2011 tax credits available for ‘green’ updates

Adding green technology to a home can help homeowners save money in the long run, but some may not be able to afford the upfront investment. Several tax credits effective this year, however, can help homeowners – and buyers – save on green updates. Here are two main...

Housing affordability hovers near record level

Nationwide housing affordability during the second quarter of 2011 hovered for the 10th consecutive quarter near its highest level in the more than 20 years, according to National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI). According to...
Island tourism continues upward trend

Island tourism continues upward trend

Good news for all owners of vacation homes on the island: Visits to the Anna Maria Island/Longboat Key area showed no sign of decline in June, tourism rose 6.5 percent that month compared with June 2010, according to the latest Research Data Services monthly tourism...