We’re Hiring an Inside Sales Agent

Untitled-1If you or someone you know is looking for jobs in Pensacola, Southern Real Estate Sales can help! We have a new opportunity available for someone who might want to transition into the world of real estate sales. The even better news is that no real estate license is required!

We have revamped our approach to qualifying and cultivating leads. With that in mind, we have decided to hire an Inside Sales Agent. This position will prospect and obtain new clients on a daily basis, using various inbound and outbound lead sources.

Maintaining client relationships is one of our top priorities here at Southern, and the Inside Sales Agent will be a key player in doing just that.

For more information on this position and other opportunities to become a part of the Southern Real Estate Sales team, please search our Career Opportunities. We are always looking for talented people to join our Florida and Alabama real estate sales team!

New Home For Sale in Pensacola!

PCOLA-RESAD-491744-1If shopping for real estate in Pensacola is on your holiday to-do list, then you may want to add 3406 Esplanade Drive to the top of your must-sees. Recently listed by Southern Real Estate Sales, Owner/Broker, this beautiful four bedroom, two bathroom home sits in the charming neighborhood of Cypress Gardens.

From the exterior’s curb appeal to the interior’s finishes, no detail of this classic Florida cottage has been overlooked.

Enter through the front door and find that this home has an open floor plan, beautiful laminate floors and a focal fireplace that is perfect for gathering around on those cooler winter evenings. Connected to the main living area and dining room is a large, galley-like kitchen with a built-in pantry and oversized refrigerator.The master bedroom has two spacious walk-in closets and an attached master bathroom suite. Outside is a well-maintained (fenced) backyard and cozy little patio.

All of this and a convenient location to boot! Cypress Gardens is a sought-after neighborhood in Pensacola, close to schools and just minutes away from the beautiful beaches of Perdido, and Pensacola Naval Air Station.

For more information on this and other homes for sale in Pensacola, please contact 850.492.1826. Just remember to reference MLS #491744.

Southern’s New Client Care Coordinator

887496_1017478484971568_7099547785788254996_oAt Southern Real Estate Sales, we pride ourselves on innovative tactics. We are always ready to try something new and stick with what works. With that in mind, we are pleased to announce that we have revamped our approach to buying and selling real estate in Perdido Key, Pensacola, Gulf Shores and the surrounding areas, by hiring a Client Care Coordinator, Brandi Cowper.

In this role, Brandi has been put in charge of prospecting and servicing our large volume of leads. She works with them on an individual level to establish their needs and converts them into appointments for our agents.

Within the first week of implementing our Client Care Coordinator, we scheduled five new appointments and generated one contract. Needless to say, with Brandi’s help we have been able to create a system that converts prospects into qualified leads who are ready to buy. Now, we need agents to help these buyers find a home.

Leads are just the beginning of what Southern Real Estate Sales can offer you and your real estate career. Contact us today or view a list of our available jobs in Pensacola, Perdido Key, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Fairhope.

HUD Eases FHA Condo Financing Rules

iStock_000018780863SmallGood 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!

MarseillesSouthern 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.

Save with Southern Residential Leasing!

If you’re not ready to buy a home for sale in Pensacola just yet, look to our friends at Southern Residential Leasing. With long term rentals in Mobile, Gulf Shores, Perdido Key and Pensacola, they can help you find a great place to call home.

Speaking of great things, now is GREAT time to apply for a home or condo in the area as Southern is running a month-long move-in special in honor of Veteran’s Day. This year, our team of property managers has decided to waive the standard $50 application fee as a way of thanking the brave men and women who have fought and continue to fight to protect our nation. The discount applies to all rentals and fees will be waived for all active-duty, medical discharge, honorable discharge and former military members. If you are former military, you must be able to provide DD214.

In the grand scheme of things, it’s just a small way for us to say thank you for all that you have done and continue to do. If you have questions about Southern’s Veteran’s Day Special, or are interested in applying for a rental in the area, contact our property managers directly at 855.981.7516 or visit SouthernResidentialLeasing.com.

*Special Runs Through November 30, 2015.

Pensacola Condo Values Rebound

486638-1If 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 Southern Real Estate Sales’ agents today for more information how we can sell your property within your time frame!

Welcome Dean Stevens!

Will StevensThe Southern family of companies continues to grow. Help us welcome our newest Florida and Alabama licensed agent, Dean Stevens! Dean specializes in buying and selling real estate in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Perdido Key, Dauphin Island, Pensacola and Foley and everywhere in between, and we could not be more excited to have him on board!

Prior to pursuing a career in real estate, Dean attended Eastern Michigan University and The University of Phoenix where he received his Bachelor’s in Management. He then began a career in finance with Merrill Lynch. As a fully licensed FINRA professional for over 12 years, Dean found that he enjoys working and strategizing with clients to build their portfolio and increase their net worth.

“I left Merrill Lynch to focus 100% of my time on my true passion – real estate,” said Dean. “I like helping buyers and sellers reach their goals, all the while providing unparalleled customer service.”

With experience in all realms of the real estate market, Dean focuses primarily on buying and selling beach condos and second homes, as well as single family residences. From luxury properties and land to commercial retail space, short sales and foreclosures in Pensacola, Dean can definitely help!

If you’re interested in learning more about Dean and how he can help you with your future real estate endeavors, contact him at anytime 251.229.9886.

Southern’s 20 Days of Giveaways!

As many of you already know, Southern Real Estate Sales is a proud member of the Southern family of companies. Not only are we here to offer buyers and sellers the chance to search condos for sale in Pensacola Beach, but to rent or even vacation in popular beach towns like Panama City Beach, Destin, Perdido Key, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Fairhope.

Speaking of vacation rentals, this year marks Southern Vacation Rentals’ 20th anniversary, and to celebrate the team is giving away free prizes for the next 20 days (well, starting November 1st). From dolphin cruises, segway tours and golf passes to a 3-night stay in the Gulf Coast vacation rental of your choice, you better be ready to act quickly because these prizes won’t last long!

To enter, all you have to do is “like” Southern’s Facebook page and follow the instructions. Everyone is eligible to win, but you must re-enter the contest daily to win that specific day’s gift.

What are you waiting for? Get a head start by liking Southern Vacation Rentals’ Facebook page today and keep an eye out for the amazing prizes to come!

Realtor.com’s Mobile, AL Real Estate Forecast

WaterfrontSweet 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.