempted to get the attention of our state officials to encourage this type of activity in the residential arena - mentioning the New Jersey program of attaching a $1 surcharge to each electric bill to establish a fund to provide assistance for homeowners considering the installation of photovoltaic generation. Rebates coupled with the possibility of "net metering" and the sale of pollution credits would encourage many homeowners to install solar electric generation systems.

Keep this issue on the front burner.

Stephen Small, Indian Rocks Beach

Politics keep customers away from Outback

Re: Outback chain president, July 18

The people at Outback have never been shy about proclaiming their right-wing politics. This is a fact you omitted in your piece.

As a steak-loving liberal Democrat, I have found it ridiculously easy to avoid them.

Hal Conn, Crystal River

Insurance makes it too expensive to live here

I'm 16 years old and I've lived in the same house since I was born. My parents met at a local restaurant. My mom was waiting tables about 20 years ago when they met. He'd go in every morning for breakfast with his work staff and write her little notes on the tip like "How about a date?" and later on "I love you, can't wait till we get married!" So they did, and they had me and my younger brother, Phillip.

Sixteen years later, I go to Countryside High School and have many friends. Florida has been my home and I can't imagine living anywhere else. The trouble is, my parents can't afford to live here anymore. The cost of our homeowners insurance is approaching $500 a month. That's $6,000 a year!

I really want to stay here and I've offered to get a job myself and help pay for our house, but they want me to have fun and focus on my schoolwork. I have a 4.0 grade point average and it would be hard for me to make such a transition as to moving somewhere else in the middle of my high school years.

My parents make a good income and I feel sorry for the less fortunate than us. I know most families can no longer afford to live in this state. So please help!

Jackie Sorensen, Clearwater

401(k) isn't an investment; it holds investments

Re: Money Panel profile, July 23

If you have more than 500 members in your Money Panel, why would you publish something so ridiculous as the article published today.

For starters, there was no such thing as a 401(k) in 1969. Second, a 401(k) is not an investment - it is an account that holds investments. Nothing is mentioned about what the actual holdings of these accounts are or were, and how they performed.

Roger Nauheimer, Pinellas Park

A choice of residence is more than some have

Re: Paper needs to help on dual-bracket tax issue, letter, July 16

May I point out to the writers that their relatives had the opportunity to choose Florida or their home state as their principal residence since they have homes in two states. If they had picked Florida then they would have the perks that go with that choice. Since they picked their home state, then they enjoy the perks there and can possibly write off their home in Florida on their taxes. Your permanent home is determined by where you are registered to vote.

Don't feel sorry for your relatives as they have the best of two worlds and - more than some of us - they have "two homes."

S. A. Reich, Port Richey

Re: Road warriors feel the wear and tear, July 26

Nice article, and I have to agree with it all. I pretty much travel each week and hold a platinum (card) at one hotel chain, gold at two others. It's the basics we road warriors like. You never touched on renting cars. (At) most big airports it's a hassle. As airports expand, they move the car rentals off site. So therefore, it takes a lot of time to get in the bus (and) go off site to get your car.

I bet one common theme you will find amongst us travelers is that we all like Tampa's airport. I still love to set foot back in Tampa each week. I am a native to this area and have always liked Tampa's airport. It's clean and convenient. I travel through some of the biggest airports in the country and Philadelphia is one that is the pits - rude service, late flights and poor food options. I rate my airports on food options, and I was recently impressed with Chicago Midway.

Clint Snedeker, Clearwater

[Last modified July 30, 2006, 01:17:08]