Andy Ross Sets Gulf Coast Lionfish Record

gulfcoastlionfishcoalition_logoThe annual Gulf Coast Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day is quickly approaching, and with that we could not be more proud to sponsor such an event. This year, we have even more reason to celebrate as Perdido Key real estate agent, tournament host and fishing captain, Andy Ross found himself with a record-breaking catch. Just last week, Andy caught a seventeen foot long lionfish off the shores of Pensacola Beach.

Andy is a captain with Nihui Dive Charters has been an active member of the Gulf Coast Lionfish Coalition for years. The fish was caught just in time for the group’s festivities, helping to hype the upcoming events and festival. With the festival, the Lionfish Coalition aims to educate the public on how to control the influx of the invasive species and further protect the Gulf Coast fishing industry.

On Friday, the Coalition will host a lionfish tasting at West Marine on Davis Highway in Pensacola. (Yes, you can eat these invasive boogers, and yes, they are delicious!) May 14 and 15 are considered the main event days, where the Coalition gathers with food and entertainment at the Plaza de Luna in Pensacola. Be there from 10:00 – 5:00 pm for a full day of fun, education and support. We will most definitely be there!

 

Orange Beach, a Developer’s Dream Land

PCOLA-LNDDV-497630-1Those who live here all ready know that Orange Beach, Alabama is dynamic city oozing with potential. Combining the pleasures of a relaxed, coastal quality of life with limitless opportunities for economic growth, the city itself is an Orange Beach real estate developer’s dream land (which would have to make Susan Carleton’s newest commercial listing heaven on earth).

The nearly 5 acre parcel of land is nestled in the heart of Orange Beach, Alabama, situated directly between the Island House Hotel and Tidewater Condominium. The lot offers over 200 feet of Gulf frontage, making it the perfect place for the future site of a new hotel or condominium complex. Current zoning requirements will allow up to 42 units per acre, or 84 hotel rooms per acre, but to be verified by the City of Orange Beach planning and zoning.

The payback here could be exponential as the Orange Beach market continues to expand. The area’s tourism industry alone attracts over 5 million visitors per year, injecting over $3 billion of visitor spending into the local economy. As more and more people vacation in Orange Beach, Alabama, tax revenues increase, as does the need for improved infrastructure. Alabama’s fastest growing county realizes this, and intends to keep up with the pace of growth it has set to remain top of mind for visitors.

New construction, Orange Beach real estate development and improved roads are just a few of the many things we can expect to see over the next few years. Lots like this, will become rarer, now is the time to buy!

Real Estate Brokerage 101

887496_1017478484971568_7099547785788254996_oReal estate is a very “relationship-oriented” business. Past clients, referrals – everything is related – including which brokerage you decide to hang your license at. When you’re deciding this, whether it’s the first time or one of many brokerage switches, you may be wondering what the benefit is to joining a local real estate company in Pensacola.

National chains try to brand themselves by offering new agents training and access to more experienced agents. But even with that, they do very little in the way of lead generation or support for new agents.That’s where Southern Real Estate Sales is different. Office space, training and leads are just three of the many things our boutique brokerage can offer you.

Southern utilizes a powerful lead generation software and an Inside Sales Department to field the incoming prospects. On top of that, we have marketing support, monthly training sessions, built-in property managers ready to offer rate analyses and ZERO upfront fees. We don’t want our agents worrying about anything other than listing homes for sale in Pensacola and writing contracts.

Contact 850-978-5057 for more information on Southern and how we can help you continue down a successful path in the real estate industry.

Condos Under Contract in Less than 20 Days

Condos in Perdido Key Beach Colony - Susan Carleton Condos in Orange Beach - Susan CarletonThe phrase “in like a lion and out like a lamb,” may ring true in terms of March weather, but not so much in terms of Perdido Key or even Orange Beach real estate, especially when your Broker is Susan Carleton. Placing two condos in two different states under contract in less than 20 days certainly does not scream lamb-like behavior.

The first condo she listed was at Beach Colony Resort in Perdido Key. This three-bedroom penthouse with soaring gulf views found itself under contract in less than 17 days. And, so you have something to compare this to, Beach Colony condos have averaged 59 days on market since January 2016.

It’s not by luck that the listing went so quickly because Susan has another condo for sale at Phoenix VII in Orange Beach currently under contract. And, this two-bedroom gulf front condo only lasted 10 days.

Needless to say if you’re thinking about buying or selling real estate, Susan Carleton is the Broker to call. Whether you’re interested in a home valuation, or current market reports, she’ll be happy to help. Contact her today at 850-516-7238, or visit SusanCarleton.com for more details on what she can do for you and your listing.

Congratulations, LaGay Fenters!

LaGay FenterAt Southern, our Orange Beach, Perdido Key and Pensacola real estate agents make it a goal to go above and beyond for clients. They are always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to exceed their client’s expectation.

Truth be told, it is hard to find a more dedicated group of professional agents. Perhaps that is what makes Southern so unique. We’re a tight-knit brokerage with powerhouse capabilities, because of our agents that work here. Each one brings something unique to the table, making it next to impossible to determine an “Agent of the Month.”

That said, we are pleased to announce that even with such high expectations, LaGay Fenters has continuously raised the bar with her positive spirit, determination and overly impressive sales figures this past month. For this reason, we are proud to announce that LaGay is our February Agent of the Month.

Congratulations, LaGay! We are proud to say you call Southern Real Estate Sales home!

For more information on LaGay Fenters, and how she can help you buy or list your home for sale in Gulf Breeze, please contact her directly at 850-529-3093 or visit PensacolaMRP.com.

New Development at Lost Key!

Lost Key Golf and Beach Club, Perdido Key, FL, Whether you vacation in Perdido Key, or live along these gorgeous waters, you without a doubt have heard of the Lost Key Golf & Beach Club. This fabulous 413-acre gated community is nestled between Gulf of Mexico waters and more than 300 acres of natural preserves, capturing every ounce of charm Perdido Key has to offer from sugar white sand and rolling dunes.

The opportunities to own, or rent, are diverse as the landscape. This masterfully planned community offers the very best of coastal living – condos and homes included. From the Arnold Palmer championship golf course to fine dining, pools and complimentary beach shuttles, Lost Key Golf & Beach Club offers a one-of-a-kind experience to residents and guests alike.

The newest community is no different. WCI’s Resort Villas at Lost Key will expand upon the site’s current offerings with an array of luxury villas. The villas for sale at Lost Key Golf & Beach Club are priced from the upper $300,000’s with contracts being accepted as early as March 26, 2016.

For more information, or to view the villas, please contact Southern Real Estate Sales at 850-492-1826.

Congratulations, Rhonda Landrum!

RhondaOur Orange Beach, Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach real estate agents at Southern 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 in 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 Southern 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.

Banner Year at Southern Real Estate Sales!

Untitled-1Great things are always happening at Southern Real Estate Sales! Our Orange Beach, Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach real estate brokerage just received totals from last year, and we have to say the numbers look good! Our agents closed approximately 271 transaction sides in 2015, totaling over $60 million in sales.

Susan Carleton, Southern Real Estate Sales’ Owner/Broker was quotes saying “We knew the $50 million threshold would be crossed soon, but surpassing it and then some, just goes to show you how incredibly driven our agents are.”

2015 was a monumental year for Southern Real Estate Sales. The firm experience a name change from Pointe South to Southern and added an inside sales department to assist with increased call volume. Overall, we would have to say that these measures are working, because a 36% increase in year-over-year sales volume is nothing to sneeze at.

The total number for sales rings in at $60,198, 708 in sales. A number that has set the stage for a dynamic year to come. As it is, Southern Real Estate Sales agents have already listed four new homes for sale in Pensacola, sold thee properties and have an additional four units under contract despite the time of year.

Needless to say, if you are interested in buying or selling, choose the team with a proven track record.

Gulf Side Villa Condo For Sale

PCOLA-RESAD-491746-1What better way to ring in the New Year than with a new investment property bound to generate some peace (of mind) and prosperity? If that is what you are in the market for, you should consider adding this gulf front condo for sale in Perdido Key to the top of your shopping list.

Recently listed by our Owner/Broker, Susan Carleton, this partially furnished condo is bound to sell quick. This two-story, two bedroom unit at Gulf Side Villas offers incredible views at an unbeatable price. Listed affordably at $297,500, deals like this are once in a lifetime.

The condo also comes partially furnished with updated kitchen features – this includes sleek, black granite countertops. On the first floor of this home, you will find the main living areas in addition to one bedroom and bath. The second floor boasts a large master bedroom suite with mesmerizing views and a spacious balcony to boot. In addition to a convenient location, this private beach retreat also comes with one covered parking space and a storage unit.

Contact Susan Carleton today to learn more about this and other Pensacola real estate opportunities.

America’s First Settlement Found in Pensacola!

UWF-DeLuna-1Property 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.