Central Florida Tradeshow and Education June 2

On Friday June 2 the Central Florida Tradeshow brings together the best exhibitors and the best mortgage brokers from the entire State of Florida. This year's sports theme "Keep Competing, Keep Winning" will highlight the competition in the world of mortgages. We're back in the Orange County Convention Center again this year - in the West Building, Exhibit Hall F.

The days events will include:

3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Exhibit Hall is open
Starting 4:00 p.m. Cash drawings every 30 minutes

Costs:

Free to All Attendees
No Soliciting by non-exhibitors
Adults Only
No Suitcases or bags on wheels

Tradeshow Educational Seminars - Continuing Ed

Continuing Education eligible toward license renewal:

7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - Are You Ready for an Audit? - 4 credits
Presented by representatives from the Division of Financial Services, this course gives you details on what to expect from an audit and how better to prepare your company for compliance with statute. THIS COURSE IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO THOSE SIGNED UP FOR ONE OF THE AFTERNOON COURSES LISTED BELOW.

12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Navigating Interstate FS494 - 4 credits
A review of the laws and rules that regulate mortgage brokers and lending in the state of Florida (required every two years for license renewal).

12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Reverse Mortgages - 4 credits
A comprehensive look at mortgages for seniors that enable them to tap the equity in their homes while avoiding expensive monthly payments..

Exhibitor Registration and Set-up Information

Exhibitors, if you still wish to sign-up for a booth, there are a limited number remaining. Download the sign-up sheet, or get information about set-up, contact information for the decorator, and exhibitor-only times.

Directions to the Exhibit Hall

Tax Holiday as Hurricane Season Approaches

With the recent fire storms along the I-95 corridor you may have forgotten the hurricanes of the last two years, but the 2006 season is upon us. In advance of the official start on June 1, the Florida Legislature passed and Governor Bush signed into law a Sales Tax Holiday on certain hurricane supplies. From the Florida Division of Emergency Management you can obtain a flyer entitled Tip Sheet for Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. This could be a thoughtful addition to your at closing or post closing package for your customers during the next week and a half.

In addition, many retailers such as Home Depot and Lowes are offering discounts or promotions to coincide with the holiday. Check out more complete information from the home page for the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

Fed's Agressively Pursue Mortgage Fraud

Recently in Chicago, the US Secret Service, in collaboration with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, set up a sting. First an informant advised an agent about an individual recruiting "straw buyers". Then the Secret Service borrowed a home previously foreclosed by HUD. An agent posed as the seller and after the inflated appraisal allowed the loan to be approved at 2.5 times its real value, the fraudster was busted at the closing table.

Increasingly, the government is cracking down on so-called mortgage fraud rings around the US. Even the Secret Service, usually thought of as the President's personal body guards, is involved in operations. To read an article in the Chigago Sun Times describing the above case in more detail, click here.

MEMBERSHIP

Members enjoy many benefits with FAMB. Discounts at the convention and other events, free continuing education, access to many group rates on insurance, overnights, pre-paid legal. If you're not a member yet, don't wait. Join today! Find out more about membership.

QUESTIONS?

For questions, suggestions, or comments regarding the Central Florida Chapter of FAMB or this newsletter, please email Kelly Guldi at newsletter@FAMBCentralFlorida.com.