Real Estate Going Green

When it comes to real estate in Pensacola, “going green” is not just a fad. For buyers, it is an investment in the future and for sellers it could be the difference between a home that sells and a home that sits.

According to a National Association of Home Builders study, roughly 90 percent of homebuyers take energy efficiency into account as they shop. When you think about it, the reason is simple: energy efficient homes have the potential to save buyers money on utility costs and offer additional health benefits among a variety of other factors.

From a seller’s standpoint, thinking green in renovations can have its advantages as well. The NAHB study indicates a strong tendency for buyers to take efficiency into account when searching for a home; combine this with the facts that most single family homes in the United States, Pensacola, Perdido Key and Orange Beach included, were built before energy-saving regulations were enacted and you have two very compelling reasons to go green before you list your home.

Are you interested in buying or selling a green home on the Gulf Coast? Our real estate agents in Pensacola will be happy to help you through the process.

Lionfish Shootout!

Calling all divers! If you own Gulf Coast real estate, or even just want to come do a little diving while on vacation in Coastal Alabama, come participate in the upcoming Lionfish Shootout in Orange Beach!

While Lionfish are gorgeous and fun to look at, they can also be dangerous and are an invasive species along our coast line. The Gulf Coast Lionfish Coalition, host of this event, aim to educate the public and control the local Lionfish population.

The Lionfish Shootout will take place on September 6, 2014. Registration is just $35, with t-shirt, and you could walk away with $1,500 in cash prizes! If you can’t make it for the shootout in Orange Beach early in the month, head over to Perdido Key for the Fall Lionfish Roundup on September 27 and 28. You could walk away with $3,100 in cash. See you in the water!

Thunder on the Gulf this Weekend

Take a break from shopping for Gulf Coast real estate and head out to the beach. One of the best events in the area is back and hitting the water this weekend!

Thunder on the Gulf is a fast paced event powered by the Gulf Coast Powerboat Association. And, this event isn’t your usual boating show and typical exhibition, either. These race are fun, fast and a good time for your entire family.

Enjoy some fun under the sun in Orange Beach and Pensacola Beach this weekend. Race viewing locations are open to the public along the course every day and the first race will take place at 1PM on Friday, August 22. You can also watch from the beach. Just kick off your shoes, have a seat and enjoy!

Can’t make it to the races in Orange Beach? This event will also take place in the following days along the coast of Pensacola Beach. See ya there.

July 2014 Monthly Market Reports

The end of the second quarter revealed signs of an up-trending market. Keeping in line with national averages, the Northwest Florida real estate market saw both the number of homes for sale increase and prices continue to rise. Even with these positive changes, the recovery remains in place with some lingering lending challenges.

Because of the real estate industry’s volatile nature, our agents have designed a market report to help you gauge activity in areas specific to your interests. Below you will find a compilation of data taken from the Pensacola Association of Realtors. This includes a variety of information from condos and homes sold to year over year activity in your local area.

Not only do our real estate agents understand these trends, but they have the resources and commitment to help you weather the storm whether you are interested in buying or selling.

Our door is always open market conditions, property values and any other questions you may have. Feel free to stop by any one of our offices along the Gulf Coast for more information about the state of your local real estate market.

Single Family Home For Sale in Pensacola

If you are tired of endlessly searching the web and flipping through newspaper ads to find a home for sale in Pensacola, look no further. Recently listed by Pointe South Broker/Owner, Susan Carleton is a beautiful single-family home tucked quietly away in one of Pensacola’s most sought-after neighborhoods.

Located in Chevalier, this impressive three bedroom, two bathroom home is just minutes away from some of the area’s most renowned beaches and military bases. Built in 1995, this meticulously cared for space has been recently remodeled and offers a variety of new features. The walls have been painted and the carpet replaced. Beautiful hardwood floors have even been installed throughout the main living areas of the home.

To round things out, new granite countertops can be found in the kitchen and bathrooms, in addition to updated light fixtures and appliances. The master bedroom offers a spacious master closet with built in shelving and the additional Florida room overlooks the lushly landscaped yard.

This home is now listed at $224,000. Take a virtual tour online and see all that this beautiful home has to offer.

Are you interested in other Pensacola real estate opportunities? Our agents will be happy to help your find the home of your dreams.

Buying a Home As-Is

Are you in the market to buy a home in Orange Beach? Perhaps you would rather purchase a condo for sale in Perdido Key. Whatever you find yourself shopping for, you have likely come across a property or two that is advertised for sale “as-is.”

What exactly does “as-is” entail? For starters, it does not always mean that there is something wrong with the property, just that the seller will not be making any repairs. The reasons could be financial in the event of a short sale, or personal which can encompass everything from location obstacles to health issues. At times, highly competitive markets will have many homes that are sold as-is because buyers are motivated enough to take the risk.

The risk involved with these homes will vary, but the known problems will likely be filled out in a disclosure form. The things that are missed should be caught during the inspection. This part is crucial when it comes to as-is homes. It is an opportunity to catch the undisclosed conditions so that you are not blindsided by the costs after your finalize the purchase.

If you are ready to buy a home, contact a Gulf Coast real estate agent at Pointe South. We will be happy to guide you through the entire process.

National Seashore Makes USA Today Bucket List

Do you have a bucket list? Is a visit to the Gulf Islands National Seashore listed on it? USA Today thinks it should be and we couldn’t agree more.

The Gulf Islands National Seashore is compromised of the barrier islands of the Florida Panhandle and Mississippi. If you own real estate in Perdido Key or have stayed in a Gulf Coast condo rental, you have probably enjoyed the park at locations such as Johnson Beach. But, take a closer look; there is so much to explore during your visit!

You already know the white sand and clear, green waves are perfect for a bevy of water and sun activities, but did you know the park also offers some of the best fishing and hiking along the coast? Oh, and be sure to stop by the Civil War era forts in the area. They are both fun and educational, and sure to be enjoyed by the entire family.

Home For Sale on Innerarity Island

Experience life on the Gulf Coast in this picturesque property, just a short drive from the beautiful beaches of Perdido Key. From quieter evenings at home to grand events, this six bedroom, four bathroom home is impeccably designed to satisfy all of your lifestyle needs.

Elegance is an understatement when it comes to this one-of-a-kind property. Situated at the highest elevation of Innerarity Point Road, this property spans 5338 square feet and offers incredible views of Old River.

The grand nature of this home is evident from the lushly landscaped yard to the warm interior style. Dramatic first impressions include high ceilings, spacious rooms and soaring waterfront views. The master bath has been renovated with spa-like qualities and spans an impressive 1000 square feet.

Situated on .73 acres of secluded nature, this waterfront home for sale in Perdido Key also comes with two boat and two jet ski lifts at the end of a lovely dock that overlooks Ono Island. In addition to that, this home offers a generator, tankless gas hot water system, hot tub and tiered decking system.

Interested in this listing? Contact Pointe South’s Owner/Broker, Susan Carleton at 850.492.1826 for more information on this and other Pensacola real estate opportunities.

Seawind Condo For Sale in Gulf Shores

Whether you are in the market to buy vacation rental in Gulf Shores or you are in need of something a little more permanent, this recently listed condo at Seawind is an excellent choice.

Listed by Pointe South’s Owner/Broker, Susan Carleton, this lavish condo offers two bedrooms, two baths and spans an impressive 1,130 square feet.

Inside the meticulously cared for condo, you will find a variety of upgrades that will make life an absolute dream. From the granite countertops and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen to the additional bunk room, no detail has been left untouched. This includes the grand balcony that affords gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico.

The same can be said for the resort amenities. Perched directly on the sandy-white beaches, Seawind offers an indoor and outdoor pool community, fitness facility and spa all in addition to a premier location. That is right, you are within walking distance of many popular eateries and entertainment venues, an excellent feature for potential rental revenue.

Sounds like a vacation, looks like paradise, could be your home. For more information on this condo and other Gulf Shores real estate opportunities, contact Susan today at 850.516.7238.

Unmatched Long Term Rental Referral Program

It is generally safe to say that real estate agents in Pensacola, Perdido Key, Orange Beach and the surrounding areas are asked a variety of questions. From up and coming neighborhoods to financing options, no stone is left un-turned. Some questions agents can answer right off the bat, others can require some research. For instance, “Do you know of any property management services in the area?” As a reliable agent, you want to do your best to refer your buyer to a company who cares, but do not want to miss out on the opportunity of “returning customers.” Refer your owners to Pointe South Residential Leasing and this debate is no longer an issue. Not only does Pointe South offer a $500 incentive to Realtors, but they will return the favor and refer the homeowners back to you when they are ready to sell again. While the bonus is a great incentive, so is the company. Locally owned and operated, the residential leasing team at Pointe South is comprised of dedicated members who are determined to maximize rental revenue for your clients on their terms. So, the next time you are asked about a property management service in Pensacola, mention our residential leasing staff and see how it can pay off.