The Perdido Key Pirate Festival

Saturday, September 19th is International Talk Like a Pirate Day, and it’s no coincidence that the 3rd annual Perdido Key Pirate Festival falls on that day. If you are the current owner or Perdido Key real estate or are looking into buying a home in that area, this is a family-friendly event that you won’t want to miss.  The event begins at 11:00 AM at Big Lagoon State Park and ends that night at 5:00.

All attendees are encouraged to wear their best pirate gear, and everyone will enjoy the tasty food, pirate costumes and incredible prizes. Pirate Captain Davy will teach all the young pirates some sea-shanties, magic tricks and so much more! In the park’s Amphitheater, there will be a reptile display by Reno’s Reptiles. Pensacola’s pirate ship, “Good Fortune,” will be out on the water, as well.

The kids will not only love these performances and displays, they will also adore the variety of arts and crafts station that local vendors will have set up throughout the Perdido Key Pirate Festival. All of the kids are encouraged to hunt for pirate coins, redeemable for thousands of dollars in prizes, and the child who finds the “Lost Key” will take home a grand-prize treasure chest! Don’t miss this fun-filled, family-friendly event along the beaches of Northwest Florida.

Banana Bay Townhome For Sale!

Whether you are from the Pensacola area or find yourself a regular tourist staying in a Perdido Key condo, you are undoubtedly familiar with the colorful collection of townhomes just over the bridge. For those of you who don’t know, this community is called Banana Bay – a delightful area that offers residents a combination of condo-like amenities with an undeniable neighborhood charm.

Banana Bay Townhomes sits off the Intracoastal Waterway, just minutes from the world renowned beaches of Perdido Key. Community features include a man-made beach, pool, hot tub, fitness facility and club house used for get-togethers. Sounds pretty good so far, right?

Well head on over to 6074 Valhalla Avenue (just behind the pool area) and you will find that things only get better from here. This cozy townhome comes beautifully furnished and fully upgraded with granite counters and stainless steel appliances to boot. With three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths, this residence is perfect for a primary residence or an investment property. Did we mention there’s an additional bonus room upstairs?

Are you interested in exploring this Perdido Key real estate opportunity further? Contact our Owner/Broker, Susan Carleton today for more information on MLS #487258.

Buying an Income Property: What You Need to Know

Are you thinking about buying real estate in Pensacola? Well, if an income property is what you had in mind, congratulations! We can help you find a place and a property manager to help take care of your investment. There’s really only one catch. Buying an investment property is a big decision, and while it can be a great move financially, there are risks involved that you should be aware of.

For starters, we want you to know that investing in real estate is not (and should not be thought of as) a “get-rich scheme.” The only certainty in the market is uncertainty, so it is important to be realistic about the potential return on your investment. You should also be aware of what can and cannot be rented according to local zoning regulations. And, that maintenance workers – once you buy a property – will save your life.

Even though it sounds gloomy, the reward can be worth the risk. Especially if you have a knowledgeable agent by your side and a trust-worthy Pensacola property management company to help you handle the day-to-day. Contact an agent today find out if buying an income property is the right decision for you!

Pensacola Named Rising Star by TripAdvisor

You know that feeling you get when you’re a big fan of something before it takes off and gets really popular? That’s kind of how we feel about owning real estate in Pensacola Beach. Apparently, TripAdvisor’s FlipKey feels the same way.

The popular vacation rental booking engine shared a list of vacation rental destinations that are about to launch into the “stratosphere.” The data, based on web traffic in 2014 – 2015, highlights the places with 500% growth. And the good news is, Pensacola Beach is one of them.

With 700% growth, Pensacola Beach has edged out tens of thousands competing areas, simply because vacationing in Pensacola Beach is awesome. Take it from us (we live here) when we say that the activities are endless. From boating and fishing to dining and shopping, you can’t go wrong with a stay in this b-e-a-utiful area! Did you notice we didn’t even have to mention how incredibly gorgeous the water is and soft the sand is?

Ready to stay along our emerald shores? If you want to make your trip last longer than a week, give our agents a call. They’ll be happy to find you a beach home or condo for sale in Pensacola Beach!

Taste of the Beach in Pensacola!

Do you need another excuse to buy real estate near Pensacola Beach? This is an incredible event and you will want to be near all the action!

Taste of the Beach is an annual event that welcomes chefs, many you know from television, to our shores for demonstrations, seminars, and of course, plenty of food tastings! It doesn’t matter what type of cuisine you prefer, this event offers a little something for everyone.

Seafood, steak and good southern eats will all be available in abundance, as well as much more. And, during the Pensacola Beach Taste of the Beach event, you get the opportunity to taste the best of what this delicious community has to offer, fresh from our local chefs.

This annual event will take place September 18-19 at Casino Beach and feature our best local chef’s and restaurants. Enjoy cooking demonstrations from celebrity chef, John Besh.

New Listing in Perdido Key at Marseilles

Your search for the perfect beach condo is over. This beautifully furnished, well-appointed residence at Marseilles offers incredible views from every room. Enticed?

Recently listed by Owner/Broker, Susan Carleton, the Perdido Key condo listing offers four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths and a world of upgrades. In like new condition, interior features include everything from custom cabinetry and window treatments to beautiful tile floors and a spacious balcony that offers sweeping views of the Gulf.

Interior upgrades are only eclipsed by the complex’s lavish on-site amenities. With a reputation for luxury, the gated community of Marseilles only offers 28 residences and 2 buildings. Amenities include a gulf-front outdoor pool and spa, indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room and fitness facility. Rental restrictions only add to the condo’s high-end and exclusive feel.

Ready to explore the possibilities of ownership? Contact Susan Carleton today for more information on this gorgeous residence, or to sell condos for sale in Perdido Key, Pensacola Beach, Orange Beach or the surrounding areas.

Orange Beach & Fairhope Top Most Beautiful Towns List

Have you considered relocating to the great state of Alabama, but struggling to decide where? Well, “Only In Your State” has narrowed the list of Alabama’s “most beautiful, charming small towns,” down to ten. We’ve shortened it to two: Orange Beach and Fairhope.

Both towns are chart toppers for a variety of reasons, but our Alabama real estate agents still believe you have to see them to fully understand how beautiful these towns are.

Fairhope is situated on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay and offers residents spacious parks, tree-lined neighborhoods and a thriving downtown area that attracts visitors from across the country. Orange Beach on the other hand offers a variety of family-friendly beach vacation opportunities and entertainment to boot. Both in Baldwin County, both uniquely beautiful. The choice really is up to you. Would you rather buy a condo for sale in Orange Beach, or a single-family home in Fairhope? Either way, the two are a short drive away from each other Gulf Coast attractions.

Interested in learning more about buying real estate in Alabama? Contact our expert agents at Pointe South Real Estate Sales today. They will be happy to help you find a place that is right for you!

Why You Should Hire a Buyer’s Agent

Are you thinking about buying a home or condo for sale in Gulf Shores? Better question, are you thinking about going it alone? With the Interent at your fingertips, how hard could it be? Technology has created a “DIY” mentality, but the truth is even with the tons of information provided, the internet is not always accurate. Now the question becomes, can you decipher the difference between what is and what isn’t? Keep in mind a significant chunk of change is on the table…

If you’re not already starting to reconsider enlisting the help of a buyer’s agent, here are a few more reasons to nudge you in the right direction.

For starters you may have noticed that they save you time. Not only that, but they have the insider’s scoop. This is because they are in contact with a professional network of agents and often know of properties before they hit the online listing sites. The benefits don’t stop there. From negotiations and paperwork to a list of service providers, agents can save you time, stress and costly mistakes.

Are you interested in learning more about how our team of Florida and Alabama real estate agents can assist you with your future home purchase? Call 850.492.1826 to get in touch with one today!

The Wharf Uncorked in Orange Beach

Take a break from shopping for real estate in Orange Beach and visit The Wharf for the second annual The Wharf Uncorked Wine and Culinary Event. This is a three-day event that helps raise money for Make-A-Wish Alabama.

The Make-A-Wish foundation grants wishes to children in Alabama suffering from life-threatening health conditions. The event begins with The Wharf Uncorked Kick Off Party at The Palms on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 6:30 PM. The night will be filled with live music and food and wine tasting. The event lasts two hours and offers cooking demos by famous local chefs, Peter D’Andrea and Chris Sherrill. On Friday, September 25, The Art of Food with Robert St. John and Wyatt Waters will be held at The Palms Demo Kitchen from 3:00-5:00 PM. This event is for lovers of food, featuring cooking demos and painting demonstrations by Wyatt Waters. There will, of course, be tastings of high-end wine, as well as a cook book signing, followed by premier wine dinners that evening.

On Saturday, there will be a food grand tasting throughout The Wharf Entertainment District from 4:00-8:00 PM. During this time frame, there will be numerous silent and live auctions taking place, followed by an awards ceremony in the Culinary Experience Tent, this is surely an event you will not want to miss!

Top Ten Things to Do in Pensacola, Florida

If you have just recently moved into a rental home in Florida, or purchased real estate in Pensacola, Florida, you may be wondering what there is to do and see in the area. Trust me when we tell you, there is plenty! Pensacola features a number of thrilling attractions, but it is also home to peaceful beaches and low-key restaurants. With a wide variety of venues, you will never run out of things to do. Topping the list of the top-ten things to do in Pensacola? Watch a Blue Wahoos baseball game, of course! Following that is making sure you stop by the National Naval Aviation Museum and the Pensacola Naval Air Station. With that in mind, be sure to catch one of the Blue Angels Flight Shows, which take place every year in July. You can’t forget to take a tour of historical downtown Pensacola. Walk along the streets yourself, partake in a retro bus tour or cruise along on a Segway with a tour guide from Emerald Coast Tours.

Next on the list? Visit the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum and take in the incredible view of white sandy beaches and bright blue waters. Spend the day on Johnson Beach or venture over to Santa Rosa Island, the locals’ favorite beach hangout. Pensacola is littered with specialty and gift shops that you will love to visit. One of the best-kept secrets of the area is Beyond the Grape, a wine bar located in Cordova Mall.

Check out the full list of popular things to do in Pensacola and add them to your to-do list after moving to the Gulf Coast of Florida.