Seasonal Uptick in South Florida Home Prices

South Florida home prices inched up this May, but analysts say the increase may just be seasonal.

Since April, home prices in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties rose 1.2%. However, analysts say there is more demand in the early summer months, resulting in seasonal higher home prices.

Florida Realtors reported an increase of 26% over last year for median home prices in Broward County, yet a 12% drop for median home prices in Palm Beach County.

South Florida home sales have been strong this year, but they still have a long way to go.

South Florida "Kills Three Birds with One Stone"

Florida Governor, Rick Scott, has plans for a $43 million Eller Drive Overpass Project at Port Everglades which will "kill three birds with one stone."

The overpass will create 1,076 construction jobs, prepare for the Panama Canal widening, and ease congestion on roads near Port Everglades.

Shuttle Layoffs Hit Florida's Economy

Approximately 9 thousand jobs will be lost when NASA's space shuttle program ends this month.

Watch the following video for more information about how Florida's economy will be affected by the discontinuation of the space shuttle:

Forget the Recession, Florida is in a "Mancession"!

Florida's economy faced a severe downturn in 2008, but not all genders were created equally. The "mancession" hit male-dominated jobs, such as those in the construction and manufacturing industry, harder than typically female-oriented industries like education and health care.

The result has been greater unemployment statistics for men than women. Florida's unemployment rates in 2010 broken down by sex were 12.3% for males and only 9.7% for females.

Florida Ranks in Top 10 Housing Markets for Investors

Three Florida cities: Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa and Orlando ranked in the top 10 housing markets for investors in rental property according to HomeVestors of America and Local Market Monitor.

This is a result of home prices falling substantially, potential home price appreciation and current high rent rates, all good news for investors looking to get the best returns on rental properties.

$1,000 Off Mortgage Closing Costs Offer Extended

Tropical Financial Credit Union (TFCU) has extended our $1,000 Mortgage offer.

Apply for a mortgage by September 15th, 2011 and receive $1,000 off your closing costs!

Florida's Economy Better Than Last Year But Still Weak

As we move into the second half of 2011, it is time to look back at the economy in South Florida over the last six months. Data from 15 key economic indicators suggest a slight improvement in South Florida's economy since last year, but we still have a long way to go.

Unemployment is on the rise yet again, despite the fact that many companies have been hiring recently. The figures are 13.4% in Miami-Dade and 9% in Broward County. Although this is nothing compared to the 23,600 jobs South Florida was losing each month in spring 2010, it shows a slow recovery to the job market.

The real estate market has also proved slow to recover. Although single-family home sales are up 18% over last year, the prices these homes are selling for are down almost 5% over 2010.

Some good news is found in consumer spending, tourism and trade. Taxable sales have increased almost 8% since last year and Miami continues to be one of the top 3 destinations in the U.S. for Latin Americans and Europeans.

Sizzling Summer Used Auto Sales Event

Tropical Financial Credit Union (TFCU) is holding a Sizzling Summer Used Auto Sales Event this month only.

Finance a used car with TFCU this month and get Kelly Blue Book trade-in value for your existing car PLUS $1,000 cash! On top of all that, TFCU will make your first payment up to $300.

With used car loan rates as low as 2.99% APR, you can't afford to pass up this deal!

Introducing TFCU Mobile Banking!

As a long time member of Tropical Financial Credit Union (TFCU), I am proud to announce the launch of TFCU Mobile Banking.

If you haven't already signed up for mobile banking, now is the time. TFCU is known for keeping banking simple and free of fees, but things just got even easier! Now you can access your Tropical account from your iPhone, Android phone, iPad, and even other mobile devices via text message.

There are 3 ways to access the Mobile Banking platform:

1. Mobile Web-Enabled Banking - Perfect for Android and other web-enabled mobile devices.
2. Tropical Financial iPhone App - For instant access to your TFCU account from your iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
3. Text Message Banking - Ideal for quick and easy account balances and transfers from any mobile device. Simply text a short command to 454545 to get your current account balance or transfer funds.

Of course, all of TFCU's Mobile Banking services are secure, easy to use, and most importantly - FREE!