The first six months of this year were ones for the record books, as Florida welcomed 57.4 million visitors — the highest number in that time span in state history. The record numbers represent a 4.3 percent increase over the year. In the second quarter alone, 27.3 million visitors came to the state, an increase of 3.1 percent over the year. “The Florida...

California’s tax and regulatory policies have made the cost of doing business more expensive than other states and prompted about 10,000 companies over the last eight years to leave the state or shift or curtail operations to reduce costs, according to a report from Spectrum Location Solutions. Florida is one of the states benefitting the most. The Irvine-based...

HIGHLAND, Calif. – Aug. 12, 2016 – Philip and Denise Powell lost their home in 2011 after Philip’s hours as a pastor were cut in half and Denise was sidelined by a surgery. But they were determined to become homeowners again, so they rolled up their sleeves and got to work. The Highland, California, couple got financial counseling. They took control of...

How do energy efficiency improvements increase property value? Key Takeaways Energy conservation, efficient lighting and building automation are now common — so when discussing a new home, it’s important to address energy efficiency. Newer buildings often have higher efficiency standards while being built, even though some of them don’t posses...

WASHINGTON – Aug. 12, 2016 – Home purchase sentiment reached an all-time survey high in July, an indication that Americans are feeling more upbeat about the housing market, according to Fannie Mae. Overall sentiment rose 3.3 points to a reading of 86.5. Each of the index’s six components– including selling outlook and personal finances – also rose last...

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Tourists are flocking to the Sunshine State in record numbers — at least for now. Florida Gov. Rick Scott will announce Friday that 57.4 million tourists visited the state during the first half of 2016. State officials say that’s the highest six-month total ever and a 4.3 percent increase over the year. Visit Florida,...