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!

Florida Foreclosures Take an Average of 2 Years

If you are one of the many South Florida homeowners who have recently foreclosed on your home, you are likely still living in that home without making mortgage payments.

In Florida, it takes an average of 2 years to evict a homeowner from their foreclosed property. Nationally, the average is 565 days. This has resulted in many homeowners taking advantage of virtually free housing, not paying their mortgage for several years and still residing in the property.

About 4,200,000 foreclosure cases are currently underway. According to CNN Money, two thirds of these homeowners have not made a mortgage payment for at least one year, with one third stating they have not paid a penny in over 2 years.

11 Ways to Avoid Hurricane Costs

The 2011 Hurricane Season is underway and now is the time to prepare. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts 6-10 hurricanes this year with 3-6 of those classified as major hurricanes. Hurricane damage can be costly, thankfully there are ways to protect your home from storm damage.

Here are 11 Ways to Avoid Hurricane Costs:

1. Plywood - Board up windows with plywood and nails.

2. Fabric Panels - These protect your windows from debris.

3. Hurricane Straps - These help secure your roof from high winds.

4. Flood Barriers - Whether it's sandbags or another product, protecting your home from flooding is a must.

5. Storm Panels - Steel or aluminum shutters provide more window protection than plywood.

6. Roll-Down Hurricane Shutters - The easiest and most convenient way to protect your windows.

7. Garage Door Braces - 80% of residential wind damage occurs because of entry through a garage door. Some newer garage doors are rated for winds up to 150 mph but older garage doors should be secured.

8. Hurricane Glass - A permanent solution for window protection.

9. Accordion Shutters - Retractable aluminum shutters which protect against storm damage and forced entry.

10. Bahama Shutters - Hinged at the top with telescoping arms to protect windows.

11. Colonial Shutters - Attach to the wall and fold inward to close.