Visit The Gulf Restaurant in Orange Beach

Whether you have just purchased Gulf Coast real estate or are simply planning a great getaway to the shores of Alabama’s Gulf Coast, we have the ultimate dining recommendation for you – The Gulf! Great food and a great view – that’s what you will find at this Orange Beach restaurant.

Recently named to Coastal Living’s Favorite Seafood Dives of 2014, in fact, it took the top spot, there are many reasons to visit. What it lacks in walls and floors is made up in character, delicious eats and amazing views.

When you arrive to the bright blue restaurant, you will undoubtedly notice something unique about the building itself. Take a step back and you will find that the building is composed of artfully arranged shipping containers, just one example of the uniqueness of this special place.

The menu changes based on what fish is in season and generally what is available fresh. The chalkboard sign promises choices such as a burger, fish sandwich, pasta or even seafood tacos. If you love live music, you will enjoy the live bands. But, when the stage is empty, they spin real, vinyl records. Be sure to checkout The Gulf during your next stop in to Orange Beach, Alabama.

We Are Hiring Experienced Real Estate Agents!

Since 1996, Pointe South has been a proven leader in the Gulf Coast real estate industry. Our vision is to be the most caring company along the Gulf Coast. What is our greatest asset in achieving this goal? Our REALTORS®.

The Pointe South team is compiled of over 30 distinct members, each dedicated to serving the needs of buyers and sellers from Navarre Beach, Florida, west to Fairhope, Alabama. Here at Pointe South, we strive not only to provide our clients with the best service, but every one of our real estate agents.

Throughout the year we recognize the individual members of our team that have contributed to the overall positive image of the Pointe South brand. We understand that the key to any successful real estate transaction is the right agent and we like to acknowledge ours for all of their efforts and overall personal commitment.

Last year Pointe South totaled over $42 million in sales volume and has already grossed $14.5 million this year. Choose to work for a company with a proven track record.

If you are an experienced real estate agent in Pensacola, Perdido Key, Orange Beach and the surrounding areas in pursuit of a job, please call 850.492.1826. We would love to hear more about how you can contribute to the Pointe South team.

We offer training, office space, lead generation and unsurpassed commission splits for full time agents. For a full list of details, contact Owner/Broker Susan Carleton today.

Prepare Your Property for Hurricane Season

After some wicked winter weather and a freak flood incident, it is probably safe to say that residents of the Gulf Coast are ready for sunny days spent on the area’s most beautiful beaches. That said, it may be time to start thinking ahead, and not just about your upcoming vacation or Orange Beach concert getaway.

Let us be honest, the last thing anyone wants to think about is another potentially devastating weather event. The fact of the matter is hurricane season officially begins June 1 and the best way to avoid the aftermath of a storm is to prepare for it ahead of time. So, what is the best way to prepare to your Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama real estate from severe weather?

There are a few relatively simple and cost effective solutions to help protect your property. Consider installing hurricane shutters. This remains one of the most economical housing solutions when it comes to wet weather. If these are not an option, stock up on panels and plywood ahead of time so you are ready when a storm is projected to hit. Flood insurance is worth considering as well. Keep in mind that most policies have a time clause before they go into effect.

The better prepared your property is now, the less you will stress later.

Ride the Pensacola Beach Trolley

If you will be venturing out of your new home on the Gulf Coast to hit the beach, or happen to be on vacation in Pensacola Beach, don’t fight the crowds for parking. Simply take the Pensacola Beach trolley!

The beaches are heating up which means they are also becoming a bit more crowded. While you will find plenty of space for all along the sand, the same cannot always be said for parking at the public beaches. Stop circling the lot!

The Pensacola Beach Trolley follows an eastbound and westbound route along Via De Luna Drive, the main drag of Pensacola Beach. Park your vehicle in any available public parking lot, or walk to a stop from your Pensacola Beach vacation rental, and hop on board to catch a ride to the beach!

The trolley offers a number of stops, including the front gate of Fort Pickens as well as the Gulfside Pavilion at Casino Beach. For additional information on stop locations swing into the Pensacola Beach Visitor’s center and pick up a trolley map. Scan the QR code on the map to activate the Trolley Tracker, a convenient way to locate this service during your trip to Pensacola Beach.

Buying a Home on a Budget

If you have ever searched for real estate in Pensacola or even a condo in Orange Beach, you are probably already aware of the one thing that can turn your dream into a nightmare. That is right, your budget.

Budget is not an issue for some and luck is in the hands of others who find the perfect home at a reasonable price, but more often than not, money will be the deciding factor of whether you are sold or left searching. So, aside from the common mortgage calculators that can help determine how much you can stretch, there are a few things you should remember when it comes to financing for a home.

Generally, the best way to find a dream home that you can afford is to shop with a set maximum price. If you have ever heard do not buy groceries when you are hungry, the same can be said for a home. It is important to prioritize your family needs when shopping and make sure that those are met first and within your budget. If there is any room left to wiggle, that is when you can go back for the ice cream, or in this case the home with all the added upgrades.

For more Gulf Coast real estate tips like these, contact our agents today at 850.492.1826.

Kick Off Summer at The Wharf in Orange Beach

Will you be spending your summer vacation in Orange Beach? Better yet, are you hitting the Gulf Coast for Memorial Day? Either way, don’t miss out on The Wharf’s 100 Days of Summer event!

That’s right, 100 full days of hot events and long days packed with fun for the whole family. Even if you are a local who owns real estate on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, be sure to visit The Wharf and all its summer attractions.

Memorial Day marks the start of 100 Days of Summer, which is presented by Pepsi. The event will kick off with live music on Main Street beginning at 6:30PM. At 8PM hit Main Street for a truly one of a kind beach event – the beach ball drop! Delight as 2,000 inflated beach balls are released to mark the beginning of summer fun.

The weekend isn’t over, though. Stick around after the ball drop for the premier of the 2014 SPECTRA light show, which can then be viewed twice per day throughout the summer. Plan your family vacation, or stay-cation, now and don’t miss 100 Days of Summer at The Wharf in Orange Beach!

Sprucing Up Your Home for Sale

Let us be honest, no house for sale is ever perfect, but some are in better shape than others. Those are the homes that a Gulf Coast real estate agent dreams of, however they are not always a reality.

Although your home may not be a star listing, it still needs to attract a crowd and sell for the best possible price. So, how do you make your stand out in the market? The first thing you can do is clean. This also includes removing clutter. Your goal should be to eliminate anything that has potential to distract a buyer from the foundations of your home. If you are not sure what to toss, walk through your space with a real estate agent and get ready to pack as you go.

While staging and a fresh coat of paint will go a long way, these options are not always the most cost-effective ways to improve your home’s impression. That said, if your home is not perfect, price it accordingly. Pricing slightly below comparable listings can give your home an edge over the competition.

Perhaps the best thing you can do to help sell your home is be honest from the get-go. If buyers go in with false expectations, your home will only come across as a disappointment.

In the end, a savvy real estate agent can help you price and sell your home. Contact our group of Pensacola real estate agents today for a free consultation.

Pointe South Real Estate Agents “Baking” the World a Better Place

Nothing says “Home” more than the smell of fresh baked cookies. So, what does a “Sold Home” smell like? Perhaps an office full of fresh baked cookies.

The Pointe South Real Estate team, a proven leader in Gulf Coast real estate since 1996, is hosting a celebratory cookie party in honor of yet another successful month. Agents at the Perdido Key office are expected throughout the day to drop in and fill up on a tasty treat to reward all of their hard work.

April goals exceeded expectations totaling over $7.1 million in sales with year-to-date numbers quickly approaching the $14.5 million mark.

Over the years and under the leadership of owner/broker, Susan Carleton, the Pointe South team has helped thousands of residents find their dream homes throughout Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama. Today, as one of the most recognized names in real estate, Pointe South is comprised of over 30 agents who service real estate needs from Pensacola, Florida to Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Our goal is to be the most caring company along the Gulf Coast. We know that our greatest asset in achieving this rests solely in the hands of our Gulf Coast REALTORS®.

We would like to thank each one who has helped make Pointe South the success that it is today.

“Tanked” Coming to Perdido Key

The bickering brothers-in-law of the popular show “Tanked” are giving you another reason to stop in to the Perdido Key Visitors Center. Swing by during your next vacation in a Perdido Key condo rental to check out their latest 403-gallon design!

The new aquarium will feature a pirate theme and contain fish and an ecosystem native to the Gulf Coast. In addition to checking out your favorite fish, see if you can spot the extra elements hidden inside, including gold coins, a pirate ship, and other items included to pay homage to Perdido Key and the local area. An interactive play and education area will also be included in the display.

The new feature of the Perdido Key Visitors Information Center will be installed this June, with the “Tanked” crew in tow to film the entire process for Animal Planet. While an air date has not been announced, “Tanked” airs on Friday nights. Be sure to stop in and check out the new aquarium during your next visit and vacation to Perdido Key!

April 2014 Monthly Market Reports

Since 1996, Pointe South has been a proven leader in Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama real estate. Our professional group of REALTORS® is dedicated to keeping current on market trends. Whether you are buying or selling, rest assured that our agents are always on the lookout for a great deal.

We understand the volatile nature of the real estate market, but we have the knowledge and experience to help guide you through the process. Visit our April 2014 Monthly Market Reports for additional information on Sold properties:

Our door is always open to discuss property values, market conditions and any other questions you may have. Call one of our Gulf Coast real estate agents today for a free consultation.

If you are in the market to buy, view all of our current listings from Pensacola, Florida to Orange Beach, Alabama… Great Things Are Happening!