Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

If you are looking to sell your home, you may find that it’s harder than you thought. Pointe South Real Estate has some wonderful real estate agents in Perdido Key and surrounding areas that can help you.  Without knowing your specific situation, it’s hard to say what is making your home hard to sell, but one thing we can say for sure – curb appeal matters.  A majority of home buyers will drive by a home before contacting anyone. Here are a few tips from our real estate agents in Perdido Key to help improve your home’s curb appeal.

Make sure your home is easy to find! If you’re trying to sell your home, make sure people can find it easily. You might want to replace the house numbers if they are old, dingy, or hard to read.

Keep it clean! Take a walk around the outside of your home, or better yet, have a friend walk around the outside of your home and get their opinion.  Is your yard well kept? Does the house need to be pressure washed? Are the gutters clean? These small details can be easy to overlook and can make a huge difference when people see your home for the first time.

Add some color. If you notice that your house isn’t as vibrant as it once was, then add some color to brighten it up. Paint the door, add some colorful plants or trees, or replace the mailbox. A little color goes a long way.

Lighten up! Make sure your outside lights work and are on in case someone drives by, especially during the winter months when it gets dark earlier. Also, consider installing some lights along the walkways for an added touch.

These are just a few of the ways you can make sure your house makes a good first impression. If you are trying to sell your home, contact one of our real estate agents in Perdido Key to help you along the way!

Storm Preparedness: How to Prepare for a Power Outage

If you own real estate in Northwest Florida or Coastal Alabama, then you are probably well aware that on occasion a storm will pass through the area. In certain cases, a downed power line or damaged power source might mean that you will be without power while response teams work to make repairs. If you ever experience a power outage, here are a few tips to keep you and your family safe.

Get supplies. If you think you might lose power, then you need to stock up on supplies. A gallon of water per day per person is recommended. You will also need ice, flashlights, batteries, and nonperishable food. Ideally, you would have enough water and food to last two weeks. Keep in mind that after the storm passes, stores may not be able to restock immediately.

Stay safe. During the storm, stay indoors and keep away from windows. Unplug any electronics and never touch a downed power line for any reason. If you do lose power, after two hours you will need to cook or ice down any food you have in your refrigerator.

Wait. After the storm, emergency response teams will work hard to restore power and clean up any dangerous power lines. You might be without power for a few hours or a few days. Read a book or play a game with your family. Relax, help is on the way.

If you own real estate in Northwest Florida or Coastal Alabama, Pointe South wants to help you keep you and your family secure during storm season. Stay safe!

Homes for Sale in Orange Beach

If 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 floor-plan. 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

Investing 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

If 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 our Booth and say hello!

Grand Caribbean East Condo for Sale in Perdido Key

If 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 to 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

Have 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.

Luxury Condos For Sale at Mediterranean in Perdido Key

Looking 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 a 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 beachfront condo for sale in Perdido Key was just reduced and the current owner will pay one 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

If 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.

Labor Day Events in Orange Beach, Alabama!

If you live in Coastal Alabama or have just invested in property for sale in Northwest Florida, it’s time to start making your plans for Labor Day weekend.

The unofficial end to summer, this is one of the best times to get out, enjoy some local events, and hit the sand before that fall feeling begins to set in. Whether you own investment property in Pensacola Beach or just purchased your first home in Orange Beach, you will find great events taking place the entire long weekend.

While you will find Labor Day events of one kind or another taking place in just about every beach community along the sand, one of the biggest and best will be happening all weekend long at The Wharf in Orange Beach. Here, you will find fantastic restaurants, many activities for the kids to enjoy, and a special celebration on September 4, 2016.

On Sunday, September 4, 2016 head out for the Labor Day Street Party from 5 PM to 10 PM. Live music from Ty Bates will be rocking the stage beginning at 6 PM, and The Wharf will be packed with extra special kid’s activities, such as bounce houses, balloons, and street performers the whole family will love.

In addition to these fun activities, the SPECTRA Light Show will be on full display beginning at 8 PM and running 4 different shows, each beginning every half hour. Whether you own a home near the beach, or will just be visiting, don’t miss this fun Labor Day weekend event in Alabama.