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! 

Featured Property: Pensacola Home in Chevalier

Pensacola real estate agent, Ouida Jones, joined the Pointe South real estate team in 2006 after 20 years of service in the U.S. Navy. Her success in the real estate industry is not only strengthened by her knowledge of the area, but by her ability to relate to buyers who find themselves searching for a home in an unfamiliar market.

Jones’s most recent listing is a beautiful home located in one of Pensacola’s most sought after neighborhoods. Chevalier is close to the area’s finest beaches and restaurants in addition to the Pensacola military bases. More specifically, this home has been strategically placed on a large corner lot, quietly tucked away from the stresses of daily life.

Built in 1997, this well maintained space spans approximately 2,625 square feet and offers four bedrooms, two baths and a side-entry two-car garage. From the dream kitchen with an immense amount of counter space to the elegant fireplace in the living room, this home is full of delightful finishes, some you truly must see to believe.

Flood Proofing Your Gulf Coast Home

Last week’s flooding rains have left the Gulf Coast in an overall State of Emergency. While the residents and real estate in Pensacola, FL are used to fairly significant storm season, the nearly 25 inches have left residents dreaming of sunny days spent on the beach. The good news is the recovery process is in full swing and summer is just around the corner. The not-so-good news is that hurricane season is hot on its heels.

What better time to prepare than after a storm? If you take the steps now to protect your real estate investment you could potentially save both time and money when future storms strike. With that, do not just build your home back, build it better. There are a variety of options out there for flood proofing your home. Costs vary, but effectiveness is undeniable. Options include elevation, floodwalls, dry and wet flood proofing.

Another thing that will protect your home is storm shutters. These remain one of the most economical solutions to prevent windows from opening during a storm. If this is not an option, precautionary measures can also include flood insurance and a response plan.

Remember the better prepared your home is now, the less you will have to scramble later.

Pensacola Real Estate Agent: Ouida Jones

The past 20 years at Pointe South have been marked by success, not only in Gulf Coast real estate, but in rentals and property management as well.  As a proven leader in the industry, our goal continues to operate under the vision of being the most caring company along the Gulf Coast. Without a doubt the greatest asset we have in achieving this is our real estate professionals.

Ouida Jones joined the Pointe South Real Estate team in 2006 after 20 years of service in the U.S. Navy. She traveled around the world from Puerto Rico to Norfolk, Virginia, and finally decided to settle in Pensacola where she attained her real estate license.

Not only is Jones familiar with the area, but she also knows what it is like to live and look for a home in an unfamiliar area. Real estate allows Jones to help men and women like herself, especially those looking for a military friendly business. Ouida’s expert knowledge of local market trends, listings and general information will prove assets for all of your Pensacola real estate endeavors.

Contact Ouida Jones today at 850.712.7574 or any of our other Gulf Coast real estate agents for a free consultation.

The Interstate Mullet Toss!

It’s here! The Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party kicks off today and we can’t wait to fling some fish.

If you have recently purchased real estate in Perdido Key or are enjoying an Orange Beach vacation, be sure to visit the Flora-Bama to check out this event. Bring your throwing arm, though. We really mean it when we say “mullet toss”.

Each year hundreds of people gather along the sugar white shore of Perdido Key and Orange Beach to attempt tossing a favorite local fish across the state border. Really. All you have to do is stand in a circle and attempt to throw your fish from the beaches of Northwest Florida onto the beaches of Coastal Alabama.

Not only is this event fun but a portion of the proceeds even benefit a great cause, the Community Drug & Alcohol Council, as well as other youth programs in the area. Stick around after your throw to enjoy the beach party, four days of live music, great food and cool drinks. See you on the sand!