Americans are buying bigger homes again, yet another sign that the housing market is improving. “The average size of new homes has grown significantly over the last three years” according to a recent Census Bureau report. The median square footage of new homes built in the U.S. in 2012 was 2,306 square feet, a record high. This is an 8..

A new survey on U.S. home purchases released by LendingTree suggests that banks seem to be loosening standards for down payments. The report found that the average down payment dropped to 16.1% in May compared to 17.6% two years ago. “Lenders have increasing confidence that the loans they’re originating today are less likely to default,” says Doug Lebda, founder and..

Gateway Apartments, a 144-unit multifamily community in St. Petersburg, has sold for $6.9 million to PBH Prospect Gateway LLC of Miami. The complex sold for $5.250 million in February 2012 and 8.570 million in July 2008. Gateway Apartments, built in 1986 is east of the I-275 and Gandy Boulevard intersection at 2000 Gandy Blvd. N., St. Petersburg. The apartments feature..

The votes are in and Orlando came out on top. Florida tourists overwhelming scored Tampa Bay as not as “authentic” as Orlando. Still stinging from the news, Hillsborough County Tourism Chief Santiago Corrada exclaimed, “It doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t compute. It’s not logical.” Nonetheless changes are astir to change the “unauthentic” perception, one of which is a new logo..

Florida residents can get a get a three day Discover Disney ticket for just $119. But hurry – you must purchase the ticket by this Monday, June 3, 2013. The ticket is valid through June 7, 2013 at the four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and can be used on non-consecutive days. Get your ticket here https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/florida-residents/3-day-ticket/?CMP=VAN-WDWFY12Q3TheGoat0003%C2%A0

Rates are rising and analysts are advising buyers to watch the mortgage market closely. In fact, an article in Mortgage News Daily reported that, “there is no adequately descriptive language for movement in mortgage rates today.” Read full story at: http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/consumer_rates/310426.aspx If you thinking of buying or listing your home for sale, contact Teresa Williams of Prospera Realty and Property Management..

It’s a four-letter word that no one wants to hear about their home: m-o-l-d. Once it moves in, it’s hard to get rid of not to mention the potential cost to your health and pocketbook. Mold prevention is the key! Follow these 10 tips provided by House Logic: 1. Eliminate clutter 2. Control indoor climate 3. Shut windows and doors..

Get a peek inside this enormous and lavish Copper Beech Farm in Greenwich, Conn. with 4,000 feet of water frontage and two offshore islands. The main house is a French Renaissance mansion constructed in 1896 with 15,000 square feet. The expansive grounds cover over 50 acres and include an apple orchard, two greenhouses, a tennis court, and a 75-foot-long heated..

Bidding wars and fast deals are the name of the game for home buyers in Tampa Bay. Inventory of homes for sale is so low that buyers are getting frustrated. Sellers are reaping the benefit, however, with higher prices and quick closings. Associated article – Tampa Bay Times: http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/realestate/tampa-bay-home-sales-prices-continue-climb/2122418 If you thinking of buying or listing your home for sale, contact..

The recent much-hyped purchase of Channelside in Tampa by Liberty Channelside LLC was rejected by the Tampa Port Authority last night. Voting unanimously, the board killed the deal citing a breakdown in negotiations. “It’s discouraging that this vital project is not moving forward,” said Teresa Williams, CEO and Broker of Prospera Realty in Tampa. “The revitalization of Channelside is important..