David Luppino didn't know what kind of a crowd the holidays would bring to the bike shop he opened in June on FishHawk Boulevard. ...more

January 6, 2010

John White just wanted a breather. With bags at his feet and a cell phone ringing in his pocket, White took a rest Thursday near the large Christmas tree at The Shops at Wiregrass. All around him, people toted bags, pushed small children in strollers and window-shopped. ...more

December 25, 2009

John White just wanted a breather. With bags at his feet and a cell phone ringing in his pocket, White took a rest Thursday near the large Christmas tree at The Shops at Wiregrass. All around him, people toted bags, pushed small children in strollers and window-shopped. ...more

December 24, 2009

If you're looking for another way to stretch your dollar, there's a new Web site offering Bay area residents good deals. ...more

November 19, 2009

Fewer people are splurging on second homes, but more are plunking down cash when they do purchase, according to a report released Monday by the National Association of Realtors. ...more

March 31, 2009

Sales of second homes drop ...more

March 30, 2009

As the Bay area struggles to emerge from the greatest housing downturn since the Great Depression, buyers are benefiting from the slump. First-time homebuyers are getting particularly good deals. They can move fast because they don't need to sell a home before closing, and they're taking advantage of the federal government's new $8,000 tax credit for new buyers. ...more

March 27, 2009

Cash4Gold.com, a Florida metal refinery offering money to people who mail in unwanted gold, doesn't always provide boatloads of money for customers. Customers have lodged hundreds of complaints with the state Attorney General's Office and the Better Business Bureau. ...more

February 10, 2009

Back in May, Scott Szala could hardly get contractors to return his calls. Those who did didn't seem too interested in taking on the extensive remodel Szala planned for his 1926 Tampa bungalow. That has changed a lot in recent months as work has tapered off for many area contractors. ...more

February 6, 2009

It's a good time to bargain with contractors if you want remodeling work done on you house. But use caution when hiring someone to do the job. ...more

January 27, 2009