May 2013 Monthly Market Report

As the Real Estate market along the Florida Gulf Coast continues to change and flourish, our Team at Pointe South Real Estate Sales will keep you informed.

Visit our May 2013 Monthly Market Reports for additional information:

                Perdido Key Market Report

                Pensacola Beach Market Report

MLS Active Listing Count

    Perdido Key   Pensacola Beach   MLS
1/2/2013   160   228   3214
2/4/2013   161   231   3227
3/1/2013   164   228   3205
4/1/2013   153   238   3321
5/1/2013   160   238   3253

 

We would love to discuss property values, the current market and any questions you may have so contact us today.

Gulf Red Snapper Season

 

Gulf Red SnapperThe time is here that Florida gulf coast residents and vacationers have been waiting for, Gulf Red Snapper season!  This season has been the talk of the area for the past few months and is awaited by many.  Local charter captains were scheduling and booking in advance and recreational divers said the reef fish were abundant.

The season started for both state and federal waters on June 1st.  The state water harvest will be open for 44 days through July 14th where the federal water harvest will only be open for 26 days through June 26th.  The Red Snapper must be a minimum of 16 inches in total length and only 2 snapper may be kept per person per day.

As the season is now mid-stream, anglers are showcasing their prize catches everywhere.  The world record for the Red Snapper is 50 lbs. 4 oz. and was caught in Belle Pass Marina, Louisiana.

For more information on fishing, boating, and licenses and permits for our Florida waters, please visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Considering Selling Your Own Home?

FSBO

We all know the process of putting our house on the market for sale.  It’s easy, just buy a sign for the front yard and start advertising.  Well sometimes it is just not that easy.  Our day to day lives interfere with the time that we should be dedicating to marketing and maintaining our home.  And is the local market in our favor?

With an infinite amount of information on the internet and social media, we understand the temptation of giving it a try; however the National Association of Realtors reports that homes For Sale By Owner only made up 9% of home sales in 2012.  The most common marketing methods for these homes were putting up a yard sign followed by listing the home on the internet.   Realtors not only have their professional and referral network connections but they utilize the new technology along with the old.  And most importantly, your home is their priority.  Realtors dedicate their time to ensuring that your home has the largest reach of potential buyers.

After the decision has been made by owners to sale their own home, the next two concerns are the value of their home and the paperwork.  Realtors provide Comparable Market Analysis, based off current listings and sales in your area, to ensure an accurate value.  They also can offer you some simple staging tips and guide you in the right decision if you are pondering repairs or upgrades prior to putting your home on the market.

Mentioning repairs, these and other requests will be negotiated at the time of an offer.  Making changes to your home may not necessarily be in your favor so wait to see what type of interest you receive and what your potential buyers are looking for.  Your Realtor will inform you of common and acceptable requests of a buyer and review every aspect of a contract with you.  Every location and every home is different so the contracts and required document vary just the same.  Having a professional on your side will make this process smooth and timely.

Contracts

Let an expert provide you the facts.  Your Realtor will offer you valuable information that will save you not only time, but give you the comfort of knowing you have made good decisions for your family and your investment.  With Realtors licensed in both Florida and Alabama, know our door is always open to discuss property values, the current market and any questions you may have about listing your home or investment property for sale!

Sinking of the LuLu

Sinking of LuLu 

Traveling through the Intracoastal Waterway as the sun ascents over the horizon is only the beginning of the end to this journey.  Reaching its coordinates, 17 nautical miles south of Perdido Pass in Orange Beach, AL, the countdown has begun for the sinking of the 271-foot freighter, LuLu.

Built in the Netherlands in 1972, LuLu, formally called Yokamu, had been retired in Miami, FL and was up for sale.  LuLu caught the attention of David Walter of Reef Makers in Orange Beach ,AL and was shortly after purchased and towed to his business, resting in the Intracoastal Waterway.  

Knowing the estimated cost of $500,000 to sink the ship as an artificial reef, the Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce then formed a committee, the Gulf Coast Reef and Restoration Foundation, to raise the money.  The committee raised $650,000 of which $250,000 was donated by Mac McAleer of LuLu’s, granting him the honor of renaming the ship.

After months of raising donations, sponsorships and planning, the time had arrived.  The event kicked off with a Friday afternoon celebration at LuLu’s at Homeport Marina in Orange Beach and carried through the weekend.  On Sunday, May 26th the ship was towed out into the Gulf of Mexico, by a barge hosting a live band, and at last LuLu had reached her destination.  With only a few last minute finalizations, the LuLu began taking on water and was set to rest on the ocean floor.

As time passes, LuLu will become home to various types of fish and marine species providing growth to all marine life and habitats.  This ship will also prove as a new recreational scuba diving destination attracting more visitors to our spectacular gulf coast.  The diving opportunities for Northwest Florida and Alabama are continuously growing and catching the attention of many.  The LuLu was the first large, fully intact ship to be intentionally sunk in the Alabama gulf coast however, we are sure that LuLu won’t be the last!

 Lu Lu [loo-loo]

noun

Slang. any remarkable or outstanding person or thing

(+29° 59′ 50″ / -87° 33′ 00″)

LuLu Sponsors

Pointe South is a proud sponsor of the Alabama Gulf Coast Reef & Restoration Foundation’s “Sinking of the LuLu.”

Coastal Water Conditions & Currents

 Coastal Current

Everyone loves the beach!  Some make Florida their annual vacation destination, and others make it a permanent home.  Regardless of how we get here or how long we stay, the pristine beaches, warm weather, and coastal lifestyle make Florida and the emerald shores of the gulf coast an oasis for all of us. 

What we all enjoy most is the sand between our toes while walking down the beach or on our way through the refreshing salt water for a swim or paddle.  And although we always see the coastal flags and signs, many of us walk or drive by dismissing their meanings.  When planning a day or event at the beach we all need to be aware of the tide conditions, currents, and marine life.  These conditions can change throughout the day, however, being aware will help you plan your events and keep everyone safe. 

Warning Flags Normally at the entrance of every state park, is a colored flag, accompanying the United States flag, which provides the current water hazard level.  These flags are also displayed on some public beach access areas and other coastal areas with high traffic.  This flag is your first indication of the water conditions and can be seen from a distance.  The medium hazard flags are often dismissed but just about everyone takes notice of the double red flag or the purple flag.  We associate these two with the opportunity to see massive swells or exciting marine life.

Rip currents are extremely powerful and there are not any signs to indicate their current conditions or force however signs are frequently displayed along the Florida shores to create awareness.  Rip currents are narrow channels of rapidly moving water rushing from the shore towards the open water.  There is no simulation for this type of strength and fighting a current is not an option.  In order to get a better understanding of rip currents and how to properly respond, please see the signs displayed in your area and become familiar with their normal course. 

Taking the time to recognize these signs and becoming aware of the local water conditions will only make your time spent on the beach more enjoyable and desired by everyone.  This is even more important when vacationing on the gulf coast or purchasing a waterfront home.  Check with your Realtor to receive additional information on the Gulf of Mexico and local waterways.

Memorial Day

John Robbins

 

In remembrance of our fallen heroes and those serving this One Nation Under God, we dedicate this day, Memorial Day, to you for your continued devotion to our county.  It is not without endless love and sacrifice that our nation maintains its freedom and provides Liberty and Justice for All.

Thank you!

April 2013 Monthly Market Report

April brought about a little surprise to the Realtors in Perdido Key, Florida as the active inventory for Perdido Key real estate decreased 7% in the last month.  This is a 4% decrease year to date with 153 active listings.  On the up side, the Perdido Key average sales price increased 16% to $386,109 bringing the average price per square foot to $213.

Although the Perdido Key market is continuing to grow and change, this is not the case for all of the surrounding communities along the gulf coast.  The inventory for Pensacola, and Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach are holding steady.  The average sales price for Pensacola Beach this April was $449,161 with an average of $258 per square foot. 

MLS Active Listing Count

  Perdido Key Pensacola Beach MLS
1/2/2013 160 228 3214
2/4/2013 161 231 3227
3/1/2013 164 228 3205
04/1/2013 153 228 3204

 

Visit our March 2013 Monthly Market Reports for additional information:

                Perdido Key Market Report

                Pensacola Beach Market Report

Big Lagoon State Park

View from Big Lagoon State Park

Even though Florida is primarily known for its remarkable beaches, Florida state parks are a treasure of their own.  Big Lagoon State Park is located on the mainland, just North of Perdido Key, separated by the Intracoastal Waterway.  The park is 655 acres of natural beauty filled with flourishing vegetation, all sizes of wildlife and outdoor activities for everyone.

For ease of exploring, the park is navigated with boardwalks and nature trails, surrounded by mature pine and oak trees, saw palmettos, and saltwater marsh.  An observation tower at the East Beach provides a stunning view overlooking Big Lagoon, the Intracoastal Waterway and across to the Gulf Island National Seashore.  Along the way, you will see various types of wildlife.  Osprey and many other birds migrate through the park and rumor has it that an alligator has moved into Long Pond.

With a one of a kind amphitheater and multiple pavilions throughout, Big Lagoon State Park makes for a great outdoor location for family gatherings and larger events.  The amphitheater will accommodate a few hundred guests and provides a stage and lighting while the pavilions are ideal for picnics, relaxation and shade.  Play grounds and additional facilities are situated so that regardless of age, everyone will enjoy their day!

Big Lagoon State Park has become a hotspot for fishing and canoeing as the park has prime access to the Intracoastal and the hidden waterway that connects to Grand Lagoon.  This Park has it all, camping facilities, boat ramp, extra amenities, and all of the outdoor adventure you could ask for.  The enjoyment at Big Lagoon State Park will be endless!

Recommendations For Selling Your Pet Friendly Home

Mastiffs

Although selling your home is a big decision for you, it is even a bigger decision when you have pets.  And although most of us have a soft spot, not everyone is “Pet Friendly”.  You need to know that not all buyers will welcome your companions or your home if you have them.  There are a few additional things you will need to consider before and during the sale of your home.

The number one complaint from buyers, when doing a walkthrough, is the odor from pets.  We recommend that you have your carpets professionally cleaned and deep clean your home before putting it on the market.  Professionals will find and notice areas that owners sometimes overlook.  This will also give you a head start and cut back on the amount of day to day cleaning that you will need to keep up on.   And don’t forget those natural odors; unwelcomed all the same, they will need repetitive attention.

Pet toys, bones, and food and water dishes should be picked up before every showing.  No one wants to accidently step on a chew toy or kick the water dish.  And although it may be known that pets live in your home, out of site is out of mind.

The second reason that buyers are deterred from your home is because they are uncomfortable.  Some pets are intimidating or a nuisance and create an uneasy feeling during a showing.  A large dog guarding the property or a cat constantly leading the way is a distraction from the actual task at hand, showcasing your home.  And not to mention,   strangers in their domain is not comfortable for them either.

So please remember not only to be courteous to realtors and guests, but be courteous to your pets as well.  It is as equally important that your pets remain healthy!   Keeping them as close as you can to their normal schedule will ease any nervousness they may have and make the selling process smoother for everyone!

Staging Tips for a Spring Listing

Historic Home

Spring time is a great time to list your gulf coast home for sale. With the days getting longer and the temperatures rising, spring increases the appeal of your home! We thought we’d provide a few staging tips to help you get ready,

A freshly manicured lawn and a few flowers in the yard, or potted at the front door, increase the curb appeal. This curb appeal is the first impression for potential buyers and may be the deciding factor on whether they choose to view the inside of your home or a different home. The first impression gives the potential buyer a quick idea of how the home is maintained or the amount of maintenance that may be needed.

Excessive furniture and décor should be removed to maximize the open space and the size of the home. Although an open floor plan is not always in demand, buyers instinctively compare square footage and want assurance that their family will fit comfortably. Remember that curtains and blinds should always be open. The natural sunlight enhances the colors in your home and adds depth to each room.

Living in the Florida Panhandle gives homeowners an advantage as their home can be purchased for a primary residence, a secondary residence or may show rental potential to an investor. With these simple staging tips, and maybe a floral arrangement in your entry, your home is sure to attract buyers of all types!

Search Current Listings in near your neighborhood to compare cub appeal and what first impressions you may have.

At Pointe South Rentals and Real Estate, our mission is to be the ultimate resource for all your real estate needs. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or rent a property in the beautiful Pensacola area, we are dedicated to providing exceptional service and helping you navigate the real estate market with ease. With our team of experienced professionals, extensive knowledge of the local market, and a commitment to client satisfaction, we strive to exceed your expectations.

We understand that buying or renting a property is a significant decision, and we are here to guide you every step of the way, offering personalized attention and expert advice. Trust Pointe South Rentals and Real Estate to be your trusted partner in achieving your real estate goals.

If you happen to be driving by on your way to something fun, don’t forget to stop by our Pointe South office for a list of available properties or to just say “hello!” We are always here to help! Call or email us today to begin your search!

Call us at 850.492.1148 or email us at contact@pointesouth.com