The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is extending its “anti-flipping” waiver through the end of 2012, allowing buyers to purchase homes that have already been sold in the last 90 days.

An anti-flipping rule originally took effect in 2003 to stop an increase in home flipping that was being blamed on driving up home prices during the housing boom. The rule prevented FHA-backed loans from being used to purchase homes that had been owned by a seller for less than 90 days. ...

If you’ve been searching for a home in the Sarasota - Bradenton area lately, you know firsthand that the inventory of homes has been shrinking in many price ranges and neighborhoods.

There are several factors contributing to the shrinking inventory.

The “shadow” inventory of homes is no longer growing and is, in fact, shrinking.

So what is shadow inventory? Shadow inventory typically refers to homes where the owners are at least 3 payments behind on their...

The 13,000 sq. ft. fitness center at 8256 Legacy Blvd in Lakewood Ranch makes it easy for residents of the Ranch to stay in shape: Cybex strength and cardio equipment, free weights and access to a personal trainer. The center offers aerobic, step, spinning, yoga, Pilates and other wellness programs for members. After your workout you can relax in the sauna, steam room and/or whirlpool or indulge yourself with a professional massage.

The athletic center features both a heated resort...

Main Street at Lakewood Ranch offers residents the opportunity to shop within their own community in a center that mimics the downtown Main streets that can be found in many small towns across the country.

Main Street offers approximately 30 specialty stores and boutiques mixed in with restaurants, a bank, a barbershop and salon/spa.

You can find home furnishings, buy a new bicycle to ride the many trails throughout the community, purchase pastries, shoes or fine jewelry....

One of the most popular communities in the Sarasota - Bradenton area is Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch is an 8,500 acre master-planned community consisting of 8 villages, with housing ranging from small condos and villas to custom, million dollar estates.

LWR offers residential neighborhoods, business parks, several retail shopping centers, over 20 places of worship, several private schools & schools of higher learning, a medical center, several golf courses (some public, some...