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Business, Tourism

Tourist tax collections 2019

Feb 3, 2020 – Cindy Lane
January 7, 2020
By Louise Bolger
Castles in the Sand

Is Anna Maria Island still Old Florida?

There’s no doubt how much Anna Maria Island has changed over the past 25 years since I found the Island. One might say it’s gone from shabby chic to polished coastal, but has it also gone from Old Fl…
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December 28, 2019
By Louise Bolger
Castles in the Sand

Happy new real estate year

Getting through all of the Christmas presents, dinners and travel has probably made you not want to face another holiday much less another financial year with its ups and downs. But if you live in a…
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December 24, 2019
By Louise Bolger
Castles in the Sand

Home ownership matters

It’s Christmas, and I’m not sure how many will take the time to read this column, so instead of giving you what I hope is my usual well thought out advice and real estate statistics, I just wanted to…
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December 18, 2019
By Louise Bolger
Castles in the Sand

Million dollar homes and taxes

Three months ago, when I updated my quarterly million-dollar-and-over properties report in our area, I took some pity on wealthy real estate owners around the country who were experiencing a serious…
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December 10, 2019
By Louise Bolger
Castles in the Sand

The Grinch that stole your real estate deal

If you’re in a home negotiation, whether you’re the buyer or seller you better watch out for the home inspection grinch. To the buyer, the grinch is a kindly and informed fellow who will uncover all…
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November 25, 2019
By Louise Bolger
Castles in the Sand

Today’s challenge for buyers

There’s a big predicament out there all over the country for home buyers, especially first-time buyers. There’s nothing to buy and, apparently, it’s my generation’s fault. United States homeowners…
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November 19, 2019
By Louise Bolger
Castles in the Sand

Mythical credit scores

Generally, credit scores are available through one of your credit card companies, financial institution or loan statement, and if you don’t know yours you should make a point of finding out even if y…
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November 12, 2019
By Louise Bolger
Castles in the Sand

When did $100,000 not become enough?

Once upon a time if you were earning a six-figure salary you were sitting pretty. You could easily buy a home, make sure your kids went to the right schools and take that one family trip a year. Well…
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November 5, 2019
By Louise Bolger
Castles in the Sand

Are condos the future of housing?

In case you haven’t noticed, interest rates are low, real low. Most rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage are hovering around 4% based on credit scores and income to loan ratios. In spite of this…
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October 29, 2019
By Louise Bolger
Castles in the Sand

The ghosts of real estate

I never really believed in ghosts and evil spirits. It was always fun to talk about other people’s experiences at parties but since I never had any first-hand knowledge it was just that, fun until it…
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April 9, 2025
11:45 am

The Off-Stage Ladies of the Island Players, April luncheon meeting