Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival


downloadOne of our favorite fall events is coming up next month. And, it’s an especially great festival to attend if you own real estate in Northwest Florida or a Coastal Alabama home, because this event lasts a full eleven days!

We are speaking, of course, of the Frank Brown International Songwriter’s Festival. This musical event is easy to enjoy no matter where you live along the Gulf Coast. While the Flora-Bama in Perdido Key may act as the central hub of the festival, performance venues include locations in Pensacola Beach, downtown Pensacola, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.

The songwriters’ festival welcomes acclaimed writers, many Grammy winners who have penned some of your favorite tunes over the years. You will also have the chance to preview future hit-makers as they perform on the various stages of the Gulf Coast venues. Come out and help celebrate the 31st anniversary of this wonderful local event, taking place November 5-15, 2015!

Realtor.com’s Mobile, AL Real Estate Forecast

WaterfrontSweet home Alabama never rang more true, at least according to a recent article released by Realtor.com. Large homes, affordable prices – who wouldn’t want to own real estate in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Fairhope or any of the neighboring cities in the great state of Alabama?

Well, that’s not the only reason real estate is “looking rosy in Mobile.” Job creation is a huge draw. The Airbus Factory is projected to create 4,000 jobs, and according to the New York Times the “plane maker has received more than 18,000 applications,” already.

“If manufacturing continues to grow, Mobile may just become a destination for people looking for an affordable place to live,” said the author Lisa Davis. Affordable is an understatement when you compare market prices to similar areas around the Gulf Coast. The average home price in Mobile is $125,000. The average sold price is $119,000 – $190,640 less than the national average.

It’s an exciting time, and we’re happy to be here on the ground floor. If you’re thinking about buying a home for sale in Mobile, Alabama, now is the time to do it! Contact one of our real estate agents for advice and tips and area information.

Benefit for Vern Hunt

Vern Hunt Benefit_2015It has been a crazy couple of weeks at Southern Real Estate Sales, but we are pleased to announce that the benefit for former Pointe South real estate agent, Vern Hunt was a huge success!

Vern, a dear friend of many of our Pensacola real estate agents, suffered a stroke about 6 months ago. His health is improving, but naturally, it is a slow process. To help with medical bills, friends, families and members of the Perdido Key community all pitched in to hold a benefit this past Thursday in Vern’s honor.

There was a great turnout at the Lost Key Golf Club and over $5,000 raised for Vern and his family. This is of course, excluding the items that were auctioned off. Big ticket items included a three-night Gulf Coast vacation stay, a round of golf for four and sunset cruise. And though the benefit is over, our thoughts and prayers still go out to Vern and his beautiful family for a speedy recovery!

Click for additional updates on Vern Hunt.

The National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores

EventPhotoFull_shrimp fest logoWhy is October a great time to own real estate on the Gulf Coast? We have no doubt our local residents of Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama have been enjoying the great fall weather, but have you ventured out to any of the local events? If not, this is your weekend!

It’s almost time for the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama. If you own real estate in Orange Beach or other nearby communities, be sure to come out. This event will kick off Thursday, October 8 and will run through Sunday, October 11, 2015. The festival is free for everyone and takes place at the public beach access where Highway 59 ends and intersects with Highway 182.

The National Shrimp Festival features four fun-filled days of live music, great food and kid-friendly activities. In addition to the delicious eats and awesome live music, you will also enjoy walking through the vendor booths as you take in the art pieces from local, regional and national artists. The Children’s Activity Village offers exciting arts and crafts and other activities that the kids are sure to enjoy. If you weren’t already planning on stopping by, we highly recommend you spend a day…or four…at this premier festival. Who doesn’t love music, delicious food and an incredible view?

Just Sold by Realtor Fred Krause!

12019991_997308746988542_7248241105014104334_nWe talk a lot about our Pensacola real estate agent’s listings, but rarely do we mention how often they sell. It’s funny when you think about it, because selling a home can be just as complex as listing one. The thing is, you never really hear about it.

That is why we are so pleased to congratulate long-time Southern Real Estate Sales agent, Fred Krause on his most recent closing. Fred just sold an absolutely incredible home in Perdido Key. Oh, and did we mention he didn’t just act as the listing agent, but the selling agent too? It’s true what we we say, our agents really can do it all!

This closing only confirms what talented agents we have on staff and how Fred has honed his skills to offers buyers and sellers the very best. He listed and sold the Perdido Key beach home in less 89 days. Like this home, he truly is one-of-a-kind.

For more information on Fred and how he can help you find (or sell) your dream home, contact him today at 850.393.9336.

Long Term Rentals in Alabama

DSC_0699Have you been on the hunt to find a home or condo for sale in Orange Beach, Alabama? With so many incredible options to choose from it can be hard to make up your mind. That’s where our friends and Alabama property managers at Southern Residential Leasing can help.

While you house hunt, choose to get to know the area in a long term rental with Southern. Whether you are on the hunt for a condo in Gulf Shores or a single-family home in Mobile, we have you covered. Some of our favorites include a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom brick home in Mobile. This residence offers the perfect combination of classic finishes and modern upgrades. Or, head towards Robertsdale and lease a popular ranch stule home with a large backyard perfect for your pets to play.

If you’re looking for something a little smaller, check out our cozy 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom cottage in Historic Malbis or our condo overlooking the river in Gulf Shores. That’s really just the beginning. There are so many other great long term rentals in Mobile, Daphne and Spanish Fort to choose from. Call  855.981.7516 today to lease one of these incredible homes!

PS – Did we mention that now through October 1, we have waived the $50.00 application fee? Better hurry and apply today!

The Perdido Key Pirate Festival

pkc_piratefest_aside_2015Saturday, 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!

487258Whether 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 yoReal estate agent at worku 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!

Stay and Save at Summer Breeze!

SUMMER-ExtAngleSugar-white sand, sparkling blue water and stunning sunshine. What’s not to love about Coastal Alabama? Invite your friends and family on a vacation to the beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama and choose Summer Breeze for your beach retreat. With seven bedrooms and six bathroom, this Gulf Shores vacation rental home will accommodate up to eighteen people with ease, making it the perfect location for any kind of group getaway. This home offers up unbeatable beach views for you to savor from almost every room of the home. Relax on your private balcony and watch the sun sparkle on the Gulf of Mexico.

Summer Breeze is conveniently located near a variety of popular restaurants, shopping centers and other incredible attractions. It also offers all of the comforts of your own home, including a grand kitchen, fully-equipped with high-end stainless steel appliances and decorated with beautiful granite countertops. Additional amenities include a free-standing ice maker, a whirlpool tub and a walk-in shower in the master bathroom, a private gas grill and a private garage. Take advantage of the washer and dryer in your accommodations as well as the free WiFi during your stay.

Save 10% on your vacation when you stay in this lovely beach home, and spend your days with waves at your feet and the sand as your seat. You do not want to miss out on this beach vacation special.