Labor Day Events in Orange Beach, Alabama!

Wharf_Farris WheelIf 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 ever half hour. Whether you own a home near the beach, or will just be visiting in an Orange Beach condo with Southern Vacation Rentals, don’t miss this fun Labor Day weekend event in Alabama.

What to Do With a Property That Won’t Sell

Real estate agent at workDo you have a property that’s not selling? Or, maybe you have a client looking to invest in Pensacola Beach real estate. Whatever it may be, there’s an easy way to earn an extra $500 on the transaction (or lack thereof).

Local Pensacola property managers, like our Residential Leasing, have designed a program exclusively for realtors in these situations. All the agent has to do is refer the client/property to Southern’s long term rental management program and a $500 check is headed your way. It really is as simple as that.

To further sweeten the deal, you’ll also benefit from their unique “pay it forward promise” – a guarantee that they will send EVERY client referred back to you!

Southern Residential Leasing’s property managers will notify you 90 days before your client’s lease expires, help schedule showings and even get the property move-in ready.

Not only are you $500 richer, but more likely to be contacted for a future sale with a happy homeowner who has generated some income rather than a disgruntled one upset with a long sale.

Contact us at 850.492.1148 for more details.

*All checks made payable to broker once the property is rented. Multi-property referral restrictions may apply.

Blue Angels are Back!

Blue-Angels-diamond-formatiIf you have recently purchased real estate in Pensacola then you should learn a little bit about what makes Pensacola famous. There are many different features that set Pensacola apart from other areas, but the biggest factor is the Blue Angels.

The Blue Angels bring locals and visitors to Pensacola Beach during the month of July to watch their spectacular air shows and practices. Although, in June, they suffered a fatal accident and needed a break to regroup before getting back in the air. Pensacola and its surrounding communities mourned the loss of Marine Captain Jeff Kuss, but were very excited to see the Blue Angels return to the sky!

This past weekend, on June 16, 2016, they gave Pensacola Beach a wonderful show. Their air shows in Pensacola are free and open to the public. They provide you and your family the opportunity to spend the day on the beach and see why the Blue Angels are so loved in our area. It is a treat to see them flying overhead, and what better way to do that than on the beach?

The airshows may be over, but the team continues to practice. Their practice schedule varies, but the National Naval Aviation Museum at Pensacola Naval Air Station hosts viewing events on Wednesdays during their practice season. At these events you can watch the Blue Angels practice different techniques and members of the team will be available to sign autographs and answer questions.

The Blue Angels have been around since 1946 and aim “to showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach.” They continue to do this by showcasing their talent and bringing new technique to the air every year.

They do shows across the U.S., but Pensacola is lucky to be able to call them “Our Blues.” Catch a show to celebrate your new Pensacola real estate, and you can call them “Our Blues” too.

Last Shot Club in Lillian, Alabama

PCOLA-RESAD-491046-1Do you love spending time at the Lost Shot Club in Lillian, Alabama? You are not the only one! Sporting Clays is one of the safest and fastest growing sports in the U.S., and the Last Shot Club is one of the only controlled facilities in the area. The well-managed club is a private retreat to say the least, and a place most Southerners would jump at to own.

Here’s your chance! Southern Real Estate Sales agent and local dive captain, Andy Ross, has the premier estate listed at $698,500. This price includes 20 acres of land, three fully operating shooting stations with nine various remote control launching systems, a fully stocked pond and a four bedroom, three bathroom home. The home itself spans 1,800 square feet and features extensive modifications throughout. From the screened porch to the metal roof, this home is perfect for friends and family looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Did we mention is comes fully furnished including appliances and kitchenware. All you need is a realtor and a suitcase and this place is yours…

Are you interested in learning more about this and other Lillian, Alabama real estate opportunities? Contact us  today at 850.492.1148.

Gulf Coast Paddle Championship

IMG_7640 cropAre you a new owner of real estate in Pensacola and a fan of paddleboarding? If so, the Flora-Bama’s Gulf Coast Paddle Championship is an event you should be a part of!

The Gulf Coast Paddle Championship starts on July 24, 2016 and ends on July 26, 2016. It is hosted by the famous Flora-Bama Lounge and is the only race where you can say “You did it on the line and raced in 2 states!”

The event includes races for all ages and skill levels. The first day is for picking up your packet and enjoying a pre-race social at the Flora-Bama Ole River Bar. The real fun starts on day two with races such as 9 mile, 4 mile and 1 mile, as well as a race just for kids! The last day has sprint and relay races available, and a free kid’s clinic where your family can learn the proper way to paddle board.

The 1 mile and 4 mile races take place in the Pensacola River, but the 9 mile race takes you out into the Gulf of Mexico. The top few people in each race will be awarded cash prizes at the end of day two. People are signing up now to compete in their favorite race, so don’t miss your chance to register.

Spend the day on the beach watching the races or compete to win, either way this event is not one to miss. After purchasing your new Pensacola real estate, the Gulf Coast Paddle Championship is the perfect event for you and your family to get better acquainted with your new community.

 

Up Close with Susan Carleton, Owner/Broker of Southern Real Estate Sales

Shopping for real estate in Orange Beach, Alabama? Maybe, you’re looking to sell your condo in Pensacola Beach. Whatever it is, you want (and need) a hard working broker by your side. Someone who is there to handle everything from contract to closing. Someone who has your best interest at heart. That someone is Southern Real Estate Sales’ Owner and Broker, Susan Carleton.

Originally from these parts, Susan Carleton has been an industry expert since 1997. She started her career selling pre-construction condominiums and investment properties with Pointe South. Today, she acts as Owner/Broker of that same company (now named Southern Rental and Real Estate).

Over the years, Susan has come to embody and promote everything this area has to offer. Beaches, history, attractions and military life — she is as passionate about the area as she is her brokerage, which is saying something. Just ask any of our nearby agents.

Living, breathing and loving this industry, Susan Carleton is your go-to for any and all things real estate. As she said in the video, whether she’s working on a marketing plan to sell your home or crafting an offer for a buyer, her job isn’t done until you are 100 percent satisfied.

Visit SusanCarleton.com to learn more about Pensacola realtors, Susan Carleton, her experience and how she can help you buy, sell and invest along the Gulf Coast!

Practice Sun Safety this Summer!

DSC_1105Owning real estate in Perdido Key, Pensacola or along Alabama’s Gulf Coast is the summer is a dream come true. You can pick any day of the week to live like you’re on vacation. But, to really make the most of it, be sure you practice sun safety and don’t let the heat get you down!

Hitting the beach or swimming in your new pool are excellent options for keeping cool and beating the humidity. But, remember there is more to heat safety than just keeping your cool. It’s UV Safety Month and we want to make sure you’re properly equipped to avoid heat stress and effects, especially if your Perdido Key real estate or Gulf Coast home purchased makes you new to our area.

The heat index during the summer is pretty much outrageous no matter the time of day, but being outside between 10 AM and 4 PM puts you at the highest risk to suffer sun and heat related affects. So, if the yard needs to be mowed or errands need to be down, try to get up and out early or leave them to the end of the day. You need to be in the A/C – or your pool – the rest of the day.

Have to be outside? That’s okay, just take a few precautions. First, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim. Also, grab your favorite UVA/UVB blocking shades when heading outdoors. Oh, and sunscreen. That’s a big one. Shoot for something with an SPF30, although SPF15 will do in a pinch. Last, but not least, drink lots of water and carry a bottle with you!

Blue Marlin Grand Championship in Orange Beach

DSC00897If you have purchased real estate in Orange Beach and are looking to get to know the area, come on out to the Wharf for the annual Blue Marlin Grand Championship, “The Greatest Show in Sportsfishing.”

The tournament starts on July 13, 2016 and ends on July 17, 2016. The event takes place at the Wharf in Orange Beach and has over 50 boats registered to participate! Activities including the Miss Billfish Contest, live music and boat shows taking place throughout the entire tournament. The boats are scheduled to leave at 11 AM on July 14, 2016 and the first weigh-in is on July 15, 2016 at 7 PM. The weigh-in that is held on Saturday will be broadcast on television, so tell your family and friends to tune in and watch!

The Blue Marlin Grand Championship is considered “The Greatest Show in Sportsfishing,” because it is broadcasted on live, local TV, worldwide online streaming, jumbotrons and light shows. They pride themselves on treating their fishermen like rock stars and making sure everyone involved has an exciting experience.

Dierks Bentley is bringing his Somewhere on a Beach Tour to the tournament on Sunday at 7 PM. The Wharf is excited to have scheduled him to perform, as well as Randy Houser and Cam & Tucker Beathard.

There is no other fishing tournament like this one in our area, so come celebrate your new real estate in Orange Beach at the Blue Marlin Grand Championship.

 

Home Safety Tips for the 4th of July

Philadelphia started the tradition of lighting up the night sky with fireworks back in 1777, just one year after the ratification of the Declaration of Independence. It might have taken a few years to catch on, but these days it’s hard for Americans to imagine the Fourth of July without fireworks.

As we speak, families near and far are getting ready to pack up the car and head to a vacation home in Orange Beach, Alabama. And since it is Fourth of July weekend, we have no doubt they’ll be stopping along the way for some sparklers of their own. Before you buy out the tent though, keep in mind that the 4th of July DIY-ers are usually the cause of 20,000 fires each year resulting in over $32 million in property damage and 9,300 serious injuries each year, according to Medical Daily.

This Independence Day, let’s keep it safe. Instead of lighting fireworks at home, you could always opt for one of these fun, public fireworks shows in Orange Beach. But if you must have a celebration of your own, follow these safety tips from the National Council of Fireworks Safety:

  1. Always obey local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
  2. If you are going to light fireworks, do it outside in a clear area (away from your property and your neighbor’s).
  3. Never light a dud firework. Wait 20 minutes and soak it in water.
  4. Do not experiment with homemade products.
  5. Always have a responsible adult present.

Overall, we hope you have a safe and Happy Fourth of July with the ones you love!

Pensacola International Billfish Tournament

Fishing Pic 1Have you recently purchased new real estate in Pensacola? Then head down to the Palafox Pier and join in on the 45th annual Pensacola International Billfish Tournament.

This fishing tournament has been a tradition in Pensacola since 1970 and over 22,000 anglers have participated in its lifetime. The event starts on June 29, 2016 and ends on July 3, 2016. The boats leave the docks at 4 PM on Thursday evening and return on Friday for the first round of weigh-ins at 5 PM. There will be another weigh-in on Saturday at 3 PM to end the tournament. If you are unable to hop on a boat and fish in the tournament, it is still exciting to see what the boats bring in. The weigh-ins are free and open to the public, so bring your family out to the docks to see the fish!

The tournament is hosted by the Pensacola Big Game Fishing Club, and it has grown to be one of the biggest in our area.

Thousands of dollars in cash prizes will be given out during the tournament. The Vince Whibbs Big Blue Award, Top Small Boat, Top Friday Boat, and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place payouts to the biggest Tuna, Dolphin and Wahoo are just a few examples of the awards given during the tournament.

The Pensacola International Billfish Tournament is a great way to get better acquainted with your new home now that you own Pensacola real estate! Pensacola Big Game Fishing Club wants you to be a part of this great tradition.