How to Avoid Fraudulent Listings

If you have started your search for a new apartment, home or condo rental in Perdido Key, or even found yourself in the market to buy, it is important to educate yourself on listing scams and online fraud.

Perhaps the best way to start the process is to understand how they work. The truth is, scammers use a variety of tools and methods to post fraudulent listings on a range of sites. Some just copy and paste, others can take properties that are listed for sale and post for rent, and some do it across multiple, “reliable” sites.

It’s hard to know if its a scam, but you can definitely pinpoint the signs – for instance, have they asked for private information with a sense of urgency? Better yet, have the requested you wire money through Western Union or Moneygram? That’s when you stop.

If something seems off, beware and look to trusted sites where it’s impossible to be scammed, like Pointe South. From our site you can search long term rentals and real estate in Pensacola, Perdido Key, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Fairhope and Mobile. What are you waiting for, start shopping smart today!

Pointe South Celebrates Record-Breaking Year

Great things are happening at Pointe South Real Estate sales. Dedicated to serving the needs of buyers and sellers along the Gulf Coast, our real estate agents in Pensacola, Perdido Key and Orange Beach are celebrating another successful season heading into the company’s 20th anniversary.

These past twenty years have gained us extensive knowledge and experience and taught us the things we need to succeed. Among these include the importance of adaptability, innovation, collaboration and teamwork.

Wrapping up the 2014 year, we are pleased to announce that our sales volume reached record-breaking levels closing out at approximately $48 million. We could not be more pleased with the performance of our agents and look forward to another twenty years of excellence.

For more information on the Pointe South real estate team and what we can do for you, call 850.492.1148.

Recent Gulf Coast Real Estate Sales

The phrase, “Going, Going, Gone…” does not just apply to baseball anymore, at least not when it comes to our Pensacola, Perdido Key and Orange Beach real estate professionals.

As always, our agents are diligently working away to help buyers and sellers with all of their real estate needs, but August in particular proves to be an impressive month amongst the Pointe South Real Estate group. A few of our team’s most recent sales include everything from single-family homes in Pensacola to high-rise condominiums in Perdido Key. Prices ranged from as low as $115,000 to $407,000.

Listing agents on these properties include, La Gay Fenters, Ouida Jones, Rhonda Landrum and Owner/Broker, Susan Carleton. Real estate professionals, JD Hallam and Danny Head, also assisted in August sales as both listing and selling agents.

While this is just a snapshot at a few of the team’s real estate sales, more information can be seen daily on the Team Pointe South homepage. This includes new listings and area developments.

Are you interested in selling your home? Contact our real estate agents today to learn more about our comprehensive marketing plans and unique solutions that will help your property find the right buyer within the right time frame.

Seal the Deal – Tips for Sellers

Whatever you are in the market to buy, it is generally safe to assume that you will look for the deepest discounts, some surprising specials and novel ways to save. The same is true for real estate, and not just for buyers. Sellers too, look for different ways to get the best price for their homes and usually in the quickest way possible.

While the the concept may not be hard to grasp, the execution has potential to be. So, how do you entice prospective buyers to seal the deal and buy your Perdido Key real estate that is listed for sale?

The tired, but true phrase “Location, location, location,” is a good place to start. There is no doubt that a home’s location can affect how much it sells for and how long it sits. Let us be honest though, not everyone’s home is located in community with a pool next to a supermarket. While you cannot fix the proximity of your home to the interstate, you can adjust the price.

A correctly priced house can make all the difference in a home that sits and one that sells. There is a fine line that between a house that is priced too high and one that is too low.

For more tips on how to sell your home, contact one of our Gulf Coast real estate agents today.

We Are Hiring Experienced Real Estate Agents!

Since 1996, Pointe South has been a proven leader in the Gulf Coast real estate industry. Our vision is to be the most caring company along the Gulf Coast. What is our greatest asset in achieving this goal? Our REALTORS®.

The Pointe South team is compiled of over 30 distinct members, each dedicated to serving the needs of buyers and sellers from Navarre Beach, Florida, west to Fairhope, Alabama. Here at Pointe South, we strive not only to provide our clients with the best service, but every one of our real estate agents.

Throughout the year we recognize the individual members of our team that have contributed to the overall positive image of the Pointe South brand. We understand that the key to any successful real estate transaction is the right agent and we like to acknowledge ours for all of their efforts and overall personal commitment.

Last year Pointe South totaled over $42 million in sales volume and has already grossed $14.5 million this year. Choose to work for a company with a proven track record.

If you are an experienced real estate agent in Pensacola, Perdido Key, Orange Beach and the surrounding areas in pursuit of a job, please call 850.492.1826. We would love to hear more about how you can contribute to the Pointe South team.

We offer training, office space, lead generation and unsurpassed commission splits for full time agents. For a full list of details, contact Owner/Broker Susan Carleton today.

Prepare Your Property for Hurricane Season

After some wicked winter weather and a freak flood incident, it is probably safe to say that residents of the Gulf Coast are ready for sunny days spent on the area’s most beautiful beaches. That said, it may be time to start thinking ahead, and not just about your upcoming vacation or Orange Beach concert getaway.

Let us be honest, the last thing anyone wants to think about is another potentially devastating weather event. The fact of the matter is hurricane season officially begins June 1 and the best way to avoid the aftermath of a storm is to prepare for it ahead of time. So, what is the best way to prepare to your Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama real estate from severe weather?

There are a few relatively simple and cost effective solutions to help protect your property. Consider installing hurricane shutters. This remains one of the most economical housing solutions when it comes to wet weather. If these are not an option, stock up on panels and plywood ahead of time so you are ready when a storm is projected to hit. Flood insurance is worth considering as well. Keep in mind that most policies have a time clause before they go into effect.

The better prepared your property is now, the less you will stress later.

Pointe South Real Estate Agents “Baking” the World a Better Place

Nothing says “Home” more than the smell of fresh baked cookies. So, what does a “Sold Home” smell like? Perhaps an office full of fresh baked cookies.

The Pointe South Real Estate team, a proven leader in Gulf Coast real estate since 1996, is hosting a celebratory cookie party in honor of yet another successful month. Agents at the Perdido Key office are expected throughout the day to drop in and fill up on a tasty treat to reward all of their hard work.

April goals exceeded expectations totaling over $7.1 million in sales with year-to-date numbers quickly approaching the $14.5 million mark.

Over the years and under the leadership of owner/broker, Susan Carleton, the Pointe South team has helped thousands of residents find their dream homes throughout Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama. Today, as one of the most recognized names in real estate, Pointe South is comprised of over 30 agents who service real estate needs from Pensacola, Florida to Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Our goal is to be the most caring company along the Gulf Coast. We know that our greatest asset in achieving this rests solely in the hands of our Gulf Coast REALTORS®.

We would like to thank each one who has helped make Pointe South the success that it is today.

All About Your Homeowner’s Insurance

When we hear the word “insurance” we are left dwelling on the potentially negative thoughts of what COULD happen, and while not as exciting as living in your Northwest Florida home, it is important to safeguard it.

Luckily, here on the Gulf Coast, we do not typically have to deal with freezing rain and ice storms, however, we do have a significant storm season that should come into play when it comes to protecting your home. If disaster strikes, the last thing you should have to worry about is money. Your focus should be on reclaiming home security and mental stability.

That being said, there are some things you should know about your homeowner’s insurance. First of all you should know what it covers, and for that matter what it does not. In the event of certain storms, fire and vandalism, a typical policy will pay for damages. What is not covered depends on the area and the agency supplying your insurance. A general policy seems to exclude earth movements (landslides and earthquakes), faulty zoning and flooding.

Given our location’s attraction to hurricanes and flooding seeking supplemental insurance is the best way to ensure your homes safety in the event of a disaster.

While it may seem pessimistic to harp on, it is important to protect yourself and your investment from some of life’s biggest surprises.

Perdido Key Condo For Sale

Warm, elegant and inviting, this luxurious Perdido Key condominium is nestled within the east building of the Marseilles complex.

Relish in the grand style of this four bedroom, four full bathrooms and one half bathroom home that features not only spacious living areas, but boasts two large balconies with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. Dramatic first impressions include travertine flooring throughout the common areas, 10’ ceilings with floor to ceiling glass and soaring views of emerald green water and sandy white beaches.

Spanning roughly 2414 square feet and sitting on approximately 200 feet of gorgeous Gulf Coast beach, this gated, rent restricted residence is like new. With only two units per floor and coded elevators, enjoy the benefits of a completely private home with the added bonuses of community amenities. Marseilles features include a heated indoor pool, outdoor pool, steam room, sauna and fitness center.

Built in 2004, the Marseilles complex is strategically placed in the heart of Perdido Key and just a short drive from a variety of family activities, shopping venues and fine dining.

Interested in this listing? Contact Susan Carleton at 850-361-4154 for more information.