Nearly Half of South Florida Homes Underwater

Nearly half of all homes in South Florida were in negative equity, or underwater, after the first quarter of this year.

In Miami, 46.6% of homes were underwater, while the figure was 49.4% in Ft. Lauderdale.

Having negative equity, or being underwater, means that borrower owes more on their mortgage than their home is worth.

USF Building a Solar House You Might Live in Soon

The University of South Florida (USF) is exploring the cutting-edge of Florida housing by building a solar house, competing to win in the U.S. Solar Decathlon to build the most energy efficient house.

More than 50 students and faculty members from universities across Florida will help design, engineer, plan and build the solar house which is a mixture of modern green energy technology and simple cooling techniques used in Florida homes before air conditioning became the norm.

If everything works as planned, the house will generate as much energy as it uses and will be affordable and easy to build.

Who knows, your next home might be a solar house!

It's Time to Get Ready for Hurricane Season 2011

Tomorrow, June 1, 2011, marks the start of Hurricane Season. Tropical Financial Credit Union (TFCU) wants to remind you to stock up on the necessities before the storms draw near.

Now is the time to check your roof for leaks, trim down your trees and stock up on water and non-perishable foods.

It is also important to have a battery operated radio and flashlights handy in the event that the power goes out. Also, having an extra supply of cash and any medication you may need is essential, as ATMs and pharmacies may not be in working order.

The best way to weather a hurricane is to be prepared. TFCU reminds you to prepare now and not wait until the last minute when stores may be sold out and lines will be long.

Stay safe this hurricane season!

Traveling By Car This Weekend? Here's What You Need to Know About Gas Prices

This Memorial Day Weekend an estimated 1.8 million people will be traveling on Florida's roads. While the roads will certainly be busy, there is finally good news for drivers: gas prices are on the decline!

Neil Gamson, forecaster for the U.S. Energy Information Administration, believes gas prices have peaked and are on their way back down. He expects prices to remain in the mid-$3/gallon range through July 4th, but it looks like the days of gas prices at $4/gallon are over for now.

4th Annual Comedy Cures Charity Event a Success!

Tropical Financial Credit Union (TFCU) is proud to announce a successful 4th Annual Comedy Cures charity event.

The event took place on April 28, 2011 at The Improv at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL and raised $20,325 for the Children's Cancer Caring Center.

Florida Real Estate TV Show

Check out this Florida real estate TV show entitled "From the Trenches". Roy Oppenheim discusses the effects the recession has had on Florida real estate in the last few years and his ideas for the future.

Enterprise Car Sales Help You Borrow Smart

As a member of Tropical Financial Credit Union (TFCU), we already know that you're smart. Prove it by buying smart and borrowing smart when it comes time to finance a car.

Borrow Smart by getting pre-approved for a loan from TFCU at already competitive rates, PLUS we'll make your first payment up to $300.

Then Buy Smart by visiting Enterprise Car Sales where you will get Kelly Blue Book Trade-In value for your car PLUS $500!