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, …

Make investment property pay

Make investment property pay Investing in real estate most likely won’t produce the get-rich-quick results promised by many a late-night infomercial. But for investors willing to do some homework, make a good purchase and properly manage a piece of property, the rewards can be substantial. Various strategies can be used on the road to real …