Have a Safe & Happy 4th!

Today is the day! On behalf of our Northwest Florida and Alabama real estate agents at Pointe South, we would like to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July! Your plans are already set, and your days are sure to  be filled with good food, good fun and good company.

If at some point though, those plans involve fireworks and sparklers, we’d like to encourage you to review the National Council on Fireworks safety tips.

For starters, it is important to obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks. And if you plan to light some of your own, it is imperative that you read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting a flame.

While on the subject of creating your own display, remember not to experiment with homemade products and be mindful of your surroundings. Fireworks should only be used outdoors in a clear area, away from buildings, vehicles and homes in your neighborhood.

Blue Angels Air Show in Pensacola Beach

If you haven’t made plans to hit the sand on July 11 for the annual Pensacola Beach Air Show, forget about shopping for Pensacola Real Estate and hit the beach! If you have made plans to head out to Pensacola Beach for the show, let us give you a few tips on how to make the most of your day.

Our biggest tip is to go early! Not only does the beach get packed hours in advance of the 11am and 2pm shows, but parking is precious on this day. If you don’t score a parking spot at Casino Beach, the best viewing spot for the show, we also recommend parking at the east or west end of Santa Rosa Island and taking the trolley.

Another great tip is that you don’t necessarily have to be on the beach Saturday to catch a wonderful air show. If you simply can’t cancel that Perdido Key real estate showing, but want to see the boys in blue in action, just look up in the sky any time during the week. On July 8, after Breakfast with the Blues, the team will take to the skies to prep. On July 9 and 10, practice demonstrations will take place over the beach at 2pm.

No matter when you catch their beachfront aerial show, we hope to see you out supporting our hometown Blue Angels this July!

10 Best Alabama Sights to See

If you have recently purchased real estate in Alabama, or moved into a rental home on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, you may be wondering what there is to see and do around here. The answer: plenty!

Alabama is home to some wonderful attractions and treasures worth exploring while you live on the Gulf Coast.Topping the list of “10 Must-see Places in Alabama” is the Cathedral Caverns in Woodville, followed closely by the US Space & Rocket Center, home to Space Camp, in Hunstville.

Located closer to your real estate on Alabama’s Gulf Coast is Bellingrath Gardens at number five, a 65-acre public garden and historic home known for breathtaking gardens and wonderful annual events. Number 10 on the list is, of course, the amazing beaches of the Gulf Coast, which you should, and undoubtedly will, visit during your time in sweet home Alabama. Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Dauphin Island are just a few areas we recommend exploring.

Check out the full list of things to do in Alabama and add them to your list of must-have adventures when you move to the Gulf Coast!

The Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo

Calling all anglers! If you are lucky enough to own real estate in Perdido Key near the famous Flora-Bama, don’t miss the second annual Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo.

Touted as the ‘funnest’ fishing tournament on the Gulf Coast, this is a great tournament to enter if you love fishing the waters of Florida and Alabama. The event kicks off on June 27 and runs for two great days.

This fishing tournament on the Gulf Coast is perfect for those looking for a little family fun in the sun. There are both kid and adult levels of entry. Kids can participate in a 10 category event for just $20, while adults are $40 per entry and can fish across 256 categories.

Prizes for the event include a $7,000 cash prize for the biggest Speckled Trout and King Mackerel, as well as additional prizes for offshore fish such  as Tuna, Swordfish and Wahoo. The kids will also be treated to a bevy of prizes.

In addition to being a good time, with plenty of food, drinks and fun available during the weigh-ins at the Flora-Bama, as well as awards, this tournament also benefits a great cause, the Wounded Warrior Project. Grab your gear and come out for this terrific Gulf Coast event in Perdido Key!

Tour the Pensacola Lighthouse

Even if you already own Pensacola real estate and have lived here for many years, we imagine you may not have been out to tour the Pensacola Lighthouse. We can tell you, however, that it is definitely worth the trip!

Located at Pensacola NAS, the Pensacola Lighthouse is just a short drive from downtown Pensacola homes, as well as more residential areas making it easy to visit and spend a hours. The keepers of the lighthouse currently offer many tours during the summer season, including one of a very special variety – ghost tours!

Tours available include those during the day, such as the Blue Angels practice tour where you can watch as our famed Naval pilots practice their incredible show. But, there are also very impressive tours available in the evening hours such as the Toast at the Top, a romantic climb for couples featuring music, non-alcoholic beverages and a great sunset view.

You can also climb the tower at night as you hear the ghostly tales from keepers past and even hunt ghosts! If you think that’s a little silly, just know that the Lighthouse has been named “one of the most haunted” in America by the Travel Channel and has been investigated by the Syfy Channel! No matter when you choose to tour, we hope you explore and enjoy this local attraction this summer.

Selling Your Home? Avoid these Common Mistakes…

Sometimes, it is helpful to learn from your own mistakes. In most cases, especially when it comes to selling your Perdido Key or Orange Beach real estate, it is better to learn from somebody else’s mistakes. That is really one of the many benefits of hiring a professional agent – learning from their past mistakes and avoiding some of the very common pitfalls to follow…

(1) Pricing Your Home Too High. When it comes to setting a price, it’s important to do so correctly from the start. Listing your home to high and reducing it several times can lead to an even lower sales price than you originally intended. There’s a method to the madness and a savvy Southern Real Estate Agent can help you set a competitive price so that you receive the best possible offer.

(2) Stressing Over the Little Things. Selling your home is a huge decision and an even bigger financial consideration. It’s easy to get wrapped up in dollar signs and repairs, but you shouldn’t let these things derail what you have set out to accomplish.

(3) Letting Emotions Overcome You. Speaking of stress, another common pitfall is allowing your personal feelings cloud your judgment. Memories made in your recently listed home aren’t going to affect a buyer’s decision. Don’t let these heartfelt stories impede your ability to sell strategically.

Avoid these common home selling mistakes and hire a Alabama real estate agent for smooth sailing from start to finish.

For Sale in Perdido Key’s Parasol Community

Looking to relocate to the sandy, white beaches of Perdido Key? We have just the home for you! Recently listed by Owner/Broker, Susan Carleton is rare piece of real estate in one of Perdido Key’s most sought after neighborhoods, Parasol (the only single-family home community on the island).

Situated directly on the Gulf of Mexico waters, this beautiful home offers an unparralleled “island living” experience that is truly chic and luxurious. From the impressive views to the opulent finishes, no detail has been overlooked and no stone left uncovered.

The stunning, three-story residence spans over 6,000 square feet on a quarter-acre lot and offers four bedrooms, three full baths, two half baths and a world of possibilities. Features like white oak wood flooring and large Pella windows help to create a warm ambiance throughout, while amenities including the hydraulic elevator, community pool and beach access make for a heightened level of convenience.

We invite you to take a tour of 1216 Parasol Place to experience the magic firsthand. Come explore one of the Gulf Coast’s most desirable places to call home! And, when you are ready contact Owner/Broker of Pointe South, Susan Carleton for more information regarding this listing (MLS# 478313) and other Perdido Key real estate opportunities.

Shindig on the Sand 2015!

Kick off June and the summer season, not by shopping for Northwest Florida real estate or a for a home on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, but with a great concert series on the beach. It’s time for Shindig on the Sand, a fun annual event in Perdido Key.

Hit the beach behind the famous Flora-Bama in Perdido KeyJune 5-7, 2015 to enjoy live music from great bands on five different stages. In fact, when you attend this free event, you will get to listen to 200 musicians and 70 musical acts throughout the weekend.

Those performing throughout Shindig on the Sand in Perdido Key include favorite local bands such as Heritage, Hotel Oscar, Brian Hill Band and more. You can even sway to the sounds of Grammy Award winner Wayne Troups!

The festivities kick off each day at noon and no cover is charged unless you arrive after 5pm. Come on our to the Flora-Bama to enjoy great live music, delicious food and drinks and a terrific time on the beautiful beaches of Florida and Alabama. See ya there!

NEW LISTING: Leeward Subdivision in Pensacola

Shopping for real estate in Pensacola, Florida? Look no further! Recently listed by Owner/Broker, Susan Carleton is a beautiful home constructed by Madrill Builders.

This custom-built residence was completed in 2014 and has an abundance of upgraded features that will have you ready to say “I am home,” from the moment you walk in. The lushly landscaped yard, the natural lighting and soaring entryway set the stage for a soothing atmosphere and inviting space that carries through the remainder of the home.

Because we cannot even begin to describe the magnificent nature of this rare find we invite you to take a virtual tour of 520 Downhaul Drive and experience the feel firsthand. Explore the spacious four bedrooms and take note of the two master suites, seamlessly connected floor plan and beautiful kitchen. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

The tour will only leave you wanting more. When that happens, give us a call at 850.492.1148 and we’ll be happy to show you the place so that you can appreciate every little detail.

Memorial Day Events on the Coast

Are you excited for the long weekend? Perhaps you’ll be taking a break from shopping for real estate in Northwest Florida or Coastal Alabama to hit the beach. If so, don’t miss these other hot events, as well!

Memorial Day is sort of an unofficial kickoff to summer here along the Gulf Coast. School is letting out, the weather is warming up and there are tons of great events taking place each weekend.

Start your holiday weekend off right with the weekly Sunset Festival at The Wharf in Orange Beach. This event features live music and other festivities, but this week is extra special. Enjoy the street performers, kids’ activities and live music before the Pepsi Beach Ball Drop at 7pm when 2000+ beach balls will fall to welcome summer.

If you live in Gulf Shores, you’re in for a treat. Back by popular demand, we encourage you to spend Saturday at the Public Beach Pavilion for the 2nd annual Gulf State Park Luau. Enjoy a day of fun under the sun before live performers, including dancers, take the stage at 5:30pm. Delicious food and drinks will also be available.

Or, get cleaned up after your beach day and hit LuLu’s on Homeport Marina for her annual LuLuPalooza. Enjoy live music, great food and cool drinks while you watch the kids play in the sand, on the ropes course or challenge them in the arcade. No matter how you celebrate, we hope you have a fun, safe Memorial Day weekend!