When it comes to home renovation, it’s never been easier to pop a few images of your kitchen into an AI tool and ask it to paint the walls a new color or change the cabinets. These tools are fun and helpful for inspiration, but like an unused Pinterest board, often leave users without any actionable

Federal Reserve policymakers discussed pausing further interest rate cuts in 2026 during their latest meeting to set interest rate policy, according to newly released minutes. The minutes state that during the December meeting, "some participants suggested that, under their economic outlooks, it wou

The disruption brings one of Europe's busiest international rail corridors to a halt at the peak of the New Year travel season.

A Massachusetts judge has barred home equity contract provider Hometap from arguing that state regulators previously approved or implicitly sanctioned the company’s business model — strengthening the attorney general’s consumer protection lawsuit against Hometap. In a Dec. 19 decision, Suffolk Count

A Manalapan mansion asking $45 million topped signed luxury contracts in Palm Beach County last week. Buyers signed 15 contracts between Dec. 22 and Dec. 28 for luxury properties in Palm Beach County, according to Douglas Elliman’s Eklund-Gomes team. The homes that went pending last week total $135.

When people hear that the United States Department of Agriculture offers home loans, many might presume they'd have to buy a farm out in the country to qualify. But that is a common myth about USDA loans. “The misconception is that anything you're buying with a USDA loan is in a rural area, on a far

The Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 boasts an all-electric powertrain. Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz ‘Tis the season for all those “Best of 2025” accolades. Not wanting to be left out, may I humbly present my Best Automobile of 2025 Award to the exquisite Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram. I know, I know i

Incarcerated rapper Sean 'Diddy' Combs has delisted his sprawling Beverly Hills mansion more than a year after putting the now-infamous home on the market for $61.5 million. Two months after he was sentenced to four years in prison for transporting individuals for prostitution, the rapper appears to

Handcrafted bowls at Empty Bowls Naples. Photo by Drew Attanasio Picking a handcrafted bowl and savoring some soup may seem like an enjoyable but insignificant act. When hundreds of people join in, though, it can help nourish more than 120,000 Southwest Florida adults and children who don’t have eno

Rents in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metro are continuing to ease as 2025 comes to a close, offering renters some welcome relief after years of elevated prices. The Realtor.com® November 2025 Rental Report shows that asking rents are now lower than they were last fall, placing the Twin Citi

Enjoy Pollo en mole, burritos, enchiladas, tamales, fajitas, tacos, and more. Photo courtesy of Caiman Cantina Casual, fresh, and festive, stirred with a measure of Florida sunshine—that’s the vibe Grant Phelan envisioned when he decided to replace Two Fillets in North Naples with his new concept: “

U.S. home price growth remained muted in October as high mortgage rates and affordability constraints continued to weigh on the housing market, according to data released Tuesday by S&P Dow Jones Indices. The S&P Cotality Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index rose 1.4% from a year earlier — up

Pom Voyage cocktail. Photo by Gyorgy Papp As we turn the page to a new year, an elegant toast can set the tone for what lies ahead. The Jack Rose and the Sidecar are two classic cocktails that subtly honor new beginnings. Born during Prohibition, the Jack Rose, with its vibrant hue, reflects strengt

Homebuyers daunted by the idea of amassing a huge down payment for a mortgage might be surprised (and relieved) to know that not all home loans set such a high bar. If you're shopping in rural areas outside of cities, a USDA loan can help you buy a house with $0 down and lower-than-average interest

Can you imagine renting an apartment for nearly $100,000 a month? This week, that actually happened in Manhattan. A 3,952-square-foot apartment at 1045 Madison Avenue rented for $95,000 per month. There was $190,725 required at move-in, which included $95,000 first month's rent, $95,000 refundable s

Hollywood actor George Clooney has been granted French citizenship, along with his wife, Amal, and their twins—months after revealing that the family had relocated to Europe in a bid to give the children a more normal lifestyle. George, 64, who was born in Kentucky, will still be able to retain his

Over the past few years, the mortgage industry has seen a significant decline in the number of loan originators. Loan officer burnout is a constant reality of the job, and what starts as long hours or a stressful month can gradually evolve into exhaustion, irritability, detachment and a loss of pass

Homebuyers in the market for new construction face a critical decision: Buy a spec home from a builder or work with them to create a fully custom home. Heading into 2026, this choice matters more than ever. That's because 2025 saw an "unprecedented" shift in new-construction pricing. New homes—tradi

Judge Judy has sold her sprawling Florida property for $9.5 million—more than 10 years after she snapped up the dwelling in a tony Naples neighborhood. The fearsome TV judge—whose real name is Judith Sheindlin—initially listed the 10,607-square-foot property in August for $10.49 million but was forc

Who: Florida Drowning Prevention Foundation What: Aqua Ball Where: Vineyards Country Club, Naples Photography by Lane Wilkinson The post Aqua Ball appeared first on Naples Illustrated.