10 Tips for Enjoying Cheese Lovers Day at Pointe South!

Cheese lovers day is a day to celebrate cheese and all things cheese related. It is a day to appreciate the variety of flavors and textures that cheese can bring to a dish, and to enjoy all the ways that cheese can be enjoyed. Whether you like soft and creamy cheeses, sharp and tangy ones, or something in between, cheese lover day is the perfect time to indulge in your favorite varieties. Some ideas for celebrating cheese lover day might include trying out new and interesting cheese recipes, visiting a local cheese shop or market, or simply enjoying some cheese on its own or with your favorite accompaniments.

cheese lovers, pensacola

Where should I buy the best cheese in Pensacola, Florida?

There are many places in Pensacola, Florida where cheese lovers can get their fix. Some options might include:
  1. Local cheese shops: These specialized stores often carry a wide variety of cheese from different regions and made from different types of milk. Some examples include: Four Winds Fine Foods Market, Ever’man Cooperative Grocery & Café Garden Street, and Chrisoula’s Cheesecake Shoppe and Café.
  2. Supermarkets: Many supermarkets carry a selection of cheese, including both domestic and imported varieties. Magee Field Grocery, Publix, Aldi and the Fresh Market are all great places to visit.
  3. Farmers’ markets: These markets often feature cheese from local producers, which can be a great way to support small businesses in the area. You’ll want to visit Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fisherman’s Market in Foley, Alabama.
  4. Specialty food stores: Stores like Whole Foods and other specialty food stores often have a wide selection of cheese, including both domestic and imported options. Costello’s Italian Deli, Butcher Shop, Four Winds Fine Foods is a fantastic option.
  5. Online retailers: You can also find cheese for sale online from retailers like Amazon, Murray’s Cheese, and others.

Charcuterie board for every meal? YES and THANK YOU!!!

A charcuterie board is a selection of cured meats, cheese, and other accompaniments that are arranged on a platter or board for serving. This is a cheese lovers dream and an absolutely amazing way to host a family, friends, or an open house event!

Here’s how you can create your own charcuterie board:

  1. Choose your meats: Select a variety of cured meats such as salami, prosciutto, and chorizo. Aim for a mix of flavors and textures.
  2. Pick your cheeses: Choose a selection of cheeses that have different flavors and textures, such as a soft cheese, a hard cheese, and a blue cheese. The examples above are great options to purchase from!
  3. Add some garnishes: Include some olives, pickles, and other small garnishes to add flavor and texture to the board.
  4. Include some spreads: Add some spreads such as mustard, jam, or honey to add depth of flavor to the board.
  5. Arrange the ingredients: Arrange the meats, cheeses, garnishes, and spreads on a large platter or cutting board, allowing plenty of space between the different items.
  6. Serve: Serve the charcuterie board with some crusty bread or crackers, and allow guests to enjoy the various items on the board as they like.

I recommend checking out a few different places to find the best selection and prices for the cheese you’re looking for. Let us know which are your favorites and post a picture of your charcuterie board!

If you are are thinking about listing your home, give us a call! We would be happy to host an open house with an amazing charcuterie board and wine!

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

Home Paint Colors: Most Popular Paint Colors of 2023

Sherwin-Williams color of the year.

Is it time to bring warm colors back into your home? So what are the colors of 2023? Well, Sherwin-Williams color of the year is called Resend Point, which has blush tones that create a cozy and calm environment. Sherwin-Williams says this color “celebrates restorative energy, well-being, and kindness.” We can all agree that walking into a home that promotes restorative energy, well-being, and kindness is a home we all want to be in!

Warm pink shades, such as blush or peach, can add a touch of warmth and coziness to a room. These color pallets are often associated with nature and can help create a sense of harmony and balance in a space. A good contrast is deep blue greens, such as teal or navy. These can add depth and richness to a room and make it feel more sophisticated! We all know how much we love teal and blue-greens! According to Southern Living, these soft reds will be everywhere in 2023!

Benjamin Moore color of the year.

Benjamin Moore’s color of 2023 is Raspberry Blush. I love this fun choice! Which is also a shade of warm coral pink. Other colors of the year include Savannah Green, North Sea Green (love it), New Age, Starry Night Blue, Wenge, Tofino Sunset (peachy pink), and Cinnamon. I enjoy how these stone-tone colors are creative and am excited to see how these colors are used. I also cannot help but think these colors yell out, “live here at the gulf coast!” What fun beach colors.

Is painting my home a trendy color a good choice?

You may be asking yourself; I would like to change the colors in my home to try North Sea Green or Starry Night Blue, but I am too nervous! What if it does not match my décor? Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore have peel-and-stick paint samples. I love this option as you only need to spend a little time painting the wall sample and then painting it back if you do not like it.

In addition, think about the natural light in the room and how it will affect the color. This step should not be overlooked. The same color can look very different in other rooms. Therefore, we recommend always testing the paint on your walls before committing to a final color.

It is also essential to remember that color trends come and go! What’s popular this year may not be popular when you are ready to list your home for sale or rent. Therefore, sometimes it is better to use a trendy color as an accent. This allows you to easily change the color scheme of your area as trends change without having to repaint the entire room.

Another option is to choose a neutral color for the walls and use color trends in accessories such as throw pillows, blankets, rugs, and artwork. This allows you to change the color scheme of your space with minimal effort and expense.

We can help you!

Even though trends change, we do not want you to be afraid of using a color other than white or grey. We love envisioning different colors on walls when touring homes! A fresh coat of paint makes such a difference and lifts your spirits! In addition, buyers and renters may be looking for specific color styles when searching listings on the internet.

In summary, using color trends to paint your home can be a great way to renew your space, but it’s also important to consider your style, the overall ambiance, and what will attract buyers or renters. We know choosing a color for your home or specific rooms can be tricky, and we would love to help you! So give us a call today; we would be happy to help!

850.492.1148 susancarletonteam@pointesouth.com

How to Create an Inviting Atmosphere for Your Photo Shoot

Are You getting ready to list your home for sale or for rent? Here are some important steps you can take to ensure beautiful pictures during your photo shoot.

Clean and Declutter

Cleaning and decluttering is 100% the most important step. Make sure your home is clean and free of clutter. Organizing will make the space look larger and more attractive to potential buyers. When a home appears to look messy, it sets the tone that the property is not well-maintained, which can be a turn-off for potential buyers.

On the other hand, a clean and organized home can make a good impression and help potential buyers envision themselves living there. Nicely made beds, fresh matching bathroom towels, and sheer neutral curtains help create a warm and cozy look. Fans will be turned off for photos, so try to have those cleaned. We want to do everything we can to attract the most offers or potential renters. We can recommend some incredible cleaning vendors who can help you!  

Stage the Space for your Photo Shoot

In addition to decluttering and cleaning, it may also be helpful to stage the interior of the home. This involves rearranging the furniture and décor to create a cohesive and welcoming look. Staging can help showcase the full potential of a home and make it more appealing to buyers. Anything that could potentially prevent someone from envisioning themselves in the home should be stored away.  If there’s going to be a room off-limits for storage, let the photographer know. Sometimes it is a good idea to get a storage unit to store the items you do not need. This comes in handy when it is time to move!

Professional photographers recommend removing towels and toiletry from the bathroom countertops and showers. Removing robes from behind the bathroom door in case it’s closed. Your should put personal family photos away; a few are okay. Make sure anything with your personal information is put away, like baby name plates. These usually contain a child’s full name and birthday, which is unsuitable for internet display. Finally, consider things you don’t want in the pictures, like gun safes, extra TVs, and excessive clothing.

Make the Necessary Repairs Before Your Photo Shoot

Fix any broken or damaged items in the home. This will show buyers and renters that the house has been well-maintained and is in good condition. Ensure your front door has a fresh coat of paint and is free of any debris. This is the first impression of walking into the home. We want the front door to “pop” in the pictures.

Improve Curb Appeal

Make sure the outside of the home looks as good as the inside. This includes mowing the lawn, trimming shrubs, fresh mulch, and planting flowers. In addition, if you have a large camper or an RV, consider moving it for the day to prevent shadows and make the space look bigger.

Make sure the pool is clean and free of leaves. A sparkling blue pool draws in buyers and renters! Your photographer can typically add green grass to exterior photos, but only if the home typically has green grass; we need to be truthful for the buyers. One uncommon idea that usually looks good is adding a couple of fake flowers to the hedges! No one can tell in the pictures!

Add Lighting

Make sure there is enough light in the home before your photo shoot. Turn on all the lights, open curtains and blinds, and consider adding additional lighting if necessary. Photographers recommend trying to have bright lighting that matches in hue (red/blue/yellow). We can help determine if more lighting is needed before picture day.

Timing of Photos

Morning or “golden hour” is the best time in general; it’s best to take photos when the sun is not directly shining on the front of the house. By doing so can create harsh shadows and make the colors look washed out. If the property faces east or west, it’s best to take photos in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is not directly in front of the house. If the property faces north or south, the best time to take photos is around midday when the lighting is more even. It’s also a good idea to refrain from taking pictures on overcast or cloudy days, as the lighting can be flat and unappealing. We will work with the photographer to ensure we have the perfect timing.

Oversaturating or Over Sharpening Pictures

We want to make sure the photographer doesn’t over-edit the photos. Too heavily edited pictures make the home look unrealistic and misleading to potential buyers and renters.

Do Not Stress!!!

This list may seem like a lot, but we are 100% here to help! So please turn on the music and make it fun! Photo shoots can be fun and it is exciting to see professional pictures of your home.

Getting ready to list your home for sale or to rent? Give us a call, and we can help guide you through the process. We have trusted and talented professional photographers that we love to work with. susancarletonteam@pointesouth.com ~ 850.492.1148

 

 

 

POINTE SOUTH ACHIEVEMENTS OF 2022 

WOW! We could not be prouder of our amazing Pointe South Team!

Our Pointe South professional Agents and Property Managers have surpassed their goals and expectations for 2022 ‼️

Check out these terrific stats:

Real Estate Achievements:

  • $145 Million
  • 270 Transactions

Property Management Achievements:

  • 108 NEW Properties added to our Property Management

We have been covering our Gulf Coast – From Alabama to Florida – From condos to homes and more. Our team sets out to find your perfect piece of land or sand. Above all, we have loved celebrating you this year, our amazing clients. We value your continued support and business, as none of this would be possible without YOU! We put in the work – a lot of work and even more heart. We exceeded professional goals, and our brokerage sales volume for the year at $145 million!

NOW WE CELEBRATE THE POINTE SOUTH DIFFERENCE $145M IN SALES, 270 TRANSACTIONS & 108 PROPERTIES ON OUR LONG-TERM LEASING PROGRAM!!!

achievements, pointe south

CHEERS to our hardworking, dedicated Team and the relationships they have made along the way.  Undoubtedly, we could not have done this without our unstoppable vendors.

Pointe South’s experience and passion bring great achievements! You can trust Pointe South to help you list your home and/or find your new perfect place to call home. Our Residential Leasing team is the best on the Gulf Coast! They can help you with all your rental needs and goals! Contact us today at susancarletonteam@pointesouth.com or visit us online at www.FORSALEONTHEGULFCOAST.com. We look forward to working with you!

Who Loves to Save Money?!?! How to Remove PMI Payments!

Who else LOVES to SAVE MONEY? You’ll love this real estate hack if you don’t already know.

No matter when you bought your house, if you did so with less than 20% down, your mortgage lender tacked on the extra cost of private mortgage insurance (PMI) as a standard precaution. ​​​​​​​​Removing PMI payments can be a significant way to save money in the long run. PMI is usually required when a homebuyer makes a down payment of less than 20% on their home purchase. Once the homeowner reaches 20% equity in their home through mortgage payments or home value appreciation, they can request the cancellation of PMI.

By eliminating PMI, homeowners can potentially save hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually. This extra money can be put towards paying off the mortgage faster, saving for future goals, or investing in other financial endeavors. It’s essential to stay updated on the value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage to determine when you’re eligible to remove PMI and start enjoying the financial benefits of doing so.

PMI, Remove pmi, mortgage

In addition, PMI typically only protects the lender in the event of a default. According to NerdWallet, PMI rates usually range from .58% to 1.86% of the original loan amount. So, for example, a $400,000 loan with 7.5% down would mean your PMI payment would be $305/month (with a 700-credit score).

Let’s Talk PMI

✔️ Confident that your house is worth more today than when you purchased it? ​​​​​​​​

✔️ Can I cancel PMI if my home value increases? ​​​​​​​​

✔️ When does PMI go away?​​​​​​​​

📝 Whether your individual mortgage qualifies for PMI removal will depend on factors like the current value of your home, the loan type, how much you still owe on the loan, and your payment history.​​​​​​​​ With the example above, it would take 8.66 years for the lender to remove this $300 monthly payment. So, you would be paying over $31,000! However, do not stress because there are ways to remove this sooner.  

How Can We Remove the PMI?

💰 In all honesty, the hot real estate market of 2021-2022 meant many homeowners saw their equity rise. Even though a market shift is underway as of late due to higher interest rates, many homeowners with mortgages will most likely be sitting on significant equity due to still-high home values. In Q2 2022, a report from CoreLogic shows that homeowners with mortgages saw an equity increase of nearly 27.8% year-over-year. CoreLogic forecasts an average rise in home prices of 4.3% between June 2022 and June 2023.​​​​​​​​

💼 As a result of this trend, NOW would be a good time for many borrowers to see if they qualify for private mortgage insurance cancellation. A higher equity stake in your home can lower the perceived risk of your mortgage and, in some cases, speed up the path to PMI removal.​​​​​​​​ See! We told you not to stress!

In addition, because PMI can add tens of thousands of dollars in housing costs over the life of a loan, it’s essential to consider taking steps to remove PMI as soon as you’re eligible.​​​​​​​​

Long story short… 😉… reach out to me anytime for a CMA! Our team would love to have coffee (or a margarita) with you to discuss it further.  Pointe South is always looking for ways to save our customers money!

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.

Here is to saving money in 2023!!!

susancarletonteam@pointesouth.com ~ 850.492.1148

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Welcome Jennifer DuBose!

Southern Real Estate Sales is thrilled to welcome Jennifer DuBose to our team, adding to the already stellar group of professional real estate agents in Alabama and Florida. Jennifer specializes in selling and buying real estate in Pensacola, Perdido Key, Navarre and Gulf Breeze and surrounding areas. We could not be more excited to have her on board!

Prior to pursuing a career in real estate, Jennifer worked in finance for over 20 years. In 2018, she was ready for change. Jennifer was able to take her years of experience and apply it to her next endeavor, her true passion – real estate. Her eagerness and go-getter attitude are sure to please and prove her love for real estate.

Jennifer, now a Florida local, moved to Perdido Key from Laurel, Mississippi. Her family owned a vacation rental, which they now call home. “I love what this area has to offer…from the friendly people, to the beautiful white sandy beaches, and the endless festivals and events in Downtown Pensacola. I enjoy all the activities of coastal living such as boating, biking, and kayaking.” said Jennifer. “There is no place like home or the beach. I want to help each client feel at home wherever they choose!”

Interested in learning more about Jennifer and how she can help you find your forever home or the perfect place in the sand? Email her today at JenniferD@pointesouth.com. She’ll be happy to help you buy, sell or invest in the property of your dreams!

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.

August 2014 Monthly Market Reports

Team Pointe South Monthly Market UpdateRecent reports released by the National Association of Realtors indicate that August home sales have remained below the pace that was set in 2013. Even so, the market seems to be performing stronger than experts had predicted earlier in the year.

The same can be said for the Perdido Key and Pensacola real estate market. Below you will find a compilation of data taken from the Pensacola Association of Realtors. Included in this is, a variety of information to help you gauge where home sales stand in your local area.

In a nutshell, year-over-ear activity in the Pensacola Beach area has increased by two sales while Perdido Key has decreased by one. However, home values are on the rise which is a positive indicator that the recovery continues.

Are you interested in learning more about these trends and how this could affect your future real estate endeavors? Contact our agents at Pointe South, not only do they understand these trends, but they have the resources and commitment to help you whether you are interested in buying or selling.

July 2014 Monthly Market Reports

Gulf BreezeThe end of the second quarter revealed signs of an up-trending market. Keeping in line with national averages, the Northwest Florida real estate market saw both the number of homes for sale increase and prices continue to rise. Even with these positive changes, the recovery remains in place with some lingering lending challenges.

Because of the real estate industry’s volatile nature, our agents have designed a market report to help you gauge activity in areas specific to your interests. Below you will find a compilation of data taken from the Pensacola Association of Realtors. This includes a variety of information from condos and homes sold to year over year activity in your local area.

Not only do our real estate agents understand these trends, but they have the resources and commitment to help you weather the storm whether you are interested in buying or selling.

Our door is always open market conditions, property values and any other questions you may have. Feel free to stop by any one of our offices along the Gulf Coast for more information about the state of your local real estate market.

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.