Gulf Coast Paddle Championship

Are 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.

Practice Sun Safety this Summer!

Owning 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

If 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

Have 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.

Fun Things to do in Pensacola

Have you recently purchased Pensacola real estate? Spend some time with your family and enjoy these fun activities, guaranteed to introduce you to some of the best things to do near your new home!

One of the first things you must experience is the National Naval Aviation Museum. It is free to get in and you are guaranteed a great time. Your kids will love the museum because it has hands on activities, including climbing into the cockpit of the planes and pretending to fly! They have old planes, new planes, flight simulators, and of course, the Blue Angels aircrafts are there. The National Aviation Museum is one activity your family will love!

Adventures Unlimited is a great way to get outside and see a different side of Pensacola. Adventures Unlimited includes many different outdoor activities your whole family can enjoy, such as kayaking, camping, and paddle boarding. They also have a canopy zip line that takes you through the trees and lets you see the world from a different perspective.

Another great option is going downtown. Downtown Pensacola is perfect for shopping and enjoying delicious food during the day and continuing the fun into the night listening to live music. There are also a few different museums including the Museum of Commerce that will provide you and your family an educational experience.

Take advantage of these awesome family activities and things to do near your new real estate in Pensacola with your kids this summer!

Fourth of July Celebrations in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach!

Independence Day is right around the corner. Because the Fourth of July falls on a Monday, there will be many terrific events to attend leading up to the big celebration. If you have recently purchased Alabama real estate in Orange Beach or Gulf Shores, continue reading to find out where to enjoy fireworks and BBQ around your new hometown.

Seeing as it is summer along our beautiful shores, the first thing you are going to want to do is hit the beach. Just remember, this is one of the busiest, if not the busiest vacation weekends, so head out early and plan for traffic and parking. Also, pack bottled water and lots of sunscreen. Once you park, you won’t want to give up that spot to go get snacks!

The Fourth of July fun really begins in the evenings. If you own Orange Beach real estate, the place to be for early fireworks is The Wharf. On July 2, 2016, head out at 5PM for their annual Independence Day Street Party and Fireworks. In addition to specials at each of the delicious restaurants for the adults, there will also be plenty of kids activities such as bounce houses, rock climbing walls, face painting and more. Fireworks will take place at 8:45PM followed promptly by the SPECTRA light show!

Looking for fireworks on the actual Fourth of July? Hit the beaches near the Gulf State Pier in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The event begins at 5:30PM and will feature a carnival-like atmosphere before the fireworks light up the night sky at 9PM. This is the biggest local celebration, so we recommend heading out early to get a great vantage point, enjoy some local fun and, well, park.

We hope you enjoy these fun celebrations near your new real estate purchase in Alabama this Fourth of July!

Advantages of Housing Counseling

Ever heard of housing counseling? You know now is a great time to purchase real estate in Pensacola, Perdido Key or Coastal Alabama. You desperately want to begin searching for a home with a Pointe South Real Estate Sale agent. But, you aren’t sure where to begin – or if you even can.

Don’t worry; your situation is totally normal, and if a first-time homebuyer, to be expected. While you may think getting a realtor and asking them all your questions is the place you need to begin, you’re a little ahead of the game. First, consider speaking with a free housing counselor.

While an agent is well-versed in the mortgage and real estate buying process, the details of your financial situation can be better sorted out with a counselor, or at least a lender. A counselor can also advise you on all aspect of buying a Pensacola home or property along the Gulf Coast, including types of loans, credit scores, inspections, and other necessary steps.

Before you make the call to a counselor there are a few steps you will want to take. First, gather all your basic financial information such as debt payments, which include student loan paperwork, car payment amounts and documents for any current mortgage you might have. Also, talk honestly about your financial situation and what you know about the home buying process with your counselor so that they can adequately arm you with the needed information. Then, it’s time to begin looking for your home on the Gulf Coast with one of our experienced Pointe South agents!

The Palafox Market in Pensacola

Have you recently purchased real estate in Pensacola and are looking for an event that will get you better acquainted with the area? The Palafox Market is the activity you are looking for!

The Palafox Market happens every Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM, hosted by the Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza. Pensacola wants you to join in on the fun and stock up on the many different items available for purchase at the market. There is something for everyone at this market! It is said to be the largest and the best market in our area, so come see what treats you can find. Products including local produce, meats, and dairy are available as well as handmade items such as jewelry, artwork, and baked goods.

The Palafox Market is a great event to bring your whole family to. Visit vendors such as Annie’s Naked Cookies, Andrew Rhodes Photography, and Blue Print Photography to see what their product is and find out their back ground or go towards the center of the market to hear great musicians entertain the crowd. Your Saturday will be well spent at the Palafox Market.

Vendors will be set up all along Palafox Street and the market will happen rain or shine. This is an event that you could spend all day doing or visit before continuing your day in downtown Pensacola. Either way you don’t want to miss out on the best Farmers’ Market in the area!

Luxury Real Estate in Pensacola Beach

Lavish. Affluent. Exclusive. All are words used to describe the luxury real estate market. No matter how you describe it, 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 luxurious?

According Inman.com, the leading online source for real estate news, the $2 million to $5 million mark is the most popular price point for luxury properties on a national level, comprising 29% of the total respondents surveyed. With this as the criteria, only 1.2% of properties currently active in the greater Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key areas can be classified as “luxury.” However, Inman.com’s second defining range of $1 million to $2 million comprises 26% of the respondents on a national level and 8.5% of properties in the Pensacola MLS (multiple listing service).

With less than 10% of properties in the area being classified as “luxury,” it can be difficult to find the right buyer for luxury real estate in Pensacola Beach. More often than not, these buyers are few and far between, and in most cases, conservative with their spending and cautious with their risk-taking. Because they know what they want, it becomes increasingly important for sellers to highlight their property’s value in terms of what motivates this group. On the Gulf Coast, proximity to water is key, in addition to neighborhood/complex amenities, privacy and comfort.

In short, high net-worth clients have high expectations. As any great luxury real estate broker in Pensacola Beach will tell you, the agent you choose and the strategy they employ is a key component of success to buying and selling high-end properties on the Gulf Coast.