Save 25% on a Gulf Coast Vacation

DSC_1105Spring is not only an ideal time to get out and buy Gulf Coast real estate, but a wonderful season to hit the beach. Whether it would be a family staycation or a vacation with a side of real estate, you can save 25% with Southern Vacation Rentals this April.

If you don’t live here, but are thinking about purchasing investment property or a second home, it might sound strange for us to tell you to hit the sand. You may be thinking it’s still a little chilly out. We’re happy to tell you, that’s not true at all. In fact, locals will tell you, now is the perfect time.

Not only is the weather typically sunny and warm in April, but most of our spring breakers have headed home to finish school and won’t be back until close to Memorial Day. That means the beaches are beautiful, hot and wide open to enjoy. The temperatures are typically in the mid-70’s during the day and low 60’s at night, perfect for long days in your beach chair and cool nights on the balcony or deck of your Gulf Coast vacation rental.

Southern Vacation Rentals offers condos and beach homes on the Gulf Coast, many close to where you may want to search for real estate in the afternoons. Consider a Pensacola Beach or Perdido Key vacation rental. Or, get an unbelievable deal when you call and name your price on Summer Breeze, a seven bedroom home in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Don’t delay; call and book Southern’s 25% off special for April and enjoy shopping for Gulf Coast real estate, as well as long days under the Alabama or Florida sun this spring!

Location, Location, Location

Picture2You have heard it so much that it’s become a cliche, when it comes to real estate in Orange Beach, Alabama (or even Pensacola, Perdido Key or Gulf Shores) its location, location, location. This one though, is based on truth. Location is a powerful factor in your home or condo selection process. You can build the perfect place, have the perfect floor plan or even view, but if it’s in an undesirable location, it will be worth far less than something similar in a “desirable” part of town.

So, what makes a location desirable? Here are some factors to consider:

(1) Walkability – in most places, the “hottest” properties are within walking distance of some body of water, and of course, restaurants, movie theaters, galleries and shops.

(2) Top-Rated School Districts – if you’re not buying a Gulf Coast vacation rental, this is something to consider for resale value or long-term rental potential. Parents will often pay more for a home that is located in a highly rated school district.

(3) Neighborhood – when it comes to single family home purchases, buyer do their homework when they are looking for a neighborhood. More often than not, they look for stability of ownership and a sense of community. Low crime rates with little noise are two things to keep in mind.

Looking for a great home in a great location? Contact one of our realtors in Pensacola, Perdido Key or Orange Beach for help in finding that perfect place to call home.

The 2016 Mullet Toss at the Flora-Bama!

FloraBama-300x224If you have recently purchased a home in Perdido Key or Orange Beach real estate, you may have begun hearing a buzz about the mullet toss or how it’s almost mullet toss time. And, you may be thinking “What?”

Yes, it’s almost time for the annual Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast Greatest Beach Party, an event hosted each year by the Flora-Bama. So, what is the Mullet Toss? Well, it’s not a hair competition, although you might think so if new to the South. It’s where beach-goers line up to see who can toss a fish, a mullet, the farthest and, hopefully, across the state line.

But, let’s back up. There are a few events that lead up to the flinging of fish. The first is the Mullet Man Triathlon on April 16, 2016. Sign up now and see if you can be the fastest to swim, bike and run the course, now in its 20th year. Be sure to stay after for the awesome post-race party at the Flora-Bama. If golf is more your game, register for the Mullet Swing Golf Tournament on April 20, 2016. The event kicks off at 11AM and is a 4 person scramble.

Now it’s time to talk about the Flora-Bama Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party, which will take place April 22-24, 2016. During these three days you can enjoy live music, cool drinks and an incredible party on the beach. While there, register and pay $15 to take your shot at throwing a (dead) mullet from the circle and into Florida. There is an overall winner and every day, and you could take home some seriously cool prizes.

If you have never experienced this event, be sure to head out this year and try it out. We will see you there!

The Baldwin County Strawberry Festival

GuitarThere are many advantages to owning real estate in Baldwin County; you live near the beach, there are nearly unlimited things to do and place to visit, and you are privilege to great events. And, one of these great events takes place next month.

Normally when we tout an upcoming event, it’s near the beaches, understandably. But, not this one. The 29th annual Baldwin County Strawberry Festival will take place at Loxley Municipal Park near the center of the county, making it ideal for anyone who owns a home in Fairhope, Daphne, Spanish Fort or further north to attend.

The strawberry festival will take place April 9-10, 2016 from 9AM-5PM each day. In addition to offering strawberries for purchase, as well as prepared a myriad of ways – strawberry shortcake, strawberries and cream, strawberry pie – this event also includes access to over 180 arts and crafts vendors, as well as entertainment. There will also be a car show, as well as plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained.

In addition to being a fun event the entire family will enjoy, the Baldwin County Strawberry Festival also benefits two wonderful local organizations. Each year, the festival raises over $48,000 for the Loxley Elementary School and the Association of Retarded Citizens of Baldwin County. Don’t miss this fun event; mark your calendars today!

Real Estate Brokerage 101

887496_1017478484971568_7099547785788254996_oReal estate is a very “relationship-oriented” business. Past clients, referrals – everything is related – including which brokerage you decide to hang your license at. When you’re deciding this, whether it’s the first time or one of many brokerage switches, you may be wondering what the benefit is to joining a local real estate company in Pensacola.

National chains try to brand themselves by offering new agents training and access to more experienced agents. But even with that, they do very little in the way of lead generation or support for new agents.That’s where Southern Real Estate Sales is different. Office space, training and leads are just three of the many things our boutique brokerage can offer you.

Southern utilizes a powerful lead generation software and an Inside Sales Department to field the incoming prospects. On top of that, we have marketing support, monthly training sessions, built-in property managers ready to offer rate analyses and ZERO upfront fees. We don’t want our agents worrying about anything other than listing homes for sale in Pensacola and writing contracts.

Contact 850-978-5057 for more information on Southern and how we can help you continue down a successful path in the real estate industry.

Condos Under Contract in Less than 20 Days

Condos in Perdido Key Beach Colony - Susan Carleton Condos in Orange Beach - Susan CarletonThe phrase “in like a lion and out like a lamb,” may ring true in terms of March weather, but not so much in terms of Perdido Key or even Orange Beach real estate, especially when your Broker is Susan Carleton. Placing two condos in two different states under contract in less than 20 days certainly does not scream lamb-like behavior.

The first condo she listed was at Beach Colony Resort in Perdido Key. This three-bedroom penthouse with soaring gulf views found itself under contract in less than 17 days. And, so you have something to compare this to, Beach Colony condos have averaged 59 days on market since January 2016.

It’s not by luck that the listing went so quickly because Susan has another condo for sale at Phoenix VII in Orange Beach currently under contract. And, this two-bedroom gulf front condo only lasted 10 days.

Needless to say if you’re thinking about buying or selling real estate, Susan Carleton is the Broker to call. Whether you’re interested in a home valuation, or current market reports, she’ll be happy to help. Contact her today at 850-516-7238, or visit SusanCarleton.com for more details on what she can do for you and your listing.

Enter to Win a Free Paddleboard

If you have recently purchased Gulf Coast real estate in Northwest Florida or Coastal Alabama, you may have heard of stand up paddleboarding. Well, thanks to our friends at Southern Vacation Rentals, you could soon own your very own board.

Southern is currently holding a contest to find the best sweet Southern moment, as submitted by you. Whether that moment is you taking the keys to your new home, enjoying a sweet moment with a loved one, or venturing our to our beach for the first time, we want to see it.

To enter to win, share your favorite 15 to 90 second video with us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using hashtag #SweetSouthernMoments. The video will then find its way to our gallery where we will decide who the winner is on April 12, 2016.

Entries must be submitted by midnight on April 10, 2016 using Southern’s hashtag or via the form on the Southern Vacation Rentals’ Facebook page. To the left, you see an example of one of our sweet Southern moments, now we want to see yours. Good luck!

Congratulations, LaGay Fenters!

LaGay FenterAt Southern, our Orange Beach, Perdido Key and Pensacola real estate agents make it a goal to go above and beyond for clients. They are always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to exceed their client’s expectation.

Truth be told, it is hard to find a more dedicated group of professional agents. Perhaps that is what makes Southern so unique. We’re a tight-knit brokerage with powerhouse capabilities, because of our agents that work here. Each one brings something unique to the table, making it next to impossible to determine an “Agent of the Month.”

That said, we are pleased to announce that even with such high expectations, LaGay Fenters has continuously raised the bar with her positive spirit, determination and overly impressive sales figures this past month. For this reason, we are proud to announce that LaGay is our February Agent of the Month.

Congratulations, LaGay! We are proud to say you call Southern Real Estate Sales home!

For more information on LaGay Fenters, and how she can help you buy or list your home for sale in Gulf Breeze, please contact her directly at 850-529-3093 or visit PensacolaMRP.com.

New Development at Lost Key!

Lost Key Golf and Beach Club, Perdido Key, FL, Whether you vacation in Perdido Key, or live along these gorgeous waters, you without a doubt have heard of the Lost Key Golf & Beach Club. This fabulous 413-acre gated community is nestled between Gulf of Mexico waters and more than 300 acres of natural preserves, capturing every ounce of charm Perdido Key has to offer from sugar white sand and rolling dunes.

The opportunities to own, or rent, are diverse as the landscape. This masterfully planned community offers the very best of coastal living – condos and homes included. From the Arnold Palmer championship golf course to fine dining, pools and complimentary beach shuttles, Lost Key Golf & Beach Club offers a one-of-a-kind experience to residents and guests alike.

The newest community is no different. WCI’s Resort Villas at Lost Key will expand upon the site’s current offerings with an array of luxury villas. The villas for sale at Lost Key Golf & Beach Club are priced from the upper $300,000’s with contracts being accepted as early as March 26, 2016.

For more information, or to view the villas, please contact Southern Real Estate Sales at 850-492-1826.

Easter Events on the Gulf Coast

The Easter Bunny will soon be hopping to town! If you have recently purchased Gulf Coast real estate and moved to town, you will definitely want to check these out. After all, where else can you hunt for eggs in sugar white sand as you listen to the waves lap ashore?

If you have kids, especially little kids, we highly recommend heading over to LuLu’s at Homeport Marina. Known for their family friendly events, LuLu’s will offer an Easter egg hunt on March 27, 2016 at 2PM that will be split by ages, ensuring a fun and safe experience for all. Be sure to stick around after the hunt for pictures with the Easter Bunny, live entertainment and delicious food.

Want to celebrate on Saturday and enjoy some extra time with the Easter Bunny? Consider having breakfast with him at the Eric Meyer Civic Center in Gulf Shores. Or, head over to The Wharf for Brunch with the Bunny at the Villaggio Grill.

If you happen to own Perdido Key real estate, or live in nearby Orange Beach, hit up the Flora-Bama for a fun and festive afternoon. This egg hunt takes place on Saturday and features over 5,000 eggs hidden along the beach behind the venue.