Passion into Profit

Turn your Passion into Profit with Southern Real Estate Sales

The real estate profession has expanded and offers one of the widest career selections in the business world today. Helping people buy and sell residential homes, industrial property, vacation rentals, property management, land development, and real estate leasing are a few aspects of a career in real estate.

A real estate broker, real estate agent or realtor is a person who represents sellers or buyers of real estate or real property. While a broker may work independently, an agent usually works under a licensed broker to represent clients.

  • Advantages and Rewards of a Career in Real Estate  

A career in real estate provides flexibility and freedom to set your own pace. Income directly reflects your efforts, with no limits on what astute, hard-working men and women can earn. Successful people in real estate are goal-oriented, persevering, self-motivated, ambitious and people-oriented. The rewards of a real estate career are a potential for high earnings, status in the community, time freedom, helping people, the intellectual challenge and the satisfaction from those accomplishments.

Working in real estate allows for independence and choices of environment in which to work, such as affiliation with a large or small firm as a listed salesperson. With more experience and upon passing of an additional exam, becoming a real estate broker is t

he next step. Brokers can own their own businesses and employ other salespeople.

Entry into the real estate field depends on education, training and interests. Most people begin as sales agents under a well versed company such as Southern Rentals & Real Estate.

  • Continuing Education in Real Estate 

Formal education is available while working in real estate. The National Association of REALTORS® and its Institutes, Societies and Councils sponsor continuing education programs for members, and award designations for specialty areas of real estate. Continuing education increases knowledge and skills, improving earnings potential and enhancing opportunities for success.

  • Careers in Residential Brokerage 

Helping people buy and sell homes is one of the most important and basic services a real estate agent performs. Agents are experts in the process of buying and selling property, financing, government programs, etc. The real estate agent’s expertise facilitates the transaction, saving clients time, trouble and money. Real estate professionals need to have a thorough knowledge of such areas as real estate law, local economics, fair housing laws, types of financing, mortgages and government programs.

In the competitive real estate market along the Gulf Coast of Northwest Florida and coastal Alabama, Southern Real Estate Sales agents are posting impressive numbers, thanks in huge part to our dedicated team of internal sales agents. This year to date, the ISA department has already played an instrumental role in closing $ 8,972,823 in sales and has $5,565723 in pending sales with the help of our elite agents. Our highly skilled internal sales department is driven to support you, our realtors, to do what you do best—sell real estate!

Our ISA’s Team strategy to produce, scout new leads, arrange appointments with qualified buyers and sellers and the efficiency in this strategy has increased our agents average transactions per year, out selling other national agencies.

In addition to the benefits of an internal sales department, Southern Real Estate Sales is a full-service brokerage, with 18 select agents, locations in Northwest Florida and South Alabama, and more than 20 years of experience in the industry. We offer state-of-the-art technology to provide only the most relevant lead generations, ongoing training, and a time-tested business model that withstands market trends.

Learn more about joining the dynamic workplace of Pointe South, where the tight-knit attitude of a boutique firm meets the powerhouse capabilities of national franchises.

May 2014 Monthly Market Reports

Historic Home3 smallSince 1996, Pointe South has been a proven leader in vacation rentals, real estate services and property management. We provide a full range of services to suit every taste, budget and dream of staying, playing and living along the shores of the Gulf Coast. Whether you are looking to stay for the day or make the move of a lifetime, our employees are dedicated to helping you find that perfect place.

As part of the most knowledgeable and community-oriented groups in the industry, the Pointe South Real Estate team prides itself on exceeding client expectations. Our group of 30+ professionals is dedicated to keeping current on market trends.

Whether you are buying or selling real estate in Pensacola, Perdido Key, Orange Beach or the surrounding areas, rest assured that our agents are always on a lookout for the best deal.  Our realtors understand the volatile nature of the market and have the knowledge and experience to help guide you through the process. So, as conditions continue change we would like to make an effort to keep you updated.

Visit our May 2014 Monthly Market Reports for additional information on sold properties.

If you have any real estate related questions, our door is always open to discuss anything and everything from property values and mortgages to the current market state.

April 2014 Monthly Market Reports

Picture1 (2)Since 1996, Pointe South has been a proven leader in Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama real estate. Our professional group of REALTORS® is dedicated to keeping current on market trends. Whether you are buying or selling, rest assured that our agents are always on the lookout for a great deal.

We understand the volatile nature of the real estate market, but we have the knowledge and experience to help guide you through the process. Visit our April 2014 Monthly Market Reports for additional information on Sold properties:

Perdido Key Market Report

Pensacola Beach Market Report

Our door is always open to discuss property values, market conditions and any other questions you may have. Call one of our Gulf Coast real estate agents today for a free consultation.

If you are in the market to buy, view all of our current listings from Pensacola, Florida to Orange Beach, Alabama… Great Things Are Happening! 

Developements Along the Gulf Coast

Our team at Pointe South Real Estate wants to help you find the perfect property for your life style.  We represent buyers and sellers across the gulf coast and we know that each subdivision and resort has its own attributes in each community.  In order to provide you with the best online representation of these areas, we have included a Developments Page in our website.

Lost Key Golf Course

We have started our list of developments with a select few and we are continuously adding.  In addition to providing you with the current properties for sale, we want to give you an overview of the scenic area, specific attributes, and amenities.  Some resort amenities include indoor pools, fitness centers, tennis courts, boardwalks, and community rooms.  Did you know The Lost Key Golf and Beach Club located in Perdido Key offers a World Class 18-hole Championship Golf Course?  Or, Portofino Island Resort located East of Pensacola Beach has Adventure Cove Water Park?

With all of the diverse subdivisions and resorts, there is something for everyone! All residents get to enjoy the local culture, lush landscapes of our state and federal parks, rolling dunes, and the shores of the Gulf of Mexico.  We are here to help you find the perfect investment property or home for your family.

If you would like additional information on a development, please Contact us!

Going to School Along the Gulf Coast

School Bus

As the summer months come to an end, school time begins.  And with the return of school means a lot of changes not only for students, but for their families also.  Every year, numerous families move in and out of our area and whether a student is returning to their same school or starting in a new one, excitement and nervousness always accompany the first few weeks.

With all of the responsibilities and tasks already in place, it is extremely important to maintain a schedule when the kids return to school and set aside family time each afternoon or evening.  During this time, remember to talk to your children about their day, work on homework, and then do something enjoyable for all of you.  A consistent family structure will ensure confidence and growth in everyone and help in overcoming any challenges.

If you are new to the Gulf Coast area, there are plenty of enjoyable activities for everyone.  Getting out of the house, meeting new people, trying new food, and exploring the area will help make your new house a home.  Just to name a few, visit 5 Fun Activities for Kids in Perdido Key.

If you are planning on moving to the area, our agents will help you find a home for rent or for sale in a specific school district.  For additional information on local school, please see the county school district links below.

Baldwin County, AL

Escambia County, FL

Santa Rosa County, FL

Okaloosa County, FL

Earnest Money Deposits

Earnest Money Check

Clients in the process of selling or buying real estate often misunderstand the meaning and process of earnest money deposits.  An earnest money deposit (EMD) is a good faith deposit to show the seller that the buyer is serious and has all intentions of fulfilling the purchase contract.

The area and the local market conditions will guide the Realtor in advising the buyer on how much the earnest money deposit should be.  There is no set amount but instead a general expectation of 2% of the purchase price.  Once a contract is fully executed by both parties, the buyer will provide their EMD to their Realtor, who in turn has it deposited into an escrow account for safekeeping.  Escrow Accounts can be maintained by banks, title companies, brokers, and many other businesses.  At the time the deposit is made, the money now is in holding and does not belong to the buyer or the seller.  The deposit will be applied to the purchase price however it is important to know that this is not a down payment.

In rare instances, a purchase will fall through and the contract between the seller and the buyer will be terminated.  Some sellers think that if a buyer backs out, the EMD is automatically theirs and some buyers think that if they don’t purchase the property, they are entitled; neither is correct.  Each and every contract and circumstance is different so there is no right way to disburse the EMD.  One thing for sure, the sellers and the buyers will need to mutually agree on the release and disbursement of the deposit.  This is the best resolution for everyone.  If an agreement cannot be reached between the parties on the disbursement, the deposit will remain in the escrow account and further action will be taken, up to and possible including legal action until a Disbursement Order is issued.  It is important to remember that once the earnest money is deposited, the real estate agents, the brokers, and the brokerages do not have any control over the deposit and are held to state laws on the handling of the deposit.

So whether you are interested in homes for sale in Pensacola or condos in Perdido Key, an earnest money deposit will be expected.  The amount of your EMD may also be a deciding factor if a seller is reviewing multiple offers.   This is an anticipated time for both parties and whether you are writing the check or accepting the offer, the earnest money deposit is the sign that your contract is official and you can start looking forward to closing.

Beach Colony Condominiums with the Most Sales in the 2nd Quarter

Beach Colony Condominiums

The Beach Colony Condominiums have always been a highlight in Perdido Key, FL.  Consisting of three gulf front towers providing direct beach access with two dune walkovers, beautiful landscaping and the most extensive amenities, Beach Colony is the complex with the most sales in Perdido Key, FL the second quarter of 2013.

These gulf front towers provide direct beach access to 214 units.

Floors Units Penthouses Summits
East 18 68 12 0
Tower 20 75 12 4
West 18 71 12 0

 

All owners and guests appreciate the gated entrance, covered parking, and coded elevators.  With two outdoor pools, one interior heated pool, the only clay tennis courts on Perdido Key, and over 700’ of white sandy beach, the Beach Colony Condominiums will exceed all expectations.  The lush landscaping is designed for your enjoyment with yard swings for relaxing or grilling areas for your gatherings.

As with all condominiums, the Beach Colony Condominiums have quarterly dues, both Association Dues and Master Association Dues.  The Master Association Dues are fixed and are the same regardless of unit size.  The Association Dues are also per quarter; however they vary by condo and are based on the square footage.  Since each of the 3 buildings are unique, your Pointe South Real Estate Agent will be able to provide you additional pricing information.

During the second quarter, Beach Colony Condominiums had the most sales with 9 units of which 8 units were 3 bedrooms and 1 unit was a 2 bedroom.

Average Days on the Market:                       234

Average Sold Price:                                    $422,444

Average Price per Square Foot:                 $244

*Excluding the 2 bedroom unit, the average sold price for the 3 bedroom units’ increase 2%.

Visit Beach Colony for current listings or see our Developments for some of our most popular developments and complex’s in Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, Gulf Breeze, Perdido Key, FL and Orange Beach, AL.

A Final Home Inspection Walk Through is a Must!

Hallway Walk Through

A final home inspection walk through is the last step to purchasing your new home before going to the closing table.  The purpose of this walk through is to ensure that the property is in the same condition as when you agreed to purchase it.  Pointe South wants all of our buyers to be completely satisfied with their new home so we recommend making this a priority and setting the time aside, even in the rush and excitement of moving.

Prior to the final walk through a professional inspection should have been completed.  Once an inspection is complete, a report will be provided to the buyers with the inspectors recommendations.  At this time, all questions and request for repairs should be deliberated and resolved in a suitable time frame. There is no need to postpone repairs as they can interfere with the closing date.   A list of requested repairs should be brought to the final home inspection walk through to ensure the repairs were done.  This will allow the buyers to preview the home in move in condition.   Addressing all questions in advance will make closing day stress-free and anticipated by everyone.  

There are times that last minute concerns or devastating problems will arise.   These circumstances are rare but are why a final home inspection is recommended whether the home is still full of stuff or has been vacant. Other than a devastating problem, last minute concerns will be immediately handled and closing will continue as scheduled.  If the home has been vacant, a very thorough walk through is needed to double check that all utilities and appliances work.  Natural elements, dormancy, and weather can cause deterioration in even the best built homes.  If the home has been occupied, it is equally important to conduct the walk through even though most buyers assume that all is working properly.  The ideal time for the final walk through is 24 hours before closing but in the event that the sellers are moving out last minute, a final walk through should be done just before closing. 

Your new property will either be the home you live in for years to come or an investment that you will want to hold value for years to come.  Pointe South is here to represent your best interest and as your gulf coast realtor, a final home inspection walk through is a must!