Current News in the Real Estate Industry
Here's What You Need To Know Before Buying A House From A Foreclosure Auction

Many buyers romanticize foreclosure auctions because they've heard that they're a way to save serious money. While that may be true in some respects, it is certainly not always the case. Not only that, but these auctions can be tricky to navigate if you don't have real estate experience.

Refinancing For A Lower Mortgage Rate? It Might Be Harder Than You Think

Mortgage refinances are surging thanks to low mortgage rates, which hit nearly three-year lows just last week. Currently sitting at 3.6% according to Freddie Mac, they’ve spawned a 180% uptick in refinance applications since just one year ago. 


The Florida Probate Process and Property

A fast growing niche in the real estate industry is probate properties. Get a quick overview of the Florida Probate Process in this article. Then keep an eye out for next month's newsletter, we will have a follow-up article on why investors target probate homes.
Agents Find Homes for People, Puppies

Some real estate pros are bringing foster dogs with them to showings, hoping that while finding the perfect home for a buyer, they’ll be able to find the perfect home for the foster pet, too.

Tip of the Day .......

The optimal setting for your air conditioning thermostat, according to Energy Star and as reported by Consumer Reports:

• 78° F when you’re at home
• 85° F when you’re away from home
• 82° F when you’re sleeping

Homeowners can save about 3% on their utility bills for every degree they raise the set temperature of their central air, according to the Department of Energy.
Source:   “Best Setting for Your Central Air Conditioning,” Consumer Reports (July 3, 2019)
Philanthropy and Education

Our staff held a Back-to-School event for school supplies to help out the students/teachers at one of our neighboring schools, St. Peter Claver School.
 

 
Michelle Gilbert, Esq. was asked back again from the Serralles Group to teach another class on Probate and it's process, along with discussing why investors target probate properties.

September's philanthropy will be focused on furry friends. We are excited for this one since our staff are animal lovers. We will be collecting items the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.