Pensacola Florida Real Estate, Perdido Key Homes for Sale - Licensed in Florida and Alabama

Realtor.com's parent company, Homestore.com, announced a strategic alliance with the American Institute of Architects. Under the agreement, Web surfers will be able to find a local architect for new home construction or existing home modifications.

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ENVIRONMENT

Exactly how much water does it take to feed the Everglades? The Army Corp of Engineers has one answer -- the Lake Worth Drainage District has another. Under the District's plan, about 200 people would lose their homes to improve canal-and-dike plumbing.

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ECONOMY

The Federal Reserve Board determines prime interest rates that, in turn, determine mortgage interest rates. While Alan Greenspan's recent re-nomination to serve as chairman seems to be a done deal, two seats on the seven-member board remain empty -- and may not be filled until after next year's presidential election.

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GOING FOR SECONDS

Figures released by the U. S. Census Bureau show that second home purchases continue to rise. Census officials predict that final 1999 statistics will show a 6.2 percent increase over 1998 numbers. California leads the list of preferred areas with 11 percent of the second/vacation home market, but Florida, along with Texas, come in second with about 7 percent of the market each. Security of a home during periods when owners are away continues to be a hot issue that deters some people from purchasing. According to NAR, 52 percent of second and vacation homes are occupied for 29 days out of the year or more, and 32 percent are occupied four to 28 days annually.

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