August Vacation Deals from Southern!

August SpecialIt’s almost time to head back to school, but there is still plenty of time to treat the kids, and yourself, to a last minute beach vacation. Or, staycation, as it were.

Even though you may own a Northwest Florida home or Coastal Alabama real estate, our friends at Southern Vacation Rentals want to help you stretch out your summer before the school bell rings!

Reserve a Gulf Coast condo or beach home for a stay any time this August and receive 25% off when you choose a Southern condo or home rental! Just select from one of our vacation rentals in Perdido Key, Pensacola Beach, or Gulf Shores, such as the beautiful Summer Breeze home rental. You can also step out of your comfort zone and experience Panama City Beach, Destin, 30A or Fort Walton Beach!

Worried there won’t be anything going on this close to the summer ending? Well, things aren’t winding down along our shores any time soon. In fact, you will find plenty to do along the beaches throughout the fall despite the fact that school will soon be in swing. You can stop by Bands on the Beach in Pensacola Beach on Tuesday and enjoy various family friendly festivals in Orange Beach at The Wharf, Harborwalk Village in Destin and Baytowne Wharf in South Walton near 30A.

Call now or visit Southern online at SouthernResorts.com to book your back to school staycation in a Gulf Coast condo or home rental this August.

 

Welcome Susan Garrity!

SusanGarrity2Great things are happening at Southern Real Estate Sales! We are pleased to announce that we have added a new member to our team of licensed real estate agents in Florida and Alabama. Allow us to welcome Susan Garrity!

Susan comes to us with over 15 years in the real estate industry and an extensive background in both commercial and residential developments. Familiar with the investment world, Susan also founded a vacation rental management company which she sold in 2011.

Prior to her career in real estate, Susan worked as an Office Manager at General Motors in North Carolina. She graduated from The University of North Georgia where she received a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Accounting.

“The past few years have been a whirlwind of representing all types of buyers and sellers,” said Garrity. “I’m looking forward to helping past, present and future clients under the Southern Real Estate name.”

Though Susan is new to our team of professionals, she’s not new to the area, nor the real estate game. Susan is an enthusiastic member of the community and has enjoyed helping her clients find the best deals that Perdido Key has to offer.

Interested in learning more about Susan and how she can help you find the perfect piece of Perdido Key real estate? Email her today at [email protected]! She’ll be happy to help you buy, sell or invest in the property of your dreams!

Downtown Pensacola Events in August!

Seville Square in PensacolaIf the hunt for Gulf Coast real estate has planted you in downtown Pensacola, congratulations! We know you will love your new home, not to mention all the awesome upcoming events you now have access to, including many this August.

You will always find great weekly events taking place near your real estate in Pensacola, including the Palafox Market, but late summer and early fall really kick off some great ones. The first is Summer Restaurant Week, hosted by the Great Southern Restaurants. These local dining hot spots are ones you will get to know well while living in your new home and this is a great chance to explore them.

Summer Restaurant Week takes place August 4-8, 2015 and features awesome three course menus from three different restaurants, Jackson’s Steakhouse, Atlas Oyster House and The Fish House. Cost is just $33 per person, per restaurant and offers a delicious tour of what each local chef has to offer. Some of the options include lobster with mascarpone Alfredo sauce, panhandle paella and slow roasted ribeye, along with choice appetizers and desserts.

Don’t miss out on this delicious way to explore your new city! We hope to see you out for Summer Restaurant Week in downtown Pensacola this August.

PRICE REDUCED: Banana Bay Townhomes

482885-1Interested in investing in Perdido Key real estate? Our Owner/Broker, Susan Carleton has just the listing for you. Rental-ready and recently reduced, we invite you to explore the colorful community of Banana Bay Townhomes!

Banana Bay Townhomes are quietly tucked away on the Intracoastal Waterway, just across the main island bridge. These homes are spacious, fun and packed full of income potential. 6082 Valhalla Avenue is no different. A three bedroom end-unit, this townhome is one of the few currently listed for sale (and by that we mean two*).

The interior offers an open floor plan, upgraded kitchen and spacious loft area. The location though is what’s hard to beat. With access to community amenities such as the sandy beach area, pool and fitness center at your fingertips and restaurants, golf courses and marinas within walking distance, owning at Banana Bay truly is the best of beach living.

Did we mention the seller is motivated and will look at all offers? Better hurry, opportunities like this are few and far between. Contact Susan today for more information about this Perdido Key townhome for sale.

*Information taken from the MLS and is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

We’re Hiring Talented Real Estate Agents!

Were HiringOver the past twenty years, Southern Real Estate Sales (formerly known as Pointe South) has worked with a vision of excellence in mind. Our goal is to be the most caring company along the Gulf Coast and our agents are our greatest assets in bringing this to life.

With more than 30 licensed agents in Florida and Alabama and five office locations, we are uniquely positioned to provide you with a one-of-a-kind real estate experience that is above all else. This of course is only possible because of the staff we have on hand.

If you want to work for a company that cares about your success, give us a call today. We’re looking to grow in all of our markets including Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Fairhope and Mobile. Not only will we provide you with leads from the start, but the resources, tools and training you need to be successful.

Let us help you exceed not only buyers and sellers expectations, but your own! Call 850.492.1826 to ask about joining our Gulf Coast real estate team today.

Upcoming Events at The Wharf

The-Wharf7-300x200Owning Orange Beach or Gulf Shores real estate provides you ample opportunities for fun. This comes in the form of the beach family festivals, and of course, events at favorite area event venues such as the Wharf!

The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama is a great destination for shopping, dining and festivals, as well as concerts at the amphitheater. This late summer and very early fall there are several awesome events taking place, with one or two sure to make your ‘must-attend’ list.

The first is the Top of the Hops Beer Festival on August 15, 2015. This event will take place on the Marina Lawn and will feature over 150 craft brews located in various beer gardens. In addition to the tasting event, you will find educational seminars such as Cooking with Beer, Food Pairings and How to Brew Beer. There will also be live music and exciting games. Tickets are on sale now for $35.

Upcoming events at The Wharf Amphitheater include concerts from Alabama Shakes, with special guests  the Drive by Truckers on August 22, 2015. Tickets are still on sale for this show, as well as for the September 6 show from the legendary Alabama! If you own property in Orange Beach or Gulf Shores, don’t let these nearby events pass you by. Get your tickets today!

Local Area Farmers’ Markets

FarmersMarket-252x300There is a big trend in today’s world to shop local and handmade. And, if you have recently purchased Pensacola or Perdido Key real estate, you can easily get in on this fantastic movement at our local area markets.

If you own a home in downtown Pensacola, we highly encourage you to step out on Saturday morning and explore the Palafox Market. This local market is open every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9am-2pm at Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza on North Palafox.

The Palafox Market offers a little something for every shopper, whether you’re looking for fresh produce or handmade goodies. Some items you can expect to see weekly are homegrown garden items, flowers, local meat and cheese, home goods and even antiques. You can even enjoy some music and munch on tasty morning treat from vendors.

If you happen to prefer real estate in Perdido Key, hit up their local farmers’ market before heading to your showings on Saturdays. Located at Baars Field on Gulf Beach Highway, this market opens at 8am and closed at 1pm. Here you will also find a wonderful variety of fresh produce, handmade goodies and treats to choose from, all from local makers and growers. We hope to see you out at these local markets this summer and fall!

Blue Marlin Championship this Weekend!

While you could take a break from shopping for Florida or Alabama real estate to hit up the Pensacola Beach Air show this weekend, some people prefer the sea over the air. If this sounds like you, head for Orange Beach and their biggest fishing tournament of the year!

The Blue Marlin Grand Championship has fast become known as one of the “greatest shows in sportfishing.” This is because it is a weekend packed with great events on land and at sea. Even if you don’t plan to or like to fish, you will still find a ton to do at The Wharf. In addition to great tournament events, you will also be near awesome shopping and dining at The Wharf.

Captain and crew events kick off today, July 7, with the official kickoff party taking place on July 8 at Bimini Bob’s. For those fishing, get ready to set sail on July 9 at noon with a special flare launch! Most trips are overnight, so those staying on land won’t get to enjoy the spectacular weigh-ins until Friday and Saturday evening at 7pm. This is arguably the most exciting portion of any tournament. Watch as boats come to shore and offload their amazing catches!

Don’t miss this fun Gulf Coast fishing tournament of the awesome Blue Marlin, Dolphin, Tuna and Wahoo catches that each crew is sure to bring to shore. See you on the docks of The Wharf!

Have a Safe & Happy 4th!

FireworksToday is the day! On behalf of our Northwest Florida and Alabama real estate agents at Southern, we would like to wish everyone a Happy Fourth 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.

We want you all to enjoy this historic day – so have fun and be safe! To see the complete 4th of July Fireworks Safety Guide, visit FireworksSafety.Org.

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!