NFL legend Vinny Testaverde relists sprawling estate in Tampa suburbs for sale (Photos)

Former NFL quarterback Vinny Testaverde has relisted a sprawling estate in the Tampa suburbs for sale for $4.9 million. Engel & Völkers Madeira Beach said Thursday that it has the listing on the property, a 12,700-square-foot home on 6 acres overlooking Lake Keystone, in the gated community of Dolce Vita in Odessa. The home was on the market with a different real estate agent in 2017. The property has had some high-profile problems that eventually led to Testaverde and his wife, Mitzi, suing the…Original Article

Midrise condo tower planned near USF in downtown St. Pete (Renderings)

A developer is planning to build a small condominium project in downtown St. Petersburg, near the city's burgeoning Innovation District. Named for its address, 357 on Fifth will include 13 units that range from 1,031 square feet to penthouses that are more than 2,460 square feet. Pricing will range from the upper $500,000s to $1.35 million. The development team, which includes Dr. Julie Kessel, paid $850,000 for the site in March, according to Pinellas County property records. The property is…Original Article

US existing home sales fall for fourth consecutive month

Despite strength in the labour market and improving wages, which have buoyed demand for homes, purchases have been weighed down by rising mortgage rates and tight inventory that drive up the cost of homes.Original Article

US housing starts rise by less than forecast

US home construction rebounded by less than expected last month data on Thursday showed, prompting one economist to says housing is “the sole weak spot in the economy”.Original Article

SimpleShowing opens doors for homebuyers, sellers

The technology-power brokerage is among a growing group of companies disrupting the residential real estate sales industry.Original Article

Tampa man gets prison term for condo sales scheme that defrauded Wells Fargo, other lenders

A Tampa man who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with a Temple Terrace condo sales scheme was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Daniel Cardenas was one of several people involved in the scheme to sell units at The Preserve at Temple Terrace, a 392-unit condominium complex in Tampa, prosecutors said. The scheme took place from October 2007 through May 2008. Two other men — Carlos Escarria and Alejandro Tobon — were sentenced for their part in the scheme in May. All…Original Article

As Google Maps renames neighborhoods, residents fume

Google cartographers can reshape the identity of a city, town or neighborhood with a name choice. How the company arrives at its names is often mysterious, but it's clear the decisions have far-reaching consequences, including Google Maps driving increased traffic to quiet neighborhoods.Original Article

South Tampa real estate agent sells $9.5 million teardown in Boca Grande

A South Tampa real estate agent has closed the third highest sale on the Gulf of Mexico this year — a $9.5 million home in Boca Grande that will be torn down. Stephen Gay of Smith & Associates Real Estate represented the buyer of 4561 Shore Lane, which is 2 acres with 205 feet of beach frontage. The home on the site, built in 1981, is 9,580 square feet. “This may be the third highest sale on the Gulf this year, but it’s the only one that was sold for lot value,” Bob Glaser, president…Original Article

Median home values in the wealthiest Zip Codes

Over the past six years, the median home value remained relatively steady or even increased in the five wealthiest ZIP codes in the Tampa Bay area (see the List on Page 6). This is in contrast to the region as a whole, which saw home values decrease by an amount ranging from around 10 percent in Manatee and Pinellas counties to just under 30 percent in Hernando. However, this is still reflective of the home value lost during the housing collapse that accompanied the recession. Home values increased…Original Article