The Land of the Free

The Southern Rentals and Real Estate Team salutes and honors those that lost their lives on 9.11 – 16 years ago.

We are the land of the free and the home of the brave!  Our hearts were unimaginably broken which forced us to be in great unity from that moment we will all never forget.  In that same spirit of unity, we remember those that we lost, pray for their families, support the ones who constantly run into harms way to seek and to save those in need of help.

On that day, more than 3000 lives were lost – and so many more affected in ways only they can express.  We also remember those in Houston, affected by Hurricane Harvey and the people in the path of Hurricane Irma.

May we always remember what brings us together – our relationships, our family, our love for one another and our love for our country! Our endurance and power will strengthen us, even if it takes some time at first – we will never forget.  But, our strength together is all we need.  We need each other!

The tribute light that beams through the NY sky on 9.11 beams through each and every day from our hearts.  We know their names, we know their children, we remember that day, just as we recall where we were on that September morning.  We also remember how the storms approach that attempt to destroy and are destructive to our surroundings. But, we endure together.

We all know the time continues to tick, so love one another deeply. Laugh often. Work hard and enjoy the simple things in life.  Sing loudly. Smile – you are loved.  Take time to listen. Be there when asked and stay their when your not asked.  Be one another’s best advocate and encourage those in your circle.  Get the flowers.  Smell the roses. Eat the cake. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Do your very best and don’t wait-do it!

Find your place at the beach and dip your toes in the sand.

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.

Tax Free Weekend in Florida & Alabama

It’s that time of year again! The summer season is coming to an end and that means you have to head home and get the kids ready for the start of another school year. We know what you’re thinking – it’s going to be hard to leave the incredible views of your Orange Beach vacation rental to shop for school supplies – but there is some good news. This weekend is a tax-free holiday in Florida and Alabama!

Are you ready to hit the stores, now? Before you do, here’s what you need to know:

FLORIDA: The 2015 back-to-school tax holiday will begin on Friday, August 7 and last will last until Sunday, August 16. Tax-free items include clothing, footwear and accessories selling for $100 or less per item, and certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item. See a complete list of tax-free items during the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday in Florida.

ALABAMA: The 10th annual sales tax holiday kicks off on Friday, August 7 and ends at midnight on Sunday, August 9. Similar to Florida, clothing items must be under $100, but certain school supplies under $50 are potentially exempt. See a complete list of tax-free items during the August Sales Tax Holiday in Alabama.

For more information on each state’s tax free week/end(s), visit the individual state revenue websites.

Pointe South Welcomes New Realtors

Untitled-1Pointe South Real Estate is pleased to welcome two new agents to the team this month, adding to the already stellar group of professional real estate agents in Alabama and Florida. Stan Golanka and Rich McCord bring both years of experience and local knowledge to Pointe South and we are thrilled to have them on board.

Stan Golanka is originally from Poland and while he spends some time there every summer, he has transferred his roots to the beaches of the Gulf Coast, selling real estate in Pensacola and Perdido Key. An avid investor with a wealth of real estate knowledge, Stan comes to Pointe South first as an owner of a home on our long term rental program and now a licensed agent, ready to help you find the home or investment property of your dreams.

Rich McCord, a former Pointe South Property Manager, has transferred his license to the real estate division to help buyers and sellers in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Fairhope, Alabama. Prior to his ventures with Pointe South, Rich served in US Special Operations. Now he is a proud member of the National Association of Realtors and the Baldwin County Association of Realtors.

We are pleased to welcome both men to our team and look forward to what they will bring to the Pointe South family.