Survey: Real Estate Is Back as Americans’ Favorite Long-Term Investment Stocks have long been the most glamorous of the major asset classes. Many a Hollywood film has centered around making fast money in the stock market, and becoming a Wall Street big shot. But despite their great long-term returns—they’ve averaged about 10 percent annually for decades—stocks are no longer Americans’ favorite long-term investment. What is? According to a nationwide Bankrate survey, it’s real … [Read more...]
Popular Contemporary Paint Color Guide
What to know about contemporary paint colors. From avocado green to millennial pink, trends in interior paint colors have come and gone. So how do you choose a color palette that looks fresh right now, but you’ll still love tomorrow? Find out in this exclusive interview with Sherwin-Williams color expert Sue Wadden. What defines a contemporary paint color for home interiors? Contemporary home design is all about the “now” and making a bold design statement. There’s currently a strong … [Read more...]
How an Island Off SWFL’s Coast Played a Pivotal Role in Bay of Pigs Invasion
An exclusive island, home to the wealthy, has a mysterious history. We went behind the scenes of Useppa Island Florida, a 100-acre, private island that played an important role in preparation for the Bay of Pigs invasion. On a sunny day, the boat ride to Useppa is beautiful. But 60 years ago, one particular ride to the island was in the middle of the night, during a covert CIA operation. Agents shuttled Cuban exiles from Miami to an island in the middle of the Pine Island Sound. “They … [Read more...]
Tile: now comes in a myriad of looks and colors
Turn to tile for a high-impact finish that can offer design choices from traditional to modern. Tile trends for 2019 will appeal to those who like their home decor bold, dramatic and colorful or more subdued, timeless and classic. “The tile world is in consistent evolution,” said Laura Grilli, senior product development manager at manufacturer Daltile. Innovation is the key not only from a design standpoint but in terms of technology and installation, she said. Tile Uses and … [Read more...]
Florida Is the Big Winner as the Wealthy Move Out of Northern States
Roughly 5 million Americans move from one state to another annually and some states are clearly making out better than others. Florida and South Carolina enjoyed the top economic gains, while Connecticut, New York and New Jersey faced some of the biggest financial drains, according to a Bloomberg analysis of state-to-state moves based on data from the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Census Bureau. Connecticut lost the equivalent of 1.6% of its annual adjusted gross income, as … [Read more...]
The Quiet Side of Florida – Discover Useppa Island
Discover Useppa Island - Southwest Florida's Paradise Coast provides a stark contrast to the I-95 corridor and high rise beach development of some of the more populated areas of Florida's east coast. Just imagine, 25-miles of pristine barrier islands, from Sanibel north to Boca Grande, with a 3-story height limit, and an ecosystem largely preserved as it was 100 years ago. Now, imagine forever views of sea, sky and foliage, to the north and south along Pine Island Sound. A protected area … [Read more...]
5 Signs You’re Ready to Buy a Vacation Home
You've just returned from a trip to the beach. You ask yourself: Why should I continue to pay rental fees when I could own a vacation home and rent it out? Unless you're fairly wealthy, you'll need to make sure you can commit to buying a seasonal home before you start shopping around. Here are five indications that you're ready to take the plunge: 1. You can afford one Can you afford to own a vacation home? If the answer to that question is yes, that's probably the most obvious sign that … [Read more...]
Unequalled Waterfront Value
Southwest Florida a national housing news continues to report the rapidly escalating prices of waterfront homes. The Useppa People have the wise alternative offering tremendous waterfront value. Priced from $529,000, our private island inventory offers fee simple Townhouse style attached Villas that offer the best value for waterfront living. Boasting BIG views across Pine Island Sound, the ICW or Charlotte Harbor, with free dockage for boats to 24 feet. Here, you’re not on a canal or back bay … [Read more...]
The Perfect Nature of Useppa
Have you ever wanted to live in the pristine heart of nature? Then Useppa Island should be your home. Located in the north sector of Pine Island Sound, 3 miles south of Boca Grand Pass, the Sound is a designated Aquatic Preserve. Florida’s highest ranking, it is one of six aquatic preserves that make up the Charlotte Harbor complex of preserves. The Gasparilla Sound-Charlotte Harbor Preserve is located just north of Useppa and extends easterly to Burnt Store and Punta Gorda. Wildlife Pine … [Read more...]
Next Recession in 2020? What Will Be the Impact?
Economists and analysts know that the country has experienced economic growth for almost a decade. They also know that a recession can’t be too far off. A recent report by Zillow Research shed light on a survey conducted by Pulsenomics in which they asked economists, investment strategists and market analysts how they felt about the current housing market. That report revealed the possible timing of the next recession: “Experts largely expect the next recession to begin in 2020.” That timing … [Read more...]