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!

Homes for Sale on Ono Island

The ultimate customized residence awaits. If you have been searching for homes for sale on Ono Island, our Owner/Broker, Susan Carleton has just the place for you! Recently listed and newly constructed, 30485 Ono Loop North sits on a large, canal front lot in Orange Beach, Alabama.

This five bedroom, four-and-half bathroom home comes with a variety of upgrades and enhancements. From hardwood floors, 10 foot ceilings, crown molding and high-end trim, it is safe to say that no detail has been overlooked when it comes to this incredible property. The rooms are spacious and open with neutral finishes that help to create a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the 3,396 square foot residence. Outside, there is a beautiful 706 square back deck with a large brick fireplace with views overlooking the canal.

In addition to an incredible location and fabulous upgrades, this home comes with a new boat house with power and lift that holds up to 9,000 pounds.

For more information on this and other Orange Beach, Alabama real estate opportunities, contact Susan Carleton at 850.516.7238.

Orange Beach Named a Destination on the Rise

DSC_1105Are you considering investing in Alabama real estate in the new year? You may want to think about buying a beachfront rental in Orange Beach, as Tripadvisor has just named it a top travel destination for 2016.

Tripadvisor recently released their list of “Destinations on the Rise in the U.S.”and named Orange Beach to their #2 spot. As a dominant source of travel information, it is likely that our white sand beaches and green cascading waters will, in fact, continue to draw more and more visitors in 2016 and beyond. This will certainly increase the likelihood that your new Orange Beach investment property will be an overwhelming financial success.

In addition to the scenic highlights of the area, visitors also flock to Coastal Alabama for the many attractions and water sports activities, delicious gulf to table dining and the incredible fishing.Fun festivals and family-friendly events make Orange Beach a year-round vacation favorite.

If you’re shopping for beachfront real estate in Orange Beach, call our agents today. We will be happy to help, as well as introduce you to our friends at Southern Vacation Rentals, leaders in vacation rental property management in Alabama and Florida.

Considering property farther east along the Gulf Coast? Shop Destin, Florida, named to the #2 spot on the same list. Our friends at RE/MAX Southern Real Estate will be happy to find your perfect investment property!

 

New Year’s Eve Celebrations on the Coast

The-Wharf7-300x200Did you just purchase a home on the Gulf Coast? If so, you may be looking for the best New Year’s celebration near your new home. We’re happy to help!

If you own a home in Orange Beach or Gulf Shores, reel in the New Year at The Wharf! The fun begins at 6pm. The beer garden, ice rink, Ferris Wheel and more will be available for family fun and the Marlin Drop will take place, along with fireworks, at midnight. Also near Orange Beach is the party at the Flora-Bama. Three stages, food, party favors and champagne will highlight this party before the countdown commences at midnight.

In Pensacola there is a little something known as the Pelican Drop. A favorite area tradition, this is a must-experience event when you live on the Gulf Coast. Hit the Little Pelican Party downtown, where you will enjoy family friendly games and entertainment, or party in downtown before the crystal Pelican drops to mark the beginning of 2016.

Orange Beach & Fairhope Top Most Beautiful Towns List

Untitled-1Have you considered relocating to the great state of Alabama, but struggling to decide where? Well, “Only In Your State” has narrowed the list of Alabama’s “most beautiful, charming small towns,” down to ten. We’ve shortened it to two: Orange Beach and Fairhope.

Both towns are chart toppers for a variety of reasons, but our Alabama real estate agents still believe you have to see them to fully understand how beautiful these towns are.

Fairhope is situated on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay and offers residents spacious parks, tree-lined neighborhoods and a thriving downtown area that attracts visitors from across the country. Orange Beach on the other hand offers a variety of family-friendly beach vacation opportunities and entertainment to boot. Both in Baldwin County, both uniquely beautiful. The choice really is up to you. Would you rather buy a condo for sale in Orange Beach, or a single-family home in Fairhope? Either way, the two are a short drive away from each other Gulf Coast attractions.

Interested in learning more about buying real estate in Alabama? Contact our expert agents at Southern Real Estate Sales today. They will be happy to help you find a place that is right for you!

We’re Hiring Talented Real Estate Agents!

Were HiringOver the past twenty years, Southern Real Estate Sales (formerly known as Pointe South) has worked with a vision of excellence in mind. Our goal is to be the most caring company along the Gulf Coast and our agents are our greatest assets in bringing this to life.

With more than 30 licensed agents in Florida and Alabama and five office locations, we are uniquely positioned to provide you with a one-of-a-kind real estate experience that is above all else. This of course is only possible because of the staff we have on hand.

If you want to work for a company that cares about your success, give us a call today. We’re looking to grow in all of our markets including Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Fairhope and Mobile. Not only will we provide you with leads from the start, but the resources, tools and training you need to be successful.

Let us help you exceed not only buyers and sellers expectations, but your own! Call 850.492.1826 to ask about joining our Gulf Coast real estate team today.

Upcoming Events at The Wharf

The-Wharf7-300x200Owning Orange Beach or Gulf Shores real estate provides you ample opportunities for fun. This comes in the form of the beach family festivals, and of course, events at favorite area event venues such as the Wharf!

The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama is a great destination for shopping, dining and festivals, as well as concerts at the amphitheater. This late summer and very early fall there are several awesome events taking place, with one or two sure to make your ‘must-attend’ list.

The first is the Top of the Hops Beer Festival on August 15, 2015. This event will take place on the Marina Lawn and will feature over 150 craft brews located in various beer gardens. In addition to the tasting event, you will find educational seminars such as Cooking with Beer, Food Pairings and How to Brew Beer. There will also be live music and exciting games. Tickets are on sale now for $35.

Upcoming events at The Wharf Amphitheater include concerts from Alabama Shakes, with special guests  the Drive by Truckers on August 22, 2015. Tickets are still on sale for this show, as well as for the September 6 show from the legendary Alabama! If you own property in Orange Beach or Gulf Shores, don’t let these nearby events pass you by. Get your tickets today!

Blue Marlin Championship this Weekend!

While you could take a break from shopping for Florida or Alabama real estate to hit up the Pensacola Beach Air show this weekend, some people prefer the sea over the air. If this sounds like you, head for Orange Beach and their biggest fishing tournament of the year!

The Blue Marlin Grand Championship has fast become known as one of the “greatest shows in sportfishing.” This is because it is a weekend packed with great events on land and at sea. Even if you don’t plan to or like to fish, you will still find a ton to do at The Wharf. In addition to great tournament events, you will also be near awesome shopping and dining at The Wharf.

Captain and crew events kick off today, July 7, with the official kickoff party taking place on July 8 at Bimini Bob’s. For those fishing, get ready to set sail on July 9 at noon with a special flare launch! Most trips are overnight, so those staying on land won’t get to enjoy the spectacular weigh-ins until Friday and Saturday evening at 7pm. This is arguably the most exciting portion of any tournament. Watch as boats come to shore and offload their amazing catches!

Don’t miss this fun Gulf Coast fishing tournament of the awesome Blue Marlin, Dolphin, Tuna and Wahoo catches that each crew is sure to bring to shore. See you on the docks of The Wharf!

Spring Concerts at The Wharf

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Owning Gulf Coast real estate near some of the biggest beach tourism destinations has it’s advantages. Yes, our beaches may be a little crowded, but the area also draws big names in entertainment, perfect to enjoy at our many venues this spring.

One such awesome venue is The Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach. If you own real estate in Alabama be sure to catch one of these terrific shows. Coming to the stage this week is Boston who will be bringing special guests Kansas along to perform in this wonderful open air venue. On May 8, another classic performer will hit the stage – John Fogerty who is bringing his 1969 Tour!

If these shows are playing a little too imminently for you, be sure to check out those coming later this month such as Widespread Panic and May 22. If you rather sway to the sounds of something a little more beachy, then be sure to get tickets for May 23 when The Beach Boys & American take the stage for Memorial Day! Or, wait to get your tickets for Dave Matthews Band, appearing on June 2.

Want to make a weekend out of your concert experience? Call our friends at Pointe South Vacation Rentals and ask about condo deals near Orange Beach!

Concerts Coming to The Wharf in Orange Beach

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If you own real estate in Orange Beach or a home in Gulf Shores, you are lucky to live near two amazing concert venues, The Wharf Amphitheater and The Hangout. While we have told you about the upcoming Hangout Fest, there are also some pretty awesome shows coming to The Wharf this spring.

This spring, you can catch some of your favorite performers, such as Jimmy Buffett and the Beach Boys, as well as newer artists such as Florida-Georgia Line, who will be the first spring concert on March 21, 2015. Performing with the country duo will be special guests Thomas Rhett and Frankie Ballard.

Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band will perform on April 21, 2015 before Boston and Kansas come to the stage on May 1, 2015. This Memorial Day, hit the beach and then head to The Wharf in Orange Beach for The Beach Boys and America as they take their turn on stage. And, kicking off the summer, will be Dave Matthews Band on June 2, 2015.

Even if you already live on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, make a weekend out of these great shows by reserving a condo rental at The Wharf Resort with Pointe South, or try out a beachfront condo in Orange Beach. See you at the show!