Acres of Beachfront Development in Orange Beach, Alabama!

Welcome to the beautiful coastline of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama. Many families have been building lifelong memories along the Gulf for years combining the pleasure of beach life and the quality of life. We are now seeing and exploring more growth opportunities for others to call this gorgeous place home or their home away from home and a developers dream!

As Alabama’s fastest growing county, it’s destined to warmly welcome communities, companies and new development to the heart of the Gulf Coast. The Orange Beach market continues to grow and expand. The tourist business attracts over 5 million visitors per year and the city has continued to upgrade its transportation and infrastructure for even more families, residence, businesses and visitors to enjoy all the beach life has to offer. One incredible development opportunity was just recently listed by Pointe South Real Estate Sales Broker/Owner, Susan Carleton.

This rare and exceptional parcel is in the heart of Orange Beach! Where it all happens! The 690’ of Gulf Front property and over 13.5 acres along the pristine beaches of Orange Beach is situated between the Island House Hotel and Turquoise Place which is considered the perfect location. Currently zoned RS-1, but surrounded by BR-2 zoning allowing 42 units per acre and 84 units per acre for hotel rooms. Acres like this are an opportunity like no other!

This unique beach town of more than 32 miles of gorgeous coast line has amazing entertainment for all ages and world-class seafood caught fresh from the Gulf of Mexico. It’s tremendous natural wildlife resources surrounding sugar sand beaches, Tanger Outlets for shopping, The Wharf for boutique shops and entertainment venue which hosts world renowned artists makes this town unique. But, what makes it exceptionally unique is the array of beautiful trails, award winning fishing, boating, ziplines to zoos and the relaxation that is found on the mesmerizing beaches! There is truly something perfect for everyone. Now is the time for you to discover your perfect piece of Alabama!

For more information on this development opportunity, contact Susan Carleton today! 850.492.1148| [email protected] | SusanCarleton.com http://www.susancarleton.com

Easy Home Improvements that boost home values

It is common knowledge that a great number of homes sell during the SPRING buying season, for that reason many homeowners will be making that decision now and wanting to bump their value with some easy home improvements. But, where do you begin, and what improvements really boost the return on your investment into your pocket? Well, here you go.

One easy way to boost the value of homes by 12% or more according to FloridaRealtor.org is to invest in a few pre-listing repairs. For example, based on a median home price of $205,000. the potential gain is $24,500. Now, that seems worth your time and attention.

Not that we are all listening, let’s see what all this entails in order to gain the most return on investment that you desire.
Some of the fixes that are ranked as most important are also encouraged by our expert Pointe South Real Estate Sales Agents. Our agents share their expert advice and this is why we schedule listing appointments at your home. Our Agents will advise you with specific details to help your selling process in order to expedite the sale of a property.

#1 DECLUTTER will be at the top of the list. The cost is 0 if you do it and have the entire family chip in. This activity alone will produce a 3-5% return and it is a must-do! When potential buyers preview your home that you are SELLING, they truly want to be able to see themselves living there. You have to allow them to visualize themselves there. You can help achieve that by storing some of the family pics and personal items that you cherish in Tupperware. This also helps you start the process of moving. Two birds with one stone as they say!

#2 KITCHEN is King! The kitchen was rated as the most important to have in top shape before selling. Focus on the minor repairs that center on the function of the kitchen should be first. Fix leaky faucets, loose light fixtures, and countertop cleanliness. Not only washing up, but putting away the large kitchen

appliances that hide all the counter space. Put those away or store those in a Tupperware in the garage. Then, enhancements are next. Painting walls, updating cabinet hardware adding new curtains or light fixtures and an organized pantry show care and all the space that is available.

#3 BATHROOM freshness is next! This 2-3% return is simple and an easy improvement with fresh caulking of the shower and tub and floor seams. Updating fixtures and fresh paint will brighten the space. Updating the mirror and lighting can also give a bigger return.

#4 PAINT makes a big impact as the buyer thinks of it as one less step that they would have to do and it shows good overall maintenance of the home. Interior painting is an important part of bringing about a sale of the home. But, as the seller, you likely don’t need to paint the entire home – a refresh of the main rooms curbs big costs in painting the entire interior. Three prime rooms are the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms. Be sure to select neutral tones. Paint with whites or off-whites, grays or beiges as studies show that this helps the buyer focus on the home’s features. Bright colors tend to distract buyers and prompt in immediate cost to them to update.

#5 Lastly, CURB APPEAL and the WELCOMING feeling. With a 2-5% return, concentrate on basic maintenance with lawn care, trimming of shrubs, and adding fresh mulch. A good way to see the home with different eyes is to go stand across the street and look at the home from your neighbor’s perspective. This always shows you things that you may not have seen before and see if the change is cost-effective for you. Additionally, a good pressure washing will instantly brighten your home and increase the “welcome home” feeling. A new mat at the front door with a fresh flower invites your new guests or buyers and this has a lasting effect on them as they are more than likely looking at several homes in one day. Be the stand out – in a good way! This helps you go from FOR SALE to UNDER CONTRACT to CLOSED! If you are thinking of selling, Pointe South Real Estate Sales would love to help you get it done.

CALL | TEXT | EMAIL to find out what your home is worth today! 850.492.1148 FORSALEONTHEGULFCOAST.COM    [email protected].

The Land of the Free

Pointe South 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.

Up Close with Susan Carleton, Owner/Broker of Southern Real Estate Sales

Shopping for real estate in Orange Beach, Alabama? Maybe, you’re looking to sell your condo in Pensacola Beach. Whatever it is, you want (and need) a hard working broker by your side. Someone who is there to handle everything from contract to closing. Someone who has your best interest at heart. That someone is Southern Real Estate Sales’ Owner and Broker, Susan Carleton.

Originally from these parts, Susan Carleton has been an industry expert since 1997. She started her career selling pre-construction condominiums and investment properties with Pointe South. Today, she acts as Owner/Broker of that same company (now named Southern Rental and Real Estate).

Over the years, Susan has come to embody and promote everything this area has to offer. Beaches, history, attractions and military life — she is as passionate about the area as she is her brokerage, which is saying something. Just ask any of our nearby agents.

Living, breathing and loving this industry, Susan Carleton is your go-to for any and all things real estate. As she said in the video, whether she’s working on a marketing plan to sell your home or crafting an offer for a buyer, her job isn’t done until you are 100 percent satisfied.

Visit SusanCarleton.com to learn more about Pensacola realtors, Susan Carleton, her experience and how she can help you buy, sell and invest along the Gulf Coast!

Home Safety Tips for the 4th of July

Philadelphia started the tradition of lighting up the night sky with fireworks back in 1777, just one year after the ratification of the Declaration of Independence. It might have taken a few years to catch on, but these days it’s hard for Americans to imagine the Fourth of July without fireworks.

As we speak, families near and far are getting ready to pack up the car and head to a vacation home in Orange Beach, Alabama. And since it is Fourth of July weekend, we have no doubt they’ll be stopping along the way for some sparklers of their own. Before you buy out the tent though, keep in mind that the 4th of July DIY-ers are usually the cause of 20,000 fires each year resulting in over $32 million in property damage and 9,300 serious injuries each year, according to Medical Daily.

This Independence Day, let’s keep it safe. Instead of lighting fireworks at home, you could always opt for one of these fun, public fireworks shows in Orange Beach. But if you must have a celebration of your own, follow these safety tips from the National Council of Fireworks Safety:

  1. Always obey local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
  2. If you are going to light fireworks, do it outside in a clear area (away from your property and your neighbor’s).
  3. Never light a dud firework. Wait 20 minutes and soak it in water.
  4. Do not experiment with homemade products.
  5. Always have a responsible adult present.

Overall, we hope you have a safe and Happy Fourth of July with the ones you love!

Become a Southern Real Estate Agent!


“What’s your passion? Find it. Do it. Don’t give up.” Words to live by from Southern Real Estate Sales’ Owner/Broker, Susan Carleton.

Southern Real Estate Sales is a locally owned and family operated business, dedicated to the community, our clients and our agents. Whether you are just now considering a career selling real estate in Pensacola Beach, Florida, or have years of experience under your belt, it’s high time you join a company that genuinely care about your success as an agent.

As many will tell you, it’s hard to succeed in the Orange Beach real estate industry. That may be true, but at Southern we make it a goal to go above and beyond to remove that stigma for our agents. We want to be the outliers in that sense.

From the moment you start, Southern will provide you you with the tools and resources you need to grow your business. You need marketing advice? We have it. You need leads? We have plenty. You need training? We’ll make it happen. Whatever it is you’re looking for we’ll make it a priority.

Contact our Owner/Broker, Susan Carleton today to learn more about becoming part of the Southern Real Estate Sales team!

Orange Beach, a Developer’s Dream Land

PCOLA-LNDDV-497630-1Those who live here all ready know that Orange Beach, Alabama is dynamic city oozing with potential. Combining the pleasures of a relaxed, coastal quality of life with limitless opportunities for economic growth, the city itself is an Orange Beach real estate developer’s dream land (which would have to make Susan Carleton’s newest commercial listing heaven on earth).

The nearly 5 acre parcel of land is nestled in the heart of Orange Beach, Alabama, situated directly between the Island House Hotel and Tidewater Condominium. The lot offers over 200 feet of Gulf frontage, making it the perfect place for the future site of a new hotel or condominium complex. Current zoning requirements will allow up to 42 units per acre, or 84 hotel rooms per acre, but to be verified by the City of Orange Beach planning and zoning.

The payback here could be exponential as the Orange Beach market continues to expand. The area’s tourism industry alone attracts over 5 million visitors per year, injecting over $3 billion of visitor spending into the local economy. As more and more people vacation in Orange Beach, Alabama, tax revenues increase, as does the need for improved infrastructure. Alabama’s fastest growing county realizes this, and intends to keep up with the pace of growth it has set to remain top of mind for visitors.

New construction, Orange Beach real estate development and improved roads are just a few of the many things we can expect to see over the next few years. Lots like this, will become rarer, now is the time to buy!

Real Estate Brokerage 101

887496_1017478484971568_7099547785788254996_oReal estate is a very “relationship-oriented” business. Past clients, referrals – everything is related – including which brokerage you decide to hang your license at. When you’re deciding this, whether it’s the first time or one of many brokerage switches, you may be wondering what the benefit is to joining a local real estate company in Pensacola.

National chains try to brand themselves by offering new agents training and access to more experienced agents. But even with that, they do very little in the way of lead generation or support for new agents.That’s where Southern Real Estate Sales is different. Office space, training and leads are just three of the many things our boutique brokerage can offer you.

Southern utilizes a powerful lead generation software and an Inside Sales Department to field the incoming prospects. On top of that, we have marketing support, monthly training sessions, built-in property managers ready to offer rate analyses and ZERO upfront fees. We don’t want our agents worrying about anything other than listing homes for sale in Pensacola and writing contracts.

Contact 850-978-5057 for more information on Southern and how we can help you continue down a successful path in the real estate industry.

Condos Under Contract in Less than 20 Days

Condos in Perdido Key Beach Colony - Susan Carleton Condos in Orange Beach - Susan CarletonThe phrase “in like a lion and out like a lamb,” may ring true in terms of March weather, but not so much in terms of Perdido Key or even Orange Beach real estate, especially when your Broker is Susan Carleton. Placing two condos in two different states under contract in less than 20 days certainly does not scream lamb-like behavior.

The first condo she listed was at Beach Colony Resort in Perdido Key. This three-bedroom penthouse with soaring gulf views found itself under contract in less than 17 days. And, so you have something to compare this to, Beach Colony condos have averaged 59 days on market since January 2016.

It’s not by luck that the listing went so quickly because Susan has another condo for sale at Phoenix VII in Orange Beach currently under contract. And, this two-bedroom gulf front condo only lasted 10 days.

Needless to say if you’re thinking about buying or selling real estate, Susan Carleton is the Broker to call. Whether you’re interested in a home valuation, or current market reports, she’ll be happy to help. Contact her today at 850-516-7238, or visit SusanCarleton.com for more details on what she can do for you and your listing.

Before You Buy a Vacation Home

AboutMeAt Southern Rentals and Real Estate, we love a good investment property. With great friends and even better property managers at our fingertips, we always like to encourage our clients to look at the possibilities and then decide what is best for them.

For some buyers it makes sense to invest in an Orange Beach vacation rental, for others it may not. We have a few questions you should ask yourself before buying a vacation rental.

Number one: Do you love the location? Nice weather year-round makes this question a no-brainer for us. The second question you should ask yourself is, how often can you get there? Commuting is a huge deciding factor. You have to determine how much time you can spend somewhere and is it worth the cost of owning and maintaining the property.

Lastly, could you rent the place? Again, for the Gulf Coast, this is not a problem. The important thing to remember here is to have an agent who knows the condo rules and renter’s interests.

Our Alabama real estate agents can do just that! Give us a call at 850.492.1826 to learn more!