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HELPING PEOPLE AND PETS FIND GREAT HOMES.
Here at The Urban Dog Group, we provide professional and caring real estate services to ensure you find a great property suitable for all your family members, including your pets.
A portion of our proceeds from each transaction goes to our client’s animal rescue charity of choice -- so when you find a home, homeless pets in our community do too!
Residential Sales & Leasing | Investment Properties | Commercial Real Estate
Tampa - St. Petersburg - Plant City - Brandon - Lakeland - New Port Richey - Tarpon Springs - Palm Harbor - Dunedin - Clearwater - Largo - Pinellas Park - Treasure Island - Indian Rocks Beach - Redington Beach - St. Pete Beach - Ruskin - Bradenton - Seminole - Odessa
Orlando - Winter Park - Lake Mary - Altamonte Springs - Longwood - Windermere - Waterford Lakes - College Park - Dr. Phillips - Oviedo - Winter Springs - Maitland - Bay Hill - Conway - Audubon Park - Baldwin Park - Clermont - Minneola - Winter Garden - Kissimmee - St. Cloud - Haines City - Winter Haven - Davenport
The Most Recent Real Estate News​
As we navigate January 2026, the real estate market is showing promising signs of a robust recovery. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) forecasts a significant 14% increase in existing home sales and a 4% rise in home prices nationwide this year [1] [2]. This positive outlook is supported by anticipated mortgage rates dipping into the low-6% range, making homeownership more accessible for many .
Here in Florida, we're entering 2026 on firmer ground. Our local market is gaining stability, driven by lower mortgage rates, a gradual increase in housing inventory, and strong demographic demand [6] [7]. Notably, Jacksonville is recognized as one of NAR's top 10 housing markets for 2026, and Tampa is experiencing an 11% surge in first-time buyer activity, fueled by steady job growth and population gains [8] [9].
This is an opportune moment for both buyers and sellers to understand the evolving landscape. Let's connect to discuss how these trends impact your real estate goals in Central Florida
Meet the Team at Urban Dog Group
Christine Elias​
GRI, SRS, ABR, MRP
REALTOR AT COLDWELL BANKER REALTY
(321) 231-5814
Christine Elias is the founder of The Urban Dog Group at Coldwell Banker Realty, where the focus is placing people and pets in great properties. Known as the “pet-friendly realtor,” she has a passion for all animals. From dogs and cats to horses, cows, pigs, chickens, and sheep, she's a fan!
Christine is a part of Coldwell Banker Realty Global Network. She combines 19 years of sales, marketing, strategic planning, and networking experience with extensive knowledge of the Central Florida and Southwest Florida markets. She also brings a background in the construction, architectural, and engineering industries, which she worked in for 15 years prior to getting her real estate license. In total, her team has more than 20 years of commercial, residential, and investment real estate experience.
Christine recently sat on the Board of Directors for the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando for six years. She is currently working with the SPCA of Tampa/St. Pete as well as local rescues, including Fluff Animal Rescue, Friends of Strays, and Pet Pal Rescue of St. Petersburg. Additionally, she is involved with St. Pete PAWS, which works to establish St. Pete as a place where animal companions are happy, healthy, and welcome. These roles fortify her commitment to the community and helping homeless pets. Taking this dedication a step further, proceeds from the sale of each property by The Urban Dog Group go to a local animal charity of our clients' choice.
With her advanced selling and negotiating skills as well as her attention to detail, Christine, along with the rest of The Urban Dog Group team, ensures that all deadlines are met and all goals are efficiently accomplished. Her flair for creativity and niche marketing makes her a unique addition to Coldwell Banker Realty. Plus, thanks to this global real estate franchise, she has the power to sell homes anywhere in the United States.
2025 International Sterling Society Award
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2017-2022 International Presidents Circle Award - Best of Blue, Coldwell Banker
2016 to 2019 ORRA Realtor Association's Top Producer Club
2017-2022 Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando - Two Terms on Board of Directors
ESA, Emotional Support Animal Certified Realtor
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Pet Certified Real Estate Agent
Michael Dean
LOAN OFFICER
(407) 574-1531
A Central Florida native, Michael Dean attended University of Central Florida and now works in the Orlando area as a branch manager for NEO Home Loans. Being a local lender means his reputation is held accountable on every transaction. His business is 100 percent referral-based, and he's helped thousands of families in the Central Florida community achieve homeownership. He would be honored to do the same for you.
Michael was ranked nationally on the Scotsman Guide Top Originators 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 lists and is included on the SocialSurvey list of America’s Top 50 Loan Officers for Customer Satisfaction.
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Apply now to begin the home loan process.
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Equal Housing Opportunity // NMLS 1119943
PROUDLY SUPPORTING PETS
A portion of the proceeds from every transaction is donated to organizations focused on fostering and saving the lives of animals. Over the past few years, The Urban Dog Group donated roughly $75,000 to local animal rescues and shelters.
