Crist suspends foreclosures

Gov. Charlie Crist announced a voluntary agreement Monday that would suspend foreclosures on Florida homes through the holidays.

According to his Web site, Crist asks that lenders negotiate with homeowners during the next 45 days to help people stay in their homes instead of foreclosing.

Adam Bolton, president of the Builders Association of North Central Florida, said the requested delay in foreclosures would provide temporary relief, but is not a permanent solution.

Bolton said the announcement would likely affect other areas in Florida more than Alachua County, where the housing market has been relatively stable.