Congratulations, Rhonda Landrum!

Our Orange Beach, Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach real estate agents at Pointe South make it a goal to go above and beyond, not only to meet your buying and selling expectations, but to exceed them. Between the lot of them, it is stiff competition. Each brings something unique to the table. This month, however, we are pleased to announce that Rhonda Landrum has stood out from the pack with an overly impressive January, and for that reason she is our Agent of the Month to start the New Year!

Rhonda is originally from the greater Pensacola area, offering her clients a wide array of local knowledge. With twin boys to keep her busy and in the loop, you can bet that Rhonda is very familiar with the school system and the role it plays in helping customers find a home that meets their needs. She serves her clients with honesty, integrity and attention to detail. We are so proud to say she calls Pointe South Real Estate Sales home!

For more information on Rhonda Landrum, and how she can help you buy or list your home for sale in Pensacola, please contact her directly at 850.206.9617.

America’s First Settlement Found in Pensacola!

Property values in Pensacola may have just risen in the East Pensacola Heights neighborhood. Trending in today’s news is the fact that University of West Florida archaeologists discovered the site of the de Luna settlement.

The location of de Luna settlement has been a mystery for centuries – since 1559 to be exact. That is when the first multi-year European settlement was established somewhere in the Southeast. Well, it is a mystery no longer.

Archaeologists from the University of West Florida in Pensacola, “discovered and can support the statement that the land settlement of site Tristan de Luna has been located within the city limits of Pensacola, Florida.” That is according to University President, Dr. Judy Bense.

The unearthing began in early October when Pensacola native, Tom Garner uncovered Spanish colonial and Native American artifacts at a privately owned residential lot in Pensacola. Since then, and with the cooperation of residents and property owners, UWF began to text excavations at the site and recovered remaining artifacts. The team will continue to examine the neighborhood to determine the extent and organization of the site.

We should know more within the next few weeks what all these archaeologists dig up! For more details on America’s first settlement and the excavation in Pensacola, visit uwf.edu/luna.

HUD Eases FHA Condo Financing Rules

Good news! The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced changes to the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) condominium policies the other day at the National Association of Realtors convention in San Diego. This a game changer for those looking to buy condos for sale in Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.

Effective today, the FHA will streamline the condominium recertification process and expand its definition of acceptable “owner occupied” units to include second homes not owned by investors. In short, this will qualify more condo complexes for FHA loans, and give more buyers access to FHA low-down payment mortgages.

This is great news for our condo heavy market. To this day, condos remain one of the most affordable option for home buyers, especially first time buyers. The ease of financing will only support homeownership in the area…

All these factors make it a great time to list. Contact a member of our team today to learn more about what we can do for you and your condo sale!

View the complete “HUD Eases FHA Condo Financing Rules” at FloridaRealtors.org

Susan Carleton Team: Now Offering 3D Model Tours!

Southern Real Estate Sales Owner/Broker, Susan Carleton, is pleased to announce she and her team can now can produce 3D model tours of their listings. The 3D Showcase, shot by our Transaction Coordinator, Amy Lamar, will engage prospective buyers with a rapid and innovative model tour of Susan’s homes and condos for sale in Perdido Key, Pensacola Beach, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.

“In an ever-changing, technological world, we’re always ready to try something new,” said Susan. “We are extremely excited to offer this as a resource to our clients.”

Demonstrated in one of Susan’s newest listings at Marseilles, you can see that this is one of the most realistic and immersive ways for a potential buyer to experience a property online. Don’t just take our word for it though, take the tour yourself by viewing the Perdido Key real estate listing.

Are you interested in learning more about Susan and the Susan Carleton Team? Call 850.516.7238 to speak with Susan directly about your buying or selling needs.

Pensacola Condo Values Rebound

If you’ve been teetering with the decision of whether or not to sell your home or condo in Pensacola, a recent article released by the Pensacola News Journal might help you make up your mind. Long story short, years after the recession, condo values have officially rebounded.

According to real estate data from Zillow, median condo values in the United States are increasing at a 5.1 percent annual rate compared to single-family homes which are increasing at a 3.7 percent rate. Condos in Pensacola, however have increased in value at an 8.7 percent rate between September 2014 and September 2015 alone.

In general, the Gulf Coast condo market is hot and hot for a few reasons. First and foremost because of demand is exceeding supply. Additionally, condos are a better bargain now for first time home-buyers and foreclosures aren’t nearly as prominent as they were a few years ago.

If you were looking for a golden opportunity to list your home or condo, this is it. Contact one of our Pointe South Real Estate Sales’ agents today for more information how we can sell your property within your time frame!

Realtor.com’s Mobile, AL Real Estate Forecast

Sweet home Alabama never rang more true, at least according to a recent article released by Realtor.com. Large homes, affordable prices – who wouldn’t want to own real estate in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Fairhope or any of the neighboring cities in the great state of Alabama?

Well, that’s not the only reason real estate is “looking rosy in Mobile.” Job creation is a huge draw. The Airbus Factory is projected to create 4,000 jobs, and according to the New York Times the “plane maker has received more than 18,000 applications,” already.

“If manufacturing continues to grow, Mobile may just become a destination for people looking for an affordable place to live,” said the author Lisa Davis. Affordable is an understatement when you compare market prices to similar areas around the Gulf Coast. The average home price in Mobile is $125,000. The average sold price is $119,000 – $190,640 less than the national average.

It’s an exciting time, and we’re happy to be here on the ground floor. If you’re thinking about buying a home for sale in Mobile, Alabama, now is the time to do it! Contact one of our real estate agents for advice and tips and area information.

Banana Bay Townhome For Sale!

Whether you are from the Pensacola area or find yourself a regular tourist staying in a Perdido Key condo, you are undoubtedly familiar with the colorful collection of townhomes just over the bridge. For those of you who don’t know, this community is called Banana Bay – a delightful area that offers residents a combination of condo-like amenities with an undeniable neighborhood charm.

Banana Bay Townhomes sits off the Intracoastal Waterway, just minutes from the world renowned beaches of Perdido Key. Community features include a man-made beach, pool, hot tub, fitness facility and club house used for get-togethers. Sounds pretty good so far, right?

Well head on over to 6074 Valhalla Avenue (just behind the pool area) and you will find that things only get better from here. This cozy townhome comes beautifully furnished and fully upgraded with granite counters and stainless steel appliances to boot. With three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths, this residence is perfect for a primary residence or an investment property. Did we mention there’s an additional bonus room upstairs?

Are you interested in exploring this Perdido Key real estate opportunity further? Contact our Owner/Broker, Susan Carleton today for more information on MLS #487258.

Pensacola Named Rising Star by TripAdvisor

You know that feeling you get when you’re a big fan of something before it takes off and gets really popular? That’s kind of how we feel about owning real estate in Pensacola Beach. Apparently, TripAdvisor’s FlipKey feels the same way.

The popular vacation rental booking engine shared a list of vacation rental destinations that are about to launch into the “stratosphere.” The data, based on web traffic in 2014 – 2015, highlights the places with 500% growth. And the good news is, Pensacola Beach is one of them.

With 700% growth, Pensacola Beach has edged out tens of thousands competing areas, simply because vacationing in Pensacola Beach is awesome. Take it from us (we live here) when we say that the activities are endless. From boating and fishing to dining and shopping, you can’t go wrong with a stay in this b-e-a-utiful area! Did you notice we didn’t even have to mention how incredibly gorgeous the water is and soft the sand is?

Ready to stay along our emerald shores? If you want to make your trip last longer than a week, give our agents a call. They’ll be happy to find you a beach home or condo for sale in Pensacola Beach!

New Listing in Perdido Key at Marseilles

Your search for the perfect beach condo is over. This beautifully furnished, well-appointed residence at Marseilles offers incredible views from every room. Enticed?

Recently listed by Owner/Broker, Susan Carleton, the Perdido Key condo listing offers four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths and a world of upgrades. In like new condition, interior features include everything from custom cabinetry and window treatments to beautiful tile floors and a spacious balcony that offers sweeping views of the Gulf.

Interior upgrades are only eclipsed by the complex’s lavish on-site amenities. With a reputation for luxury, the gated community of Marseilles only offers 28 residences and 2 buildings. Amenities include a gulf-front outdoor pool and spa, indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room and fitness facility. Rental restrictions only add to the condo’s high-end and exclusive feel.

Ready to explore the possibilities of ownership? Contact Susan Carleton today for more information on this gorgeous residence, or to sell condos for sale in Perdido Key, Pensacola Beach, Orange Beach or the surrounding areas.

Orange Beach & Fairhope Top Most Beautiful Towns List

Have you considered relocating to the great state of Alabama, but struggling to decide where? Well, “Only In Your State” has narrowed the list of Alabama’s “most beautiful, charming small towns,” down to ten. We’ve shortened it to two: Orange Beach and Fairhope.

Both towns are chart toppers for a variety of reasons, but our Alabama real estate agents still believe you have to see them to fully understand how beautiful these towns are.

Fairhope is situated on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay and offers residents spacious parks, tree-lined neighborhoods and a thriving downtown area that attracts visitors from across the country. Orange Beach on the other hand offers a variety of family-friendly beach vacation opportunities and entertainment to boot. Both in Baldwin County, both uniquely beautiful. The choice really is up to you. Would you rather buy a condo for sale in Orange Beach, or a single-family home in Fairhope? Either way, the two are a short drive away from each other Gulf Coast attractions.

Interested in learning more about buying real estate in Alabama? Contact our expert agents at Pointe South Real Estate Sales today. They will be happy to help you find a place that is right for you!