Realtors: How Creative Is Your Approach?

As a dedicated realtor in Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama, you continuously evaluate your marketing strategy and approach. Making sure you reach clients and maximize exposure is all part of the job. But just how creative are you? Do you stick to cold calls and networking functions? Are ISAs your main source of leads?

If either of those rings true, consider the approach of Miami realtor Nick Quay, who is literally in over his head. Inman Real Estate News recently featured Quay for his unique approach to gathering leads: “dock knocking.”

Quay is a paddle-boarder who successfully branded himself in the Miami neighborhoods he wants to represent by paddle boarding right up to the docks. With year-round warm weather and community functions, Quay (and his dog) quickly became familiar faces and built a rapport with locals.

Of course, travel by bay isn’t Quay’s only unique approach. He also makes clients’ dinner reservations, picks them up from the airport, babysits, and as a former chef, even cooks for them. In an interview with Inman.com, Quay notes, “[I] go those extra miles before being asked and also upon request.”

And if you think he’s over the top—well, of course, he is, which is why he sets over-the-top goals: $20 million in sales this year.

Here in Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama, our demographic varies from that of Miami, but we share several geographical and lifestyle similarities. These avenues (or should we say waterways) allow for a more creative approach. Not only can you amp up your visibility with local buyers and sellers, but as tourist season extends into the shoulder months, you have the opportunity to reach clients at every beach, restaurant, bookstore, and dog park, 365 days a year.

So what’s your niche? Where do you find yourself on your day off (insert raucous laughter here)? Are you at the gym? A concert? The movie theater? How are you marketing yourself even during “off hours?” Are you building relationships by branding yourself as a resource?

However far you decide to take your creativity, the transaction sides will follow. When you’re ready to join a team that maximizes creative approaches to real estate, call Pointe South Real Estate Sales.

Did You Know These Celebs Were From Here?

You already know Pensacola Beach and the surrounding areas are famous for world-class beaches. But did you know this area produces more than stunning sunsets and seafood? When you live in Pensacola,  your claim to fame goes further than geography. Check out these celebs who started right here:

  1. Carolyn Murphy—Supermodel

You’ve probably seen her in Estee Lauder’s latest social media campaign, flaunting those iconic blue eyes and chiseled cheekbones for the company’s newest skincare line, Unstoppable Youth. Or, maybe you remember her in that stunning red bikini on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition in 2005? Supermodel Carolyn Murphy’s career has spanned nearly three decades and there’s no sign of her slowing down.  She’s been named VH1’s Model of the Year and ranked on Forbes’s top-earning models list. And yet, she’s from right here in rural Florida. Born to a military family in Panama City, Murphy was discovered as a teenager by Mary Lou’s Models in Gulf Breeze.

  1. Trent Richardson—NFL Running Back

Trent was born in Pensacola and attended Escambia High School, home of the Gators.

Richardson was recruited by several colleges and gained national attention during his career at the University of Alabama. There, he was named an All-American. He was later drafted by the Cleveland Browns, and then traded to the Indianapolis Colts before signing with the Baltimore Ravens. He’s known for being explosive and powerful and is often compared to NFL back Adrian Peterson.

  1. Aaron Tippin—Country Music Star

When Aaron Tippin’s hit song “Kiss This” hit the airwaves in 2000, he solidified his reputation as one of country music’s rebel superstars. His music is a mix of unbridled patriotism and unapologetic rowdiness. In short, he doesn’t take any guff. Tippin’s been a celebrated musician for more than 25 years, and his roots are right here in the Panhandle.  Born in Pensacola, he later moved to a farm in South Carolina. Other hits include “You’ve Got to Stand for Something,” “That’s As Close As I’ll Get to Loving You,” and “Where the Stars and Stripes and Eagles Fly.”

Of course, our team at Southern Real Estate Sales is famous when it comes to helping you realize your real estate dreams. If you’re the next big thing in real estate, join us today!

Four Things Every Real Estate Agent Needs to Succeed

Ask any number of successful real estate agents what it takes to get to the top and they’ll likely tell you the same thing: you can’t do it alone. Real Estate is a dynamic market, ever changing due to consumer trends, interest rates, and legislative action.  To successfully compete, a real estate agent needs a brokerage with proven experience in four vital areas:
  1. Training
Even after licensing, you have to stay current on the latest real estate tools and tendencies. Pointe South Real Estate Sales offers monthly training sessions designed to keep you in the know about economic movement, competitor’s practices, and the latest software and technology.
  1. Inside Sales Agents
If you want to increase closings, you want to work with an agency that utilizes inside sales agents. ISAs are often referred to as “call crushers” or “phone animals” because they spend the majority of their time following leads and setting appointments so you can focus on clients and listings.
  1. Customized Websites
Our customizable agent site allows you to build content touting your expertise and sends lead captures directly to you. On the other end, our company website drives leads by providing more than MLS listings.  It features area highlights to showcase the benefits of living, retiring, or owning investment property in Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama. We provide clients with free home evaluations and area information because we understand that every lead is one great agent away from a transaction.
  1. Teamwork
For more than twenty years, teamwork has been the key to Pointe South Real Estate Sales’ success. After back-to-back years of surpassing the $50 million mark, we’re looking for outstanding real estate agents (who are driven to reach the top) to join our team. In Orange Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola and Pensacola Beach, we aim to be the go-to authority when people think of buying or selling property. Learn how to join the Pointe South Real Estate Sales team today, and see just how successful you can be with the right brokerage.

Realtors and ISAs: The Dynamic Duo That’s A Game-changer

Whatever you call Internal Sales Agents (ISA)—phone animals, call crushers— just let them do the calling. In the competitive real estate market along the Gulf Coast of Northwest Florida and South Alabama, Pointe South Real Estate Sales agents are posting impressive numbers, thanks in huge part to our dedicated team of internal sales agents. This year to date, the ISA department has already played an instrumental role in closing $3,034,053 in sales and has $1,695,553 in pending sales with the help of our elite agents. Our highly skilled internal sales department is driven to support you, our realtors, to do what you do best—sell real estate!

In-house, our ISAs spend the majority of their time, up to 90%, on the phone scouting new leads and arranging appointments with qualified prospects. Their strategies produce such streamlined efficiency, in fact, that Pointe South agents averaged nine transaction sides per year in 2015, outselling national names like ERA, Coldwell Banker, Berkshire Hathaway, Century21, Better Homes and Gardens, Keller Williams, and Sotheby’s.

Utilizing the ISA’s phone prowess allows realtors to be in the field with buyers and sellers, rather than worrying about administrative tasks.

So what exactly does the ISA do and how does that help you, the realtor?

The internal sales agents focus on three main goals:

  1. To seek new leads
  2. To follow up on leads from internet sources
  3. To convert leads into appointments

In addition to the benefits of an internal sales department, Pointe South Real Estate Sales is a full-service brokerage, with 23 select agents, five locations in Northwest Florida and South Alabama, and more than 20 years of experience in the industry. We offer state-of-the-art technology to provide only the most relevant lead generations, ongoing training, and a time-tested business model that withstands market trends.

Learn more about joining the dynamic workplace of Pointe South Real Estate Sales, where the tight-knit attitude of a boutique firm meets the powerhouse capabilities of national franchises.

A New Orleans State of Mind in an Orange Beach Condo

New Orleans is more than a city—it’s a state of mind.  If you’re heart belongs to the sights and sounds of Canal Street, then check out this Orange Beach condo on Canal.

Located in Bayshore Towers on Canal Road, this Orange Beach condo is a water lover’s dream. To the East is Terry Cove—a perfect place to watch the sunrise. The bay lies to the North, and the stunning waters of the Gulf are to the South. If it’s sun and saltwater you want, welcome to paradise. Not to mention, the boat slip and marina are just outside of your front door.

Walk, boat, or paddle over to the beach, where you can check out hot spots like Tacky Jack’s.  You’ll find all the staples of a good time—food, fun, and fantastic views!

When it’s time to rest your sea-legs, take on a game of tennis or racquetball at the private courts, or get your pump on in the fitness room. And we didn’t forget about the dog, this condo is pet-friendly and has picnic areas where you and Fido can play fetch.

Later, anchor down and bring the party back to your Canal Road condo. There’s plenty of space to keep the good times rolling. Enjoy three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and ample room to entertain (including poolside). Of course, entertaining isn’t complete without the perfect cocktail. Mix up a batch of the original New Orleans spirit, the Sazerac, at the wet bar. Ironically, the Sazerac was the first cocktail in America. Leave it to New Orleans to take a good thing and make it better. Oh, and if you’re glass is running low, the market is less than five minutes away. Then settle in for the evening as you cozy up to the fireplace or unwind on the patio.

With Mardi Gras just around the corner, the living is easy—Big Easy. On Alabama’s Gulf Coast, it doesn’t get any easier than this fully furnished condo with amenities to boot.

La Serena Condos for Sale in Perdido Key

Looking to live or invest in luxury? Look no further than the La Serena condos in Perdido Key. Featuring incredible interiors, terrific amenities, and a fantastic location, this is an ideal place to live and play.

Susan Carleton currently represents two condos for sale at La Serena. Both La Serena 206 and La Serena 408 offer three bedrooms, lush interiors, and endless views.

La Serena 408 is a three-bedroom, three-bathroom featuring over 1,700 square feet of space, while La Serena 206 boasts over 2,400 square feet. Both condos include hardwood and tile flooring, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and ten-foot ceilings. Crown molding and designer lighting are also extras of these incredible Perdido Key condos for sale.

The amenities at La Serena are practically endless! The complex features a waterfront pool complete with a jacuzzi spa and cabanas, as well as an indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room, lighted tennis courts, and a fitness center. Boat properties also include boat slips! Golfers will also enjoy being a short distance from the Lost Key Golf Club.

Don’t delay! These luxurious condos for sale in Perdido Key won’t be on the market long. Contact Susan Carleton to schedule your showing today.

Realtors: Are You Building Your Brand?

Being a successful real estate agent is about more than just selling property. Your name, your brand, is everything.

At Pointe South Real Estate Sales, we know our success is directly tied to how well our agents are doing. So, we want to make sure we are providing you with the ultimate tools and the team to help back you up and build equity in your brand.

Does your current brokerage?

Building a brand is about more than just getting your name out there. Sure, that’s a pretty vital part, but there is so much more. We have a top-notch marketing and advertising team who works to drive the Pointe South brand, and our agents, in the Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama markets. Enhanced social media presence, professional listing presentations, and customizable agent websites are a few of the services we provide to help ensure your success.

Customized Agent Website

When you join Pointe South, you will have the option of purchasing a customizable agent website. These websites have been designed and optimized by our marketing and advertising team to ensure they convey the brand, product, and value of agents. They will do the same for you! And, at a fraction of the cost of what a website normally costs.

Professional Listing Presentations

As an agent with Pointe South, you will have access to professionally designed listing presentations, sure to set you apart from the other agents vying for listings in your target markets. These presentations can be personalized, including the addition of an introduction letter and even testimonials from past clients.

Social Media Presence

Social media is a powerful tool in today’s market. Pointe South Real Estate Sales has thousands of followers on Facebook, while the Pointe South brand is also represented on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, and Google+. Have your listing featured, enjoy exposure via cross-promotion with the other Pointe South brands, and benefit from targeted buyer and seller ads.

Are you ready to begin your career as a Pensacola Beach or Perdido Key real estate agent with Pointe South? Call 850-492-1148 and we will happily discuss these details and more!

Realtors: Are you where you need to be online?

The internet has changed the way people research purchases both large and small. We all go online to shop whether it’s for a T-shirt or a car. But you already know this. Just like you know the real estate industry isn’t immune to these changes. That’s why we make such a BIG deal about our lead generation software and exclusive listing enhancements.

At Pointe South, we make it a goal to meet home buyers where they already are. Does your current brokerage?

Here are a few additional things we can do to help maximize your online presence:

Multiple Branded Websites

When you join Pointe South, you gain access to TWO full-featured websites with MLS integration, IDX home searches, and CRM capabilities. Both pointesouth.com and ForSaleontheGulfCoast.com experience high traffic and page views. To further increase our presence and guarantee you leads, we utilize extensive SEM tactics including pay-per-click and search engine optimization.

Enhanced Listings on Top Sites

Currently, Pointe South Real Estate Sales offers agents a chance to increase their exposure on Realtor.com. With this, you can build a pipeline of high-quality, actionable leads. In addition to this, and exclusive to Pointe South, we’ll provide you with a number of leads from the Zillow network. Why? Because with our targeted advertising methods, there are too many for just one agent to work.

Extra Exposure on Social Media

We’re social people. And no, we aren’t just talking about parties (although we’ve been known to host a few of those, too). We like to highlight our agents on our social media outlets – Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +, Instagram – you get the idea. Not only do we provide custom content here so that you don’t have to, but we also create targeted ads that have been known to generate leads, make owners happy, and give our agents the boost they deserve.

Reporting Metrics to Prove it All

We know what you’re thinking, “So what?” We get it. The proof is in the pudding. That’s why we pay for reporting metrics so that you can see things like the number of leads generated or the performance of a home that just won’t sell. The even better news? You can download these metrics at any point in time.

Ready to learn more about what we can do for your Pensacola Beach real estate career? Give us a call at 850-492-1148 and we’ll be happy to discuss the details.

Beachfront Land For Sale in Perdido Key

16000 Perdido Key Drive Listed by Susan Carleton

The quaint community of Perdido Key is quickly expanding. New developments have hit the shore and the amount of beachfront land for sale is limited, which makes this vacant land that much more of a rare and incredible find.

This lot offers over 1.05 acres of space to build your dream home and approximately 100 feet of undisturbed gulf frontage. (In case you are wondering, that’s 10 feet longer than the distance from home plate to first base). Listed at $1.2 million, this lot is one of the last available for you to claim your spot in the sand… Unless you’re looking next door.

In addition to this lot, Susan Carleton has also listed the neighboring parcel. This majestic piece of land also offers 100 feet of gulf frontage PLUS 1.13 acres of land. You can buy individually at $1.2 million, or you could combine both for $2.4 million.

Side-by-side, Gulf-Front lots in a residential setting. If it seems too good to be true, that’s probably because it is. Act quickly before this rare opportunity is gone!

Contact Susan Carleton directly at 850-516-7238 for more details on these beachfront properties for sale in Perdido Key!

The Key to Success is Through Change

Change doesn’t come easily. We know. We’ve been there. But now is as good a time as ever to ask yourself where your career is headed. Is your brokerage doing enough to support the agent you could be?

It’s time to move up in this world, but first, you might have to move out. Don’t worry though! Pointe South Real Estate Sales is here to help you pack up the boxes and set up shop.

Here are a few of the things that Pointe South can do for your career selling Pensacola Beach real estate:

Leads, Lead and MORE Leads

Take advantage of our cutting-edge lead generation software. Our agents receive leads daily from various websites, including PointeSouth.com, ForSaleontheGulfCoast.com, Zillow, Trulia and Realtor.com. We make it a goal to be where the people are, generating leads daily to help ensure your earnings are maximized.

MORE Marketing Power

Not only will we help grow your business through a powerful lead generation software, but with a well-thought out marketing and advertising campaign. With the help of our in-house marketing department, everything from personalized websites to professionally designed listing presentations are at your fingertips. We also tackle social media as a team, highlighting your listings so you can spend more time doing what you do best – selling!

NO MORE Cold Calling

Never pick up a phone again (well do, but only for fielded leads). All those prospective clients that we mentioned earlier are cultivated by a couple of call crushers and phone animals. Pointe South is one of the few real estate companies in Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key and Orange Beach to employ a full-service inside sales team. Highly skilled and well-trained, our ISAs spend 80-90 percent of their day on the phone setting appointments with qualified buyers and sellers for you!

MORE Office Locations

No mandatory desk fees, no upfront charges and three office locations for you to choose from. It doesn’t get better than this. We want our agents to have flexibility. Part of that is deciding where you will be the most productive. And, if you service all three areas, don’t worry! There’s a conference room and desk space in Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key and Orange Beach with your name on it. It’s really a perk for your clients, too!

MORE Power to Negotiate 

One more great thing about Pointe South? Negotiable commission splits. If everything in life is open to discussion, why shouldn’t your commission split be? Our agents will back us up on this. We’ll work with you to find a number that complements our services and leaves you with more money in your pocket.