Millionaire hopefuls’ cash gone with breeze [South Florida]

Millionaire hopefuls’ cash gone with breeze [South Florida] In January, Ocean Land Investments of Boca Raton agreed to pay Briny trailer owners $510 million for their oceanfront property, a defiantly unpretentious middle-class oasis wedged amid mansions, high-priced condominiums and opulent hotels. Ocean Land planned a development featuring 900 condos, a 349-room hotel, a marina and …

Sarasota YMCA entangled in unorthodox land deal [South Florida]

Sarasota YMCA entangled in unorthodox land deal [South Florida] A complex real estate deal between the Sarasota Family YMCA and one of its fundraising foundation board members made the charity at least $250,000. But the deal also turned out good for the board member, Sarasota attorney David Band. Together with four partners, Band sold half …

Buying homes through short sales can lead to long waits

Buying homes through short sales can lead to long waits Jamie Schmitt and Valerie Azinheira liked the two-bedroom house in San Francisco’s Merced Heights. It was near a nice park where their 3-year-old son, Gabriel, could play. They made a no-contingency offer for the full $629,000 listing price on June 20. Then they waited. And …

‘Escrow’ has at least two meanings in real estate

‘Escrow’ has at least two meanings in real estate Q: I used to live in California where the word “escrow” referred to the closing of a real estate sale. For example, we said, “We’re in escrow for the sale of our house.” But then I moved to Florida where the term “escrow” seems to have …

Tarragon, in Credit Crunch, Expresses Doubts on Future

Tarragon, in Credit Crunch, Expresses Doubts on Future Apartment and condominium builder Tarragon Corp. raised doubts about its ability to remain in business amid weak demand and an inability to raise new financing, in the latest fallout from the spreading credit crunch. It also disclosed that the wife of the company’s chief executive sold stock …

Miami condo units to be auctioned [South Florida]

Miami condo units to be auctioned [South Florida] Panoramic views of Biscayne Bay. A short distance to the Carnival Center and downtown Miami. Living in the heart of Miami’s emerging Edgewater neighborhood. It’s all yours — for auction next month inside a Marriott Hotel ballroom. In what may preview the straits the ailing South Florida …