The wind whips through your hair as a ferry zips through the mangroves that line Pine Island Sound. In the distance, a small island appears on the horizon. It’s a place where cars are forbidden, where croquet is king and where, each morning, children are instructed to be home by sundown. Welcome to Useppa Island. Once frequented by pirates and captains of industry, Useppa Island has long been a place for people looking for respite from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. But as the … [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...]
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...]
How to Buy a Vacation Home in 5 Steps
Owning a vacation home may be easier than you think. Turn your getaway daydreams into reality — this guide will walk you through it, step by step. Dream of owning a vacation home but find the idea of buying one too intimidating? Here’s a guide to help you analyze your options. 1. Match housing choices to your lifestyle Many people assume they must own a primary residence before owning a vacation home, but that’s not necessarily true. What’s really important … [Read more...]
The Difference an Hour Makes
The Difference of an Hour - Time to FALL BACK Every Hour in the US Housing Market: 633 Homes Sell 253 Homes Regain Positive Equity Median Home Values Go Up $1.43 … [Read more...]