Gulf Coast Biggest Beach Party & Annual Mullet Toss

The infamous Beach Party and Mullet Toss is planned for April!  Hmmm….you may be asking what is a mullet toss?  Well, it’s not the 80’s haircut, but it is one of the largest beach parties on the Gulf Coast that has participants throwing this fish called a mullet.  The mullet toss is hosted and organized by Flora-Bama Lounge, Package & Oyster Bar to see who can throw a fish the farthest over the state line between Florida and Alabama.  The farthest throw wins and fans and participants enjoy good fun, live legendary music, people watching, dancing, singing and especially enjoy the Flora-Bama famous concoction drink called the “Bushwacker”.

Mark your calendar for April 27-29, 2018.  All this annual fun is a national event with music, good food and contributes to our local youth charities including local school education and prevention programs, CDAC, community support and to the Boys and Girls Club of America.  More then $40,000 was donated last year for this weekend fun.  Come out and enjoy and support.  The fun starts on Friday with the first throw at noon.  So fling your fish.  The cost to toss is $15.00 including a souvenir t-shirt and then you toss the entire fish which weighs just about 1lb. across the border.  All ages and family fun is had by all.  Let the beach bash begin!

Easy Home Improvements that boost home values

It is common knowledge that a great number of homes sell during the SPRING buying season, for that reason many home owners will be making that decision now and wanting to bump their value with some easy home improvements. But, where do you begin and what improvements really boost the return on your investment into your pocket? Well, here you go.

Some easy ways to boost the value of homes by 12% or more according to FloridaRealtor.org is to invest in a few pre-listing repairs. For example, based on a median home price at $205,000. the potential gain is $24,500. Now, that seems worth your time and attention.

Not that we are all listening, let’s see what all this entails in order to gain the most return on investment that you desire.
Some of the fixes that are ranked as most important are also encouraged by our expert Southern Real Estate Sales Agents. Our agents share their expert advise and this is why we schedule listing appointments at your home. Our Agents will advise you with specific details to help your selling process in order to expedite the sale of property.

#1 DECLUTTER will be at the top of the list. The cost is 0 if you do it and have the entire family chip in. This activity alone will produce a 3-5% return and it is a must do! When potential buyers preview your home that you are SELLING, they truly want to be able to see themselves living there. You have to allow them to visualize themselves there. You can help achieve that by storing some of the family pics and personal items that you cherish in Tupperware. This also helps you start the process of moving. Two birds with one stone as they say!

#2 KITCHEN is King! The kitchen was rated as the most important to have in top shape before selling. Focus on the minor repairs that center on the kitchens function should be first. Fix leaky faucets, loose light fixtures and counter top cleanliness. Not only washed up, but putting away the large kitchen

appliances that hide all the counter space. Put those away or store those in a Tupperware in the garage. Then, enhancements are next. Painting walls, updating cabinet hardware and adding new curtains or light fixtures and an organized pantry shows care and all the space that is available.

#3 BATHROOM freshness is next! This 2-3% return is simple and an easy improvement with fresh caulking of the shower and tub and floor seams. Updating fixtures and fresh paint will brighten the space. Updating the mirror and lighting can also give a bigger return.

#4 PAINT makes a big impact as the buyer thinks of it as one less step that they would have to do and it shows good overall maintenance of the home. Interior painting is an important part of bringing about a sale of the home. But, as the seller, you likely don’t need to paint the entire home – a refresh of the main rooms curbs big costs in painting the entire interior. Three prime rooms are the kitchen, living room and bathrooms. Be sure to select a neutral tones. Paint with whites or off-whites, grays or beiges as studies show that this helps the buyer focus on the home’s features. Bright colors tend to distract buyers and prompt in immediate cost to them to update.

#5 Lastly, CURB APPEAL and the WELCOMING feeling. With a 2-5% return, concentrate on basic maintenance with lawn care, trimming of shrubs and adding fresh mulch. A good way to see the home with different eyes, is to go stand across the street and look at the home from your neighbors perspective. This always shows you things that you may not have seen before and see if the change is cost effective to you. Additionally, a good pressure washing will instantly brighten your home and increase the “welcome home” feeling. A new mat at the front door with a fresh flower invites your new guests or buyers and this has the lasting effect on them as they are more then likely looking at several homes in one day. Be the stand out – in a good way! This helps you go from FOR SALE to UNDER CONTRACT to CLOSED! If you are thinking of selling, Southern Real Estate Sales would love to help you get it done.

CALL | TEXT | EMAIL to find out what your home is worth today! 850.492.1148 FORSALEONTHEGULFCOAST.COM    [email protected].

Sales Team Record Year – 2017!

TAKE TIME TO RECOGNIZE THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF 2017 

Choosing a team with a proven track record is paramount and the Point South Real Estate Sales Team is your team. Over the years, our agents have worked to provide buyers and sellers in Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama with unparalleled customer service that is built on a foundation of drive, experience, education and dedication.

Under the direction of Owner/Broker, Susan Carleton, the Southern Real Estate Sales Team has had a record year with 236 CLOSINGS = $60,764,995 in Sales Volume.

With such experience brings great success and with this proven record, you can trust Southern to help you find the perfect place to call home. Contact us today at [email protected] or visit us online at www.FORSALEONTHEGULFCOAST.com and together we can collaborate on your next real estate endeavor. We look forward to working with you!

Buying & Selling made easy…

Pointe South Real Estate Sales: Your Gulf Coast Real Estate Experts

Pensacola-Perdido Key, Florida sees new GROWTH!

Since Don Carlos Siguenza first found the 16-mile long island in 1693 by accident when his ship blew off course, which bore the name “Perdido Key” which is Spanish for “Lost Island”. Today, much of the island and Pensacola in general is remarkably similar to then.  Nature has helped shape and reshape the barrier island which extends 16 miles between the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway.  Tucked beautifully between Florida and Alabama, Perdido Key escaped the explosion of beach development and was left to appreciative locals who enjoyed the remoteness…as well as the fishing, swimming and sugar-sand white beaches.

But as Florida became more and more developed – especially after the US Navy sold off portions of the now Lost Key Golf & Beach Club in early 1950’s for as little as $3000 an acre, Federal and State agencies bought much of the land and now more than 60 percent of Perdido Key is off limits to development.

With large agreement between the county and federal government, they are allowed to issue permits for development of a limited number of acres on Perdido Key in 5 year intervals.  Escambia County leaders have worked for years to overcome hurdles to develop on the barrier island and are happy with the recent growth.  “There is quite a bit of construction out there now and that’s a good thing,” said Escambia County Commission Chairman Doug Underhill, who applauded developers for working with the county and following the strict guidelines outlined in the Perdido Key Habitat Conservation Plan.

“The developers are doing good work out there and the plan is working the way it was intended to work,” he said. Tim Day, Escambia County’s environmental director, pointed to the Lost Key Resort townhome development as one example of the permitting process working as it was intended to work.  The gated community, which is under construction on the key, includes a golf course, club, pool, and fitness center.  Another project planned on the key is the Meridian, a 41-unit upscale condominium tower.  The 64-unit Vista Del Mar development opened this summer.

Since 2015, Day said 57 permits have been issued under the county’s habitat conservation plan.  The permits account for six of the 11 acres available under the five-year allotment of development permits on the key.  Additional permits for new acreage will be available in November of 2019, he said.

Although a strict permitting process is in place, it protects the beach mouse as well as threatened sea turtles and shore birds.  Monetary requirements fund to protect these species as well as the steady growth of the area.

Southern Real Estate Sales has been serving the area since 1995 and understands the sanctity of the area and how special a place Perdido Key is in addition to Pensacola with the uniqueness of downtown Pensacola, home of the US Navy Blue Angels, it’s closeness to Alabama, Pensacola Beach Pier, amazing fishing, and the most beautiful sugar sand beaches.  Our agents sell both Florida and Alabama real estate and will enjoy showing you the area.  Don’t just take my word for it, let us know when you are coming to stay for a day or stay for a lifetime! pointesouth.com 

Perdido Key new construction brings sophistication and enjoyment!

The luxury market has been and always will be an integral part of the Gulf Coast real   estate industry. From beachfront vacation condos to bay front estates, the Pensacola, Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key areas are home to a variety of “premier” property types. The question though, is what defines these properties as luxury for you?

Well, two new condominium developments planned for Perdido Key, Florida are luxury in style for sure. The most recent completed development, Vista Del Mar, is a nine-story, Gulf front project. The modern 64-upscale condominium project complete this past summer is a combination of location and sophisticated amenities.  Sitting with it’s unrestricted views of the Gulf and its neighbor on a protected haven of nature and bike trails on the Gulf Islands National Seashore ensures that your view, your tranquility and your peace of mind will always be preserved.

The spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico and the unspoiled beauty of Perdido Key, Florida with the pristine, sugar sand beaches, waterfront balconies with kitchens enhances being a resident at one of the Vista Del Mar units. If that sounds appealing to you, visit our site for re-sale units as the building is fully complete and sold.

Vista Del Mar  http://tinyurl.com/ydgxr99t  

With such great success, the developer is continuing his journey in Perdido Key with yet another condominium project, The Meridian Click link for full video detail. It is gorgeous!

The newest development to adorn and start construction in the fall is a 41 unit upscale condominium development unlike any other on the Key.
The project, which totals $54.5 million, could finish by the end of 2019. This is a different project then others on the Key year to date with much more detail on the look of the building and attention to designing a very modern, current building that has architectural significance. The units will measure from 2800-3900 square feet and feature three-bedroom or four-bedroom options. The condos will have 12-foot high ceilings, taller than the typical 9-foot ceilings found in many condos. Some units will have balconies 20 feet deep and include outdoor summer kitchens with refrigeration and grills.

Beach living is all about living more outdoors enjoying the sun and sounds of the waves and this project allows more of that.

Susan Carleton and her team at Southern Real Estate Sales has vast experience in all the new construction sites, amenities, and re-sales in the area. Call/Text/Email for more information to reserve your pre-construction price that start at $1.25 million for each unit. The development also includes two penthouses for sale at $3 million each.
With such remarkable response from the first project, Vista Del Mar, call us today for specific details on your unit or any other real estate options in Perdido Key, Pensacola Beach, Pensacola, Gulf Breeze and Alabama areas from Orange Beach, Gulf Shores to Daphne. Susan and her team are strongly committed to helping you achieve your dreams of playing, staying and investing along the Gulf Coast.
Point South Real Estate Sales | 850.492.1148 | FORSALEONTHEGULFCOAST.COM  http://www.forsaleonthegulfcoast.com/

Upcoming Events on the Gulf Coast !

What’s Happening on the Gulf Coast!
Celebrate the unique combination of food, history, art, music and beaches that can all be found in and around our city. From the smaller arts and crafts festivals to the larger music festival, these outdoor parties are fun for the whole family! Don’t just take our word for it! Come see Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key, Destin, Orange Beach, or Gulf Shores. Find your perfect place on the Gulf Coast whether you are coming to play, stay or invest, Southern Rentals & Real Estate can help to make your sweet Southern experience memorable!

Our Calendar of Events has some of the fun for the Fall Season!

October
Blue Angels practice : Pensacola
Flora Bama Oktoberfest :
Humane Society’s Barktoberfest : Pensacola
13-15 Annual Shrimp Festival : Gulf Shores
13-15 58th Greek Festival : Pensacola
14-Bridge to Bridge Run 5K : Pensacola
17 UWF Symphonic Band Concert Band : Pensacola
18 Fishing Rodeo : Destin
28 Spooky Movie on the Lawn at The Wharf : Orange Beach
22 Art & Wine Festival : Pensacola Beach
24 Bands on the Beach : consecutive Tuesdays : Pensacola Beach
20 Gallery Night Downtown : Pensacola
28 Boo at the Zoo : Gulf Breeze
28 Halloween at Naval Museum: Pensacola
28 Wahooloween : Blue Wahoo Stadium: Pensacola

November
Ice Flyers Hockey is back.
38th Annual Toys for Tots Run :
02 Foo Foo Festival : Pensacola
03 Umbrella Sky Project : downtown Pensacola
03 Annual Oyster Cook Off at The Hangout : Gulf Shores
04 Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival : Harbor Walk Village : Destin
08 Magic Men Live at Saenger Theatre : downtown Pensacola
09 Elf – the musical at Saenger Theatre : downtown Pensacola
17 Ice Skating at The Wharf : Orange Beach
10 An Evening with Guitarist, Gene Bertoncini: Pensacola
10 Emerald Coast Theatre Co.-Disney Aristocrats Kids show : Destin
10-11 Blue Angel Homecoming Air Show : Pensacola
11 Repti Day – Reptile and Exotic Animals Expr : Navarre
12 Annual Marathon : Pensacola
16 Palafox Market, recurring weekly : downtown Pensacola
18-19 UTR Tennis Tournament : Orange Beach
24 Magic Christmas Lights at Bellingrath Gardens & Home opens for the month : AL
24 Elf Parade : downtown Pensacola
27-28 Annual Tree Lighting : Orange Beach

December
02 Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks : Pensacola Beach
03 Visit with Santa at the Harbor Walk : Destin
08 Christmas on the Coast : Pensacola Children’s Chorus : downtown Pensacola
09 Christmas Parade : Destin
01-17 Horse and Carriage Riders at The Wharf : Orange Beach
09 Flora Bama Santa Drop
15 Nutcracker at the Saenger Theatre : Pensacola
31 Pelican Drop Celebration – downtown Pensacola

With so much to do around town, whether you are looking to stay for a day or make the move of a lifetime, Southern is dedicated to helping you find the perfect place. Stop by one of our office today.  Southern Rentals and Real Estate

Have a sweet Southern experience !

The Land of the Free

The Southern Rentals and Real Estate Team salutes and honors those that lost their lives on 9.11 – 16 years ago.

We are the land of the free and the home of the brave!  Our hearts were unimaginably broken which forced us to be in great unity from that moment we will all never forget.  In that same spirit of unity, we remember those that we lost, pray for their families, support the ones who constantly run into harms way to seek and to save those in need of help.

On that day, more than 3000 lives were lost – and so many more affected in ways only they can express.  We also remember those in Houston, affected by Hurricane Harvey and the people in the path of Hurricane Irma.

May we always remember what brings us together – our relationships, our family, our love for one another and our love for our country! Our endurance and power will strengthen us, even if it takes some time at first – we will never forget.  But, our strength together is all we need.  We need each other!

The tribute light that beams through the NY sky on 9.11 beams through each and every day from our hearts.  We know their names, we know their children, we remember that day, just as we recall where we were on that September morning.  We also remember how the storms approach that attempt to destroy and are destructive to our surroundings. But, we endure together.

We all know the time continues to tick, so love one another deeply. Laugh often. Work hard and enjoy the simple things in life.  Sing loudly. Smile – you are loved.  Take time to listen. Be there when asked and stay their when your not asked.  Be one another’s best advocate and encourage those in your circle.  Get the flowers.  Smell the roses. Eat the cake. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Do your very best and don’t wait-do it!

Find your place at the beach and dip your toes in the sand.

Beach Bargain at Perdido Key

Tour It !  Love It: Make it Yours !

Southern Real Estate Sales located in Pensacola, FL   is pleased to offer beach condo living that won’t break the bank!  This 2 bedroom-2 bath condo is beautifully furnished with amazing views of the Gulf and convenience to all Perdido Key has to offer.  Sugar-white sandy beaches, Gulf Coast seafood, the largest Naval Aviation Museum and a short drive to hip downtown Pensacola and happening Orange Beach, Alabama are all right here.  The Grand Caribbean condominium complex is a well-maintained, gated community with a relaxing pool, hot tub, BBQ picnic area and access to the beach just steps away from your front door.

The open floor plan with an over-sized balcony for all to relax, unplug and enjoy for your next vacation or making the Key your permanent home are just a few of the features.  This sought after unit won’t last long – visit soon for your tour.  Call to make an appointment – we can’t wait to show you around our little piece of paradise!  http://www.forsaleonthegulfcoast.com/homes/fl/pensacola/pcolaresad522692522692/13351-johnson-beach-rd-417e-pensacola-fl-32507

Southern Rentals and Real Estate can make great things happen for you !

13587 Perdido Key Drive – Pensacola – FL 32507  850.492.1148

Pensacola Beach hosts record crowd for the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Air Show

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels drew a record crowd to the sugar-white sand and turquoise water of the Gulf Coast earlier in July. The “Blues” annual Homecoming Air Show in Pensacola Beach which has a reputation as a tourist destination is rivaled only by its military heritage. The Blue Angels are hometown heroes to the locals and this amazing elite, high-flying team with their aerial maneuvers and laser point precision is a spectacular show for all ages. Naval Air Station Pensacola is located just west of the city’s downtown and has trained generations of airmen and the home base for the Blue Angels. Pensacola is a city with such deep military roots, few things arouse more pride than the sight of the Blues soaring high above the Gulf Coast.

With record crowds, Southern Rentals and Real Estate has the most productive agents and team to host guests to the area. With multiple offices from Orange Beach, Alabama to Perdido Key, Florida and the Blue Angels back yard of Pensacola Beach, Florida; Southern Rentals and Real Estate is a leading full-service Real Estate Brokerage, Residential Leasing and Vacation Rentals and management Company. Stay with us in a beautiful home, cottage, condo or a resort; we have something for every taste and budget. Whether you are looking to stay for the next Naval Air Show, a weekend retreat, or to make the move of a lifetime, Southern Real Estate Sales is the brokerage for you. Contact Susan Carleton, Broker/Owner today for more information about available properties, the areas we represent and how we can help you find your perfect place at the beach! 850.492.1148

Protecting your Biggest Investment on the Gulf Coast… Family and your home

Hurricane Season officially started June 1st in NW Florida and we need  to be prepared on the Gulf Coast. In protecting our biggest and most important investments, we need to have a plan.  Two keys to weather safely are to prepare for the risks and to act on those preparations when alerted by emergency officials.  These are essential pieces to protecting our families and our homes and communities.  Our gorgeous sugar sand beaches can feel some occasional weather.  Hard to believe, I know!  But, when and if it happens, we want our guests and families to be ready.  We have to gather important information.  Especially, Beachfront communities in Destin, Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores.  We have to know the evacuation plan.  Firstly, know if you live in an evacuation area.  Assess your risks and know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.  Next, plan and take action.  Everyone needs to be prepared for the unexpected.  Your friends and family may not be together when disaster strikes.  How will you find each other? Will you know if your children or parents are safe?  Texting is a good tool to use as the phone lines might be saturated.  Furthermore, have a supply kit.  Put together a basic disaster supply kit and consider storage locations for different situations.  Help community members do the same.  That is what we do on the Susan Carleton Real Estate Team.  We prompt one another to do good and take care of one another in all areas of life.  Develop and document plans.  Protect yourself and family with a Family Emergency Plan.  Be sure to plan for locations away from home and business.  Business owner, Susan Carleton, survived  the massive hurricane 10 years ago and recalls the importance of the plan.  In all life scenarios, the plan is a guide. We hope we don’t have to use, but if you do, you find yourself responding and acting and taking care of one another.

When waiting out a storm, be careful.  The danger may not be over yet.  Be alert.  Wait until the area is declared safe before returning home.  Remember that recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process.  The City of Pensacola has incredible resources for our visitors and residence from Alerts to traffic advisories to American Red Cross and additional preparedness.  Be safe!  Enjoy the City of Pensacola and surrounding areas.  We love that you are here and hope you have a sweet Southern Experience. Beachfront Land For Sale in Perdido Key - Susan Carleton

http://www.cityofpensacola.com

http://www.BeReadyEscambia.com