Rosie O’Donnell’s home among highest-sold in 2015 in Tampa Bay

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The Tampa Bay area luxury real estate market continued to show growth in the past year, as the number of homes that sold in the area for $4 million or more increased from 20 in 2014 to 31 in 2015.

However, the number of homes sold for $6 million or more decreased from seven in 2014 to three in 2015. The average sale price of the top 25 homes dropped slightly from $5.29 million to $5.22 million.

Several homes have appeared on the List multiple times over the past few years. One such home is 703… …read more

Speculative mansion on Longboat Key sold for $7M

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A speculative waterfront mansion on Longboat Key has sold for $7 million.

The sale represents the largest residential transaction on Longboat Key in five years, said Charles Buky, who represented the seller with his father, Gabe Buky. The Bukys are with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate’s Longboat Key office.

Lori Cashi-Hought and Tami Cashi of Team Cashi represented the buyers — a family from Wisconsin, Buky said.

At 3475 Gulf of Mexico Drive, the 7,586-square-foot home has five en-suite… …read more

Developer closes on land for townhouses in heart of Westshore

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A developer is moving forward with plans to build townhouses on the southernmost portion of the former Without Walls church property in Westshore.

Icon Residential, based in Largo, paid $6.4 million for the 5-acre site in a deal that closed Thursday. Chris Bowers and Ryan Sampson of Eshenbaugh Land Co. represented the seller, Richman Group, in the transaction.

Richman Group acquired 13 acres on West Columbus Drive in fall 2014, paying $14.3 million. It has since sold off 2.2 acres fronting West… …read more

Except for housing, business isn’t booming and GDP is barely growing

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The U.S. economy ended 2015 like it began, with weak economic growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates GDP grew by only 0.7 percent in the fourth quarter. For the year as a whole GDP grew 2.4 percent, the same rate as the economy grew in 2014.

The problem isn’t consumers — they’re spending money. Businesses aren’t, however. Business investment declined in the fourth quarter, as companies spent less money on structures and equipment. Low oil prices continued to depress investments… …read more

Tampa Bay’s custom homebuilders (Photos)

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Tampa Bay’s custom home market is hot. Driven by rising land prices, the majority of custom homes are on the smaller side — but not without their touches of luxury.

One builder reported a request for a gold toilet; others have built ice rinks and theaters within custom homes. As the region’s business base grows, so does demand for custom home sites.

Those on the older side of the millennial spectrum who delayed buying a first home due to the recession are now considering home ownership, perhaps… …read more

Highest-priced homes on the market in Sarasota County

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View the interactive map below to see the highest-priced homes on the market in Sarasota County. …read more

Highest-priced homes on the market in Manatee County

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View the interactive map below for details on the highest-priced homes on the market in Manatee County. …read more

Builder profile: ‘Britt’ Williams, president & CEO, Bruce Williams Homes

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How long have you been building in the Tampa Bay area? Bruce Williams Homes has been building in the Tampa Bay Area since 1969. Britt has been with the Company full time since 1991.

How did you get into the industry? Britt grew up in the Business hanging around his father & founder of Bruce Williams Homes, Lloyd Williams. After graduating from Auburn in 1991 Britt came back to help with the family business for a “short time” before going back to Alabama. Britt ended up loving the business, staying… …read more

How CenterState’s loans are being put to use

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Loan growth helped power a nearly 200 percent earnings gains at CenterState Banks Inc. in 2015.

CenterState (NASDAQ: CSFL) reported 2015 earnings of 85 cents a share, compared to 31 cents a share in 2014. Net income for the full year of 2015 was $39.3 million, compared to $13 million in 2014.

The Davenport-based banking company also hit a new asset benchmark in 2015, ending the year with $4.022 billion in total assets.

As one of the largest banks in Florida — and the No. 2 bank headquartered… …read more

Failed project lands Trump in Florida appeals court

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While Donald Trump banks on his brand to boost him into the White House, a Florida appeals court will hear arguments Tuesday in lawsuits accusing the Republican presidential front runner of misrepresenting his role in a failed beachfront project in Fort Lauderdale.

The 4th District Court of Appeal will hear arguments in two lawsuits related to what was pitched as a swanky, Trump-branded hotel/condominium. Investors have battled in court for years to get back hundreds of thousands of dollars in deposits… …read more