An opportunity for first-time buyers to find houses priced below market value is presenting itself in a number of places across the country.Over the 11-week period after March 11, when the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 virus a pandemic, thousands of sellers listed their homes at a discount, according ... read more
One of downtown Sarasota's largest office properties is up for sale.The brick-clad BB&T Financial Center, with two nine-story towers that occupy an entire city block, is being marketed with an open bid.The complex, developed in 1986 and still owned by the Spector family, was assessed for tax purposes at $25.76 ... read more
LAKEWOOD RANCH - Neal Communities said home sales totaled 99 in June, a nearly 29% increase over the year.The home builder, the largest locally based in Southwest Florida, said the increase continues the sales rebound that began in May, after a market dip in March and April due to buyer ... read more
One thing about this pandemic is for certain. When we emerge from it, America is going to have better looking homes and gardens. Staying home has made us focus on our immediate surroundings and subsequently to take on projects we've put off or never even considered.Long lines at local plant ... read more
After finding no takers last year at $11.2 million, Liam Payne of One Direction fame has changed real estate agents and relisted his compound in the Santa Monica Mountains near Calabasas for $10.75 million.The English singer-songwriter bought the nearly 5-acre estate five years ago for $10 million and has extensively ... read more
By By Neal J. Leitereg and Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times
A key indicator suggests that home sales could soon rise after a disappointing spring.DEAR DAVE: We wanted to sell our house in the spring but delayed our plans because too many buyers were staying at home over concerns about the coronavirus. Do you think sales will pick up this summer?ANSWER: ... read more
Editor's note: While Harold Bubil takes some time off, we'll reprise some of his popular columns. This column originally ran on June 17, 2018.So many stories are real estate stories. From national security and history to architecture and sustainability, and, yes, even hurricane preparation, so many issues hinge on (a) ... read more
Q: I am divorced and have two grown daughters. I am placing my house in a trust. My attorney is recommending an irrevocable trust. Which do you prefer, revocable or irrevocable and why?A: What we prefer has nothing to do with whether you should have a revocable or irrevocable trust. ... read more
By By Ilyce Glink and Samuel J. Tamkin, Tribune Content Agency
An elevated, round pavilion, surrounded by large, ornamental bowls filled with flowering shrubbery, looks out on the roundabout intersection of Honore Avenue and Central Sarasota Parkway. With "Sandhill Preserve at Palmer Ranch" prominently displayed on its supporting wall, it is an attractive sentinel for a community that has a lot ... read more
Editor's note: While Harold Bubil takes some time off, we'll reprise some of his popular columns. This column originally ran on Sept. 9, 2017.Hurricane Irma's impact quite likely will be felt even in the "Florida Buildings I Love" series.About 150 buildings (so far) across the state are on this list, ... read more