Sanibel and Captiva become paradise for buyers

Sanibel and Captiva become paradise for buyers For Sale: Two world-renowned islands in Lee County. The price? Dirt cheap. Prices on houses and condominiums on Sanibel and Captiva have dropped to their lowest levels in almost a decade. And there are many for sale: more than 16 percent of properties on Captiva and 8 percent …

Roy Oppenheim: Weston lawyer among growing number of attorneys turning to foreclosure defense –

Roy Oppenheim: Weston lawyer among growing number of attorneys turning to foreclosure defense Weston’s Roy Oppenheim among growing number of lawyers defending struggling homeowners hour-long foreclosure defense workshop, Weston lawyer Roy Oppenheim called for questions and turned to Ailene Colini. Laid off, stuck with an “underwater” mortgage and fed up with her lender, she wanted …

Can ‘Trading Down’ Still Bankroll Your Retirement?

Can ‘Trading Down’ Still Bankroll Your Retirement? Trading down to a smaller home is a retirement-planning staple. According to an April study by the Society of Actuaries, 20% of not-yet retirees say they plan to downsize after the last child leaves the nest. But it is getting a lot harder to do, even for wealthier …

Miami Beach mansion sells for $16 million

Miami Beach mansion sells for $16 million A German businessman has paid $16 million for a Miami Beach mansion completed just weeks into the global financial crisis. The 17,200-square-foot residence at 88 La Gorce Circle comes with two docks, a staff house, a five-car garage. marble staircase and an elevator. Seller Todd Glaser, a developer, …

Adverse possession: Latest housing fraud to strike South Florida, police say

Adverse possession: Latest housing fraud to strike South Florida, police say Imagine going to a house or condo you own and finding a stranger living there who claims the property no longer belongs to you. It’s happening across Florida and other parts of the country through what authorities say is abuse of a centuries-old concept …