Not So Short Sales?

All signs indicate an improving real estate market with fewer foreclosures and short sales. That is not to say that they are not still prevalent, just perhaps not as widespread as a few years ago.

In a nutshell, short sales occur when the loan on the property becomes larger than the sale price, thus asking the bank to take less than the amount owed. From a buyer’s perspective, this means distressed sellers and the deal of a lifetime.

Sometimes a short sale can have two loans. The large loan is the one that is being shorted and while the smaller loan is dismissed. Two loans, from two banks means two processes of approval. With double the lenders that could mean double length in closing. With the right real estate professional, it does not have to be that way.

Whether you are selling a home as a short sale or a buying one, look for an agent who has experience with the process. Our experiences professionals at Pointe South will be happy to guide you through the short sale system.

Perdido Key Condo For Sale

Warm, elegant and inviting, this luxurious Perdido Key condominium is nestled within the east building of the Marseilles complex.

Relish in the grand style of this four bedroom, four full bathrooms and one half bathroom home that features not only spacious living areas, but boasts two large balconies with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. Dramatic first impressions include travertine flooring throughout the common areas, 10’ ceilings with floor to ceiling glass and soaring views of emerald green water and sandy white beaches.

Spanning roughly 2414 square feet and sitting on approximately 200 feet of gorgeous Gulf Coast beach, this gated, rent restricted residence is like new. With only two units per floor and coded elevators, enjoy the benefits of a completely private home with the added bonuses of community amenities. Marseilles features include a heated indoor pool, outdoor pool, steam room, sauna and fitness center.

Built in 2004, the Marseilles complex is strategically placed in the heart of Perdido Key and just a short drive from a variety of family activities, shopping venues and fine dining.

Interested in this listing? Contact Susan Carleton at 850-361-4154 for more information.

Orange Beach Office Grand Opening

We are excited to announce that the official grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of our newest location, Orange Beach, will take place this week. We hope you will join us!

You may have already stopped in to the new Pointe South office in Orange Beach, but we are making things official on March 19, 2014. We invite everyone, including our vacation rental guests, long term rental owners and tenants, as well as local businesses, to stop in for the celebration.

Stick around after the ribbon cutting to sample some delicious refreshments with us and get to know your local Orange Beach Pointe South team, including our residential leasing, vacation rental and real estate staff.

The event kicks off this Wednesday at 3PM. We hope to see all of our Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama friends there!

Remodeling for ROI

Is your tax refund starting to burn a tiny hole in your pocket? If you have not figured out the best way to use this extra cash, have you considered home improvement? It is likely your home is one of your most precious investments, so why not keep it that way? Whether you are trying to sell or trying to rent, it is important to educate yourself on the tiny projects that could make a huge difference for your ROI.

The 2014 Cost vs. Value Report, an annual study conducted by a remodeling magazine and realtor magazine, breaks down the cost of remodeling projects and their projected return on investment. In summary, the best bet when it comes to revamping your home is focusing on the exterior. It may sound a little intimidating, but there are some relatively cost effective ways to guarantee your home creates a positive, lasting impression. For example, consider replacing your front door or even applying a fresh coat of paint will work wonders for your curb appeal. Additionally, replacing windows will not only make a difference in your home’s appearance, but its efficiency, definitely a great selling point to keep in mind. Your home may not require a massive overhaul, but even some basic lawn maintenance will go a long way in keeping your home current.

For more tips, contact our Gulf Coast property management team today.

Go Irish in Pensacola this Weekend!

Do you love celebrating all things green? Then this is your weekend to grab your girls, guys or even the family and head to Pensacola Beach. It’s time for one of the best celebrations along our shores – St. Patrick’s Day!

This cherished day of Irish celebration is a favorite along much of the Gulf Coast. After all, we do boast one of the most famous Irish pubs in the South both in Pensacola and Destin. That’s why you should reserve your favorite vacation rental in Pensacola Beach and Go Irish on the Beach this weekend. Book our Pi Day beach vacation special today and save 31.4% on your trip.

Go Irish is a family-friendly event and offers something the entire group will enjoy while staying along our emerald shores. All weekend long there will be scavenger hunt to challenge the family. Pick up your packet from the Pensacola Visitor’s Center, complete your tasks and then don’t miss the Pot O’ Gold drawing on Sunday at 3PM.

On St. Patrick’s Day, Monday, March 17, check out the annual Pensacola Beach Pub Crawl, which begins at 10AM and will make stops at some of your favorite restaurants in Pensacola Beach. For a more kid-friendly celebration, head over to McGuire’s Irish Pub in Pensacola for a hearty party and Irish dinner!

Finding the Right Real Estate Agent

Real estate success or failure depends on more than just your listing, and for that matter more than just finding a listing.  Picking the right agent from the beginning is your best bet in achieving your Gulf Coast real estate dreams.

Whether you are choosing to buy a house or enlisting an agent to help you sell, here are some key things to remember to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your property.

Do your homework. Research properties before you contact an agent. It is important to know what you are looking for in the local market and recognize that you need guidance. The same goes for researching agents. Use resources available to learn about their history, experience and qualifications.

In reality, whether you are buying or selling, you will spend a lot of time with your chosen realtor.  The more effectively you communicate from the get-go with them, the more constructive the relationship will be. Laying out expectations and expressing concerns will provide the agent the tools he or she needs to succeed with your real estate desire.

The process of buying, and selling can be intimidating to say the least, and picking a real estate agent can add to the stress and uncertainty. Ease your mind and let our team at Pointe South help with all your real estate needs.

California Cliff House

Are you looking to buy a home in the Pensacola area? Listed at just under $2 million, this California Cliff House is the closest thing you will find to the West Coast living here on the Gulf Coast.

Experience luxury at its finest as the beauty of this modern home is evident both inside and out. Located quite literally at the highest point in coastal Northwest Florida, this impressive 5072 square foot home offers immaculate views of the Pensacola Bay from nearly every room.

This three-level home presents five bedrooms, six bathrooms and two large balconies perfect for entertaining. Open and inviting, this home dazzles with features of multiple fireplaces and built-in bookcases. The living room offers striking penthouse views combined with windows built into the cathedral ceiling that will provide you an overwhelming sense of serenity.

You will undoubtedly enjoy the remarkable views from afar, but take the elevator downstairs and outside a path will uncover access to your private 300 foot dock and sandy beach. Extra decking and a beautiful arbor shade will maximize your time spent fishing off the dock or even just basking in the Florida sunshine.

Call us at 850-492-1826 to schedule a showing today. For more information about this listing and any other real estate needs, visit pointesouth.com.

Free Gas with Your Perdido Key Vacation

It has been a long winter, so we know you have been dreaming of a warm spring vacation to Perdido Key. Well, good news! Our friends at Visit Perdido want to help make your dream a reality!

There is nothing like a drive down the beach, but these days, a drive to the beach can be a bit costly. Not when you vacation in a Perdido Key condo this spring, though.

Register with Visit Perdido, reserve your stay with Pointe South Vacation Rentals and you will be enjoying a $50 gas card to spend during your trip! All you need to do is register and reserve your stay by March 25, 2014 and vacation by April 30, 2014 to qualify for the card.

Don’t wait, plan your dream getaway to the beaches of Northwest Florida and Perdido Key with our condo rental team today! You don’t want to miss the hot spring events, warm spring days on the sand or this great offer.

New Perdido Key Snorkeling Reef

Adding to the already beautiful, white sandy beach of Perdido Key, an artificial reef is now in place for locals and visitors to enjoy.   Last week, spectators gathered to watch as a barge lowered concrete structures into the Gulf of Mexico just south of Public Beach Access # 1 off Sandy Key Drive.

Once complete, the reef is projected to be approximately 280 feet long and between 10 and 16 feet deep.  This reef will bring in many species of marine life including turtles, octopus, and an array of tropical reef fish.   Although there are many wrecks for divers to enjoy, there are a limited number of shore locations for divers and snorkelers.  There are currently artificial reefs at Pensacola Beach and Navarre; however this is the first beach accessible underwater attraction in the Perdido Key area.

Perdido Key, Florida is the perfect destination accommodating paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and diving.   Visit your local Pointe South office for a list of enjoyable coastal activities and attractions.

Please help us maintain a healthy environment for our marine life and enjoy our beaches and all the beauty that Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama have to offer.

Note:  Florida Law requires a diver-down flag for snorkeling and diving.  Please contact a local diving agency for rules, regulations, and professional guidance.

Vacation Deals From Pointe South

Often the worst part of a vacation is finding a great condo that is also affordable. Many times you find one, but not the other. But, thanks to our friends at Pointe South Vacation Rentals, now you can have your beautiful condo with matching great rate!

Generally the rentals in a condo complex are managed by many different companies which leads to many different available price points. Well, Pointe South is matching your best quoted rate for spring getaways to the Gulf Coast! If you fall in love with one of our condo rentals in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or in Northwest Florida, we will be happy to match our competitors lower rate and get you on your way to a fabulous Alabama or Florida vacation.

You do need to meet a few stipulations, of course. The first requirement is that the condo you have the amazing rate for be the same number of bedrooms and within the same resort as the Pointe South rental you desire. Also, we will only match our local, brick-and-mortar competitor’s. Other than that, we are happy to accept another company’s rate and get you one step closer to enjoying a perfect getaway to the Gulf Coast!