HUD Eases FHA Condo Financing Rules

Good news! The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced changes to the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) condominium policies the other day at the National Association of Realtors convention in San Diego. This a game changer for those looking to buy condos for sale in Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.

Effective today, the FHA will streamline the condominium recertification process and expand its definition of acceptable “owner occupied” units to include second homes not owned by investors. In short, this will qualify more condo complexes for FHA loans, and give more buyers access to FHA low-down payment mortgages.

This is great news for our condo heavy market. To this day, condos remain one of the most affordable option for home buyers, especially first time buyers. The ease of financing will only support homeownership in the area…

All these factors make it a great time to list. Contact a member of our team today to learn more about what we can do for you and your condo sale!

View the complete “HUD Eases FHA Condo Financing Rules” at FloridaRealtors.org

Susan Carleton Team: Now Offering 3D Model Tours!

Southern Real Estate Sales Owner/Broker, Susan Carleton, is pleased to announce she and her team can now can produce 3D model tours of their listings. The 3D Showcase, shot by our Transaction Coordinator, Amy Lamar, will engage prospective buyers with a rapid and innovative model tour of Susan’s homes and condos for sale in Perdido Key, Pensacola Beach, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.

“In an ever-changing, technological world, we’re always ready to try something new,” said Susan. “We are extremely excited to offer this as a resource to our clients.”

Demonstrated in one of Susan’s newest listings at Marseilles, you can see that this is one of the most realistic and immersive ways for a potential buyer to experience a property online. Don’t just take our word for it though, take the tour yourself by viewing the Perdido Key real estate listing.

Are you interested in learning more about Susan and the Susan Carleton Team? Call 850.516.7238 to speak with Susan directly about your buying or selling needs.

Thanksgiving Restaurants & Holiday Events

Thanksgiving is just two weeks away and the Christmas season around the corner. If you will be taking a break from shopping Gulf Coast real estate for sale to celebrate, be sure to check out these wonderful events along the beach!

First up, we have Thanksgiving. If you have just recently moved to the area or sold your home in Alabama or Florida, the idea of cooking may seem daunting. Skip it this year and enjoy a delicious meal cooked and cleaned up by someone else!

Restaurants open near your home in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach include Gilbey’s Seafood and Steak, as well as the Ginny Lane Bar at The Wharf. If you live in Perdido Key, try the Flora-Bama’s annual potluck. Or, for something a little more traditional, the Perdido Key Beach Resort. In Pensacola, head downtown to Jackson’s Steakhouse or the Fish House.

After the Turkey has been cleaned away, stick around a few days to watch the beaches light up for the holidays! Orange Beach will host their annual tree lighting on December 1, 2015, while Gulf Shores will get into the holiday spirit with the town parade on December 4, 2015.

Pensacola Condo Values Rebound

If you’ve been teetering with the decision of whether or not to sell your home or condo in Pensacola, a recent article released by the Pensacola News Journal might help you make up your mind. Long story short, years after the recession, condo values have officially rebounded.

According to real estate data from Zillow, median condo values in the United States are increasing at a 5.1 percent annual rate compared to single-family homes which are increasing at a 3.7 percent rate. Condos in Pensacola, however have increased in value at an 8.7 percent rate between September 2014 and September 2015 alone.

In general, the Gulf Coast condo market is hot and hot for a few reasons. First and foremost because of demand is exceeding supply. Additionally, condos are a better bargain now for first time home-buyers and foreclosures aren’t nearly as prominent as they were a few years ago.

If you were looking for a golden opportunity to list your home or condo, this is it. Contact one of our Pointe South Real Estate Sales’ agents today for more information how we can sell your property within your time frame!

The Best Destinations for Owning a Vacation Rental

Are you considering purchasing Gulf Coast real estate as an investment property? You’re in luck. Tripadvisor just released their list of destinations with top earning potential and three Gulf Coast beaches made the short list!

Vacation rentals are an ideal investment and are more and more in demand, especially in beach communities like those here in Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama. Tripadvisor compiled statics based on the 720,000 vacation homes available globally and narrowed down those destinations with top numbers.

If you will be shopping along the Gulf Coast, consider choosing Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, Alabama. A four bedroom rental in Orange Beach averages a weekly rate of over $2,000 and there is currently a supply and demand gap for vacation rentals in the area. According to Tripadvisor, there is 14 times the demand for Orange Beach. Gulf Shores currently has a gap of 29 times the demand versus supply and a four bedroom vacation rental in that area also averages over $2,000.

If you’re interested in a Gulf Coast investment property, we’re here to help. Contact us today so we can begin the search for your perfect vacation rental on the beach! Thinking about investing in Destin, another top earning destination along our beaches? Contact us today at 850.492.1148.

Why You Should Reconsider “For Sale By Owner”

Are you thinking about listing your home “For Sale”? If so, we don’t doubt that the thought: “I could save money on closing costs if I forgo hiring a Pensacola real estate agent,” has crossed your mind.  You’re not the first to think so, but we think you should reconsider for a few reasons.

For starters, the rate of “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) homes has been decreasing steadily for decades. Why? Simply because the value that an agent brings to the table outweighs the commission paid. Last year alone, the typical for FSBO home sold for $208,700 while similar homes – listed by agents – sold for an average of $235,000. Six percent of $235,000 is $14,100. Assuming you covered all costs, that’s still $12,200 more than you would have made listing FSBO.

If that’s not reason enough to go out and hire an agent today, think about the resources and knowledge they can offer you. From marketing power and online tools, real estate agents can increase your property’s exposure and overall likelihood of selling. All this and the added benefit of having a built-in negotiator on your side so you can feel cool, calm, collected and confident when it comes time to close.

Are you interested in learning more about our agents and how we can help you sell your home? Give us a call today! We’ll be happy to walk you through the ins-and-outs of buying and selling a home.

Halloween Events Along the Beach

Ghouls and girls, get your costumes ready! Halloween is just around the corner and we know you will have a spooktacular time at these fun events along the beach.

If you own a home in Orange Beach The Wharf is your best bet Halloween family fun. This favorite Alabama shopping destination will host Trunk or Treat at The Wharf on Halloween evening from 6-8pm. Wander down Main Street as the kids choose candy from the decorated trunks of a long line of cars. Also available during the event is face painting, inflatables, free Ferris wheel rides and a variety of other family activities.

If you’re looking for more adult fun near your Perdido Key real estate, don your best costume for the annual Flora-Bama content. Over $2,000 in cash and prizes will be available. The contest kicks off at 9pm. For a truly scary experience, those who live in Fairhope, Alabama will want to tour the Nightmare Chambers near downtown. The haunt is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday through Halloween night.

No matter how you celebrate, we hope you have a ghoulishly good time this Halloween!

Pensacola Beach Art and Wine Festival

One of the premier fall events along the beautiful beaches of Pensacola Beach takes place in just a few days and we couldn’t be more excited! If you love art and wine, what better excuse is there to hit the beach than the 2015 Pensacola Beach Art & Wine Festival?

The Pensacola Beach Art & Wine Festival will take place on Sunday, October 18 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. During this time, you can stroll through the event grounds at Portofino Boardwalk and shop the amazing creations of some of the Gulf Coast’s most talented artists.

The wine and culinary tasting event kicks off at no one on Sunday. Make your way from booth to booth as you sip and savor over sixty wine selections, paired with a tasty creation prepared by local chefs. Enjoy live music as you breathe in the crisp, fall air along the beaches of Northwest Florida. Purchase your tasting tickets now for just $35 or $60 for two. Want to simply attend and look at the art? Entrance into the event is free!

New Listing at Seawind in Gulf Shores!

If you are on the hunt for a condo for sale in Gulf Shores, look no further! Our Owner/Broker, Susan Carleton has a new listing at the popular Seawind complex.

For those of you who do not know, Seawind is an upscale condominium complex situated directly on the sandy white beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Within minutes of popular Orange Beach attractions, Seawind boasts dramatic views from floor-to-ceiling windows, classic finishes and variety of resort amenities which includes everything from a beachfront pool and fitness facility to a community barbecue area and spa.

Unit 1002 is no different. This beautifully appointed 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom offers incredible views and fabulous upgrades. The unite features stainless steel appliances, granite counters, Kohler fixtures and SO much more. If you are looking for an investment property, this is a great one to choose!

Contact Susan today for additional details on this and other Gulf Shores real estate opportunities. Just remember to reference MLS #488513.

Oyster Cook-Off & Craft Beer Festival at the Hangout

If you own or are thinking about purchasing real estate in Gulf Shores, Alabama, head over to the Hangout for the 2015 Oyster Cook-Off & Craft Beer Festival. This event kicks off on Friday, November 6, 2015 at 6:00 PM. Enjoy samples of over 60 craft beers, live music and demos from brewmasters.

The Oyster Cook-Off begins at 11:00AM on Sunday, November 7, 2015 with chef demos until 5:15PM. Don’t miss the awards ceremony immediately following these chef workshops. Sample recipes prepared by these talented chefs while following their workshops. Enjoy live music, SEC football, cold beverages and, of course, delicious oysters all day long.

The Hangout overlooks the beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, allowing you to savor the scenery during this weekend activity. This is sure to be an incredible event that you won’t want to miss. Tickets for the Craft Beer Festival Friday night at $40.00 and only $30.00 for the designated drivers. General Admissions tickets for the Oyster Cook-Off on Saturday are $10.00 per person and the tasting ticket booklet price is $25.00. VIP tickets are available for the event on Saturday. Purchase your tickets for the Oyster Cook-Off and Craft Beer Festival today.