Homes for Sale in Orange Beach

PCOLA-RESAD-498723-1If you are looking for a home for sale in Orange Beach, Alabama, then we have some amazing homes available right now that you are definitely going to want to see! Orange Beach is a gorgeous area of Coastal Alabama with stunning beaches and friendly neighborhoods.  A great location for a family beach house, Orange Beach is a beautiful place to a call home.

Right now we have an incredible raised beach cottage on a large lot directly in front of the bayou. This awesome home features three bedrooms and two bathrooms spread out over a spacious floorplan. Wood floors and neutral colors are featured throughout the home, so you can decorate the space to fit your personal taste. You can enjoy magnificent views of the bayou right from your living room, step out into the connected sun room to watch the waves roll in, or host a summer barbecue on the covered patio. The back yard leads to a dock and covered boat slip, so you can cruise through Perdido Pass straight out into the Gulf of Mexico. This home is perfect someone who loves to spend time on the water.

Another great opportunity in Orange Beach is a 1.61 acre property with two beach cottages located directly on the bayou. Currently a single family home, rezoning is a possibility for those looking to invest in a rental.  A boat dock and lift sit directly behind the home, offering access to Perdido Pass.

If you are looking to for a home for sale in Orange Beach, contact us today to view some of the amazing opportunities we have right now!

Tips on How to Invest in Real Estate

iStock_000018780863SmallInvesting in real estate can be an exciting and profitable endeavor. However, there are certain rules that need to be followed in order to ensure you’re successful. Along the Gulf Coast, there are a lot of opportunities to invest. How do you know which one is right for you? Here are some tips from our professional real estate agents in Orange Beach to help you get started.

Treat investing like a business. Investing is meant to be lucrative, so treat it as such. Know what your financial goals are, meet with a financial advisor, and develop a plan like you would for any business.

Shop around. Do your research, know what you want, and don’t settle for less. Know what price properties are selling for and how long they were on the market, learn the neighborhoods, and give yourself options.

Check your credit. More often than not, a buyer will need to take out a loan to buy property. If you have any negative marks on your credit at all, you will want to take care of that before you apply for a loan on any investment.

Understand the tax benefits. The government views most real estate investments as a business, and there are many tax benefits that can work in your favor. Be sure to work with a tax advisor to understand your deductions.

If you are considering investing in real estate along Coastal Alabama, or anywhere along the Gulf Coast, contact one of our real estate agents in Orange Beach to help guide you!

The Pensacola Home & Product Expo

22575665If you own a home or have a rental home and are thinking of making improvements, or you are just interested in real estate in Pensacola and the newest home trends, then you need to check out the 2016 Pensacola Home & Product Expo! Held at the Pensacola Bay Center, the very best products, information, and experts will be in attendance.  Also, admission is only $5 and parking is free!  Expo hours for 2016 are:

Friday, August 19th, 1pm-6pm
Saturday, August 20th, 10am-6pm
Sunday, August 21st, Noon-5pm

Over 100 vendors will have the latest energy saving ideas, home improvement products, and project tips available so you can explore your options. Taking on a new home improvement project can be overwhelming and you might not know all of the options you have.  Need the best equipment of landscaping project? Need to price some floor tiles? Want to install a new home theater? Then come to the Pensacola Home & Product Expo so you can discuss your needs with local professionals.

If you own real estate in Pensacola, or anywhere along the Gulf Coast, then this expo is a great way to see what the newest developments are in home repair and improvement. Area experts will be available to you so you ask any questions you might have about your latest project or real estate on the Gulf Coast. We will certainly be there, so be sure to stop by the Southern Booth and say hello!

Grand Caribbean East Condo for Sale in Perdido Key

GCEIf you have been searching for the perfect condo for sale in Perdido Key, then you are in luck, because you have found it! Conveniently located in the Grand Caribbean condo community in Perdido Key, this home is just a short walk to the sugar-white sand and sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This condo is also very close to NAS Pensacola, the National Seashore, great restaurants, and local shopping centers.

Two bedrooms and two full bathrooms are offered in this gorgeous 1,058 square foot space. The living room leads to a private balcony, which overlooks the pristine pool area and offers views of the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. This condo features an electric stove, a dishwasher, and a laundry area complete with a washer and dryer. This home is a great find for a single person looking to live on the beach, a couple, or a small family.

Grand Caribbean East is a luxurious gated community in Perdido Key. In addition to the fantastic location, many onsite amenities are offered in Grand Caribbean East, including a community pool, a hot tub, a picnic area, and a close proximity to the beach.

With a great location and price, this condo for sale in Perdido Key will not be on the market for long!  If you recently moved tot the Gulf Coast and are looking for a home to buy in the area, do not hesitate to contact us and see the amazing homes we have available!

Pensacola’s Gallery Night

Ferdinand Plaza4Have you recently purchased real estate in Pensacola and are looking for fun events in the area? Well, then you are in luck! Gallery Night in Pensacola is a great way to meet people, see the wonderful local art community, and have a blast downtown!

One Friday each month downtown Pensacola shuts down Palafox Street and the entire block fills up with musicians, artists, performers, and people! Several restaurant and bars line Palafox Street and many offer outdoor seating and special deals during Gallery Night. Along with live music, the aroma of delicious cuisine fills the air as restaurants, cafes, and food trucks offer their best menus on this night.

In addition to the wonderful food and music, Gallery Night brings in amazing artists from all over the Gulf Coast, and you can find some amazing finds during this event. Paintings, pottery, and handmade jewelry are just a few of the features that will be on display throughout the evening.

Are you ready for the best part? Admission to Gallery Night is free! The streets close down at 5pm and everyone is welcome to attend. The event wraps up at around 9pm, but many places keep the party going well into the night!

Downtown Pensacola also features a Historic Village, beautiful parks, and amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico. If you are thinking of moving to the Gulf Coast and have been looking for real estate in Pensacola or the surrounding area, downtown Pensacola is definitely somewhere you should check out.

Welcome Lisa St. Pierre!

lisa headshotSouthern Real Estate is excited to welcome Lisa St. Pierre to our growing team! Lisa specializes in selling and buying real estate in Pensacola, Perdido Key, Navarre and Gulf Breeze and surrounding areas. We are very happy to welcome Lisa to our highly skilled and knowledgably sales team.

With over 20 years of corporate sales and sales management experience, Lisa is an expert at building long lasting relationships based on commitment and trust. She truly takes the time to ask questions and really listen to her clients, in order to have a deeper understanding of what each client needs.

“I live my life by the Golden Rule,” said Lisa. “I always strive to provide my clients with the same level of service that I would expect myself.”

A Pensacola native, Lisa is very familiar with all the details of Pensacola real estate. In addition to being an agent, Lisa has been married for over 20 years and has two grown children. A volunteer for Military Housing of NAS Pensacola, Lisa always goes above and beyond to show appreciation for our military in any way that she can. She also spends time mentoring teenagers in the community and volunteering at her local church.

With so many years of experience in sales and a dedication to building relationships, Lisa is a great real estate agent and a wonderful addition to our Southern Real Estate Sales family. If you are looking for real estate in Pensacola, or any of the surrounding areas, contact licensed real estate agent Lisa St. Pierre today at 850-492-1148!

Buying a Vacation Rental? Hire a Property Manager

MarseillesInvesting in real estate isn’t a new thing, especially when you call the Gulf Coast home. But, lately we’ve heard more and more about the demand for rental inventory in a real estate market that continues to pick up steam. All things considered, you might find yourself asking: “Is now the right time to buy a vacation rental in Pensacola Beach?”

If you decide the answer is yes, know that the idea of a “staycation” has only gained in popularity. According to Inman.com, the majority of people who invest in real estate look to purchase a second home or condo within 40 minutes of their primary home. Buyers do this to save time and money on travel, which just so happens to be great news for areas like Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key and Gulf Shores. All are within a half day’s drive of larger markets like Atlanta, Birmingham, Mobile and New Orleans. These areas are not only convenient for owners, but tourists too, growing at unsurpassed levels each year. For many investors, these factors help tip the scale in favor of buying real estate in Pensacola Beach and the surrounding areas, including Perdido Key, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.

Relaxation, convenience and income, what more could you possibly want in a second home? More often than not, what deters buyers from making the jump to rental property owner, is the stress that comes after the deal closes – like handling the stress that comes with being a “landlord.”

Local Pensacola Beach property management companies, like Southern Vacation Rentals, have made it easier to rent your home or condo, protect your assets and generate income, so that you can sit back, relax and let your recently purchased property do the work for you.

Labor Day Weekend Beach Deals!

FamBeach2014-0297 (1)Planning to hit the Gulf Coast to shop Coastal Alabama or Northwest Florida real estate this Labor Day weekend? Cash in on the latest deal from Southern Vacation Rentals and stay in style while you shop!

The long weekend is a perfect opportunity to check out real estate in Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama, but it is also a wonderful time to experience what may soon be your new hometown. Southern Vacation Rentals is currently offering up to 20% off their beach condo and home rentals when you stay now through September 5, 2016. Shop and enjoy a beach vacation!

If you aren’t from around here, you may think that fall will be creeping up on us and you won’t get to really experience the blue skies and emerald water of summer. Not true! While fall might technically begin in September, we will be experiencing summer-like temps and taking advantage of long beach days well into October.

The beaches aren’t the only thing that will be hot. There are plenty of amazing events taking place this Labor Day weekend and into the fall, as well. In Orange Beach, for instance, hit the Labor Day Street Party for food, entertainment and plenty of activities for the kids. When you make it back for your big move, hopefully in the true fall, look out for food festivals, concerts and other fun events!

If you have been planning a trip down to shop real estate, or if you just want to kick the back to school blues, take advantage and save up to 20% the already low late-summer rates available from Southern Vacation Rentals!

Luxury Condos For Sale at Mediterranean in Perdido Key

14272_796937170359035_3376744328417776973_nLooking for luxury in all of the wrong places?  Owner/Broker, Susan Carleton can help.
Listed a few months ago is a STUNNING, four bedroom, four bathroom condo for sale at Mediterranean. Gorgeous on the inside and out, this impressive residence is the epitome of style, quality and exclusivity.

Floor-to-ceiling windows line the condo offering unparalleled views of the beach, Ono Island in Orange Beach and Ole River. Beautiful furniture and fine finishes only heighten the appeal. Enjoy a spacious, split floor plan, nicely appointed travertine floors, granite counters and 10-foot ceiling.

The kitchen is a chef’s dream and perfect for entertaining with its double ovens (one rotisserie), warming drawer, built-in microwave, sub-zero double-sided refrigerator, dual dishwashers and full wet bar. Every room has something unique to offer and features you will have to see to believe.

The complex itself offers a covered parking spot for residents, an elevator to bring you to your own private foyer and world-class amenities for your relaxation and enjoyment. This includes an indoor/outdoor pool, fitness room with sauna, parlor for reading, computing or shooting a game of pool, storage units and community center.

To further sweeten the deal, the price of this impressive beach front condo for sale in Perdido Key was just reduced and the current owner will pay on year of association dues at closing. Did we mention there’s rental potential?

Contact Susan Carleton today for more details on this spectacular condo!

The Wharf in Orange Beach

The Wharf2If you have recently purchased real estate in Orange Beach, check out The Wharf for family fun, great food and tons of entertainment options.

The Wharf is two stories full of shops for your whole family. Breath Athletic Wear, Seaside Shoes and Shades Sunglasses are just a few examples of the stores you should visit at The Wharf. There is also a variety of dining options available, such as Driftwood Bar and Grille, Ronin Sushi Bar and Restaurant, and Montego’s Caribbean Café and Bar.

There is an endless amount of entertainment provided by The Wharf. The Wharf Putt Putt is a great option. Challenge your family to a friendly competition and treat whoever wins to a ride on the Ferris wheel! The Ferris wheel is one thing that makes this area famous. It is considered a landmark of Orange Beach and gives you the best view of the gulf. The SPECTRA Sound and Light Spectacular is a must while visiting The Wharf. During SPECTRA, Main Street is transformed into a magical stage where the palm trees come to life with color. The shows are unlike anything else and created with audiences of all ages in mind.

Another thing that makes The Wharf famous is the Amphitheater. Hundreds of concerts are held at the Amphitheater every year. Shinedown, Twenty One Pilots, Train and Miranda Lambert are all scheduled to play in August and September. From Chris Young to ZZ Top, The Wharf’s Amphitheater has seen it all!

After settling in your new Orange Beach real estate, head on over to The Wharf and enjoy some quality family time at one of the area’s best attractions.