Wealth gap swallows up American dream [South Florida]

Wealth gap swallows up American dream [South Florida] In the luxurious neighborhood of Port Royal, home to the likes of mystery writer Janet Evanovich and mutual fund magnate John Donahue, homeowners are insulated from many of life’s daily cares — including the real estate slump. This year, 15 estates in the country club community have …

Crime fighters fall prey to pitch [Central Florida]

Crime fighters fall prey to pitch [Central Florida] Crime fighters fall prey to pitch As many as a dozen Orange County sheriff’s employees, including a top administrator, believed so strongly in an investment venture that they never questioned it or its executives. Despite years of law-enforcement experience and exposure to scam alerts and fraud investigations, …

Proposal tees off some in Errol [Central Florida]

Proposal tees off some in Errol [Central Florida] It’s a subdivision divided. Amid the undulating green hills and century-old oaks of Errol Estate, residents are lining up on either side of the tee about how best to get the golf-course community on firm financial footing. It is longtime residents versus new, and club members versus …

Home builders up ante to lure buyers

Home builders up ante to lure buyers Incentives, discounts are pervasive as market slows and inventories climb Large home builders are dangling out more incentives to reluctant buyers as the roof caves in on the U.S. housing market. To entice customers, companies are serving up deals that include a free pool, a fancy kitchen or …

Putting a value on investment property

Putting a value on investment property Although you may not think so from reading the newspaper or watching television, people are continuing to invest in real estate as part of their financial plan for the future. Yes, we may not see the double-digit appreciation numbers of the past several years here in the Napa Valley, …

Deal to tear down Hyatt has been called off [South Florida]

Deal to tear down Hyatt has been called off [South Florida] A deal to tear down the 297-room Hyatt Sarasota and its connected conference space is dead, a victim of the less-than-crying need for more luxury high-rise condominiums in Southwest Florida. While it might feel like a canceled $65 million check to the hotel’s owners, …