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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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. [email protected] ~ 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 [email protected] 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!!!

[email protected] ~ 850.492.1148

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Real Estate Market Highlights

News Alert for Buyers and Sellers along the Gulf Coast!

RESIDENTIAL MARKET HIGHLIGHTS – JULY 2019

According to the Pensacola Associations of Realtors, Inc.

  • JULY Average Sold Price $256,604 with 2330 Homes on the Market
  • JULY Homes on the Market 2330
  • JULY Homes SOLD in the month 958
  • JULY Combined Days on Market Averaged 55 – which is 13 days less then this time last year
  • JULY Sales were up 10% compared to July 2018

With such good news, you may be considering your options.  Whether you are thinking of buying or selling, the real estate market is continuing to run hot.  The market is considered to be solid.

Southern Real Estate Sales has shared some best buys on the beach for your review.

Please know we are always ready to serve you, your family and friends, answer any questions or run a free market report for your home or condo.

Coming or Going – It’s Time to Plan for Coastal Fun

Whether you are selling a property or buying/investing in the area, your 2 most valuable assets are FAMILY and HOME and we serve them both.

The Southern Team helps buyers and sellers every day and we are always available to assist you, but first before we hit the road looking and planning, we need to plan some time to enjoy the plethora of local events along the Gulf Coast.

NW Florida and Coastal Alabama is Chuck full of event line-ups! The area brings people together to enjoy being together. We welcome you and know it’s time to plan some fun with live music, festivals, sports – celebrations that all folks enjoy make this area even more special from Destin, Pensacola Beach, to Perdido Key and Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. These areas have beach front properties that are affordable and exclusive to the Million Dollar Penthouses, Executive Homes, Pool Homes, Condos, Town Homes or Single Family Homes to raise the family, Farm Life, Beach Life, quaint downtown Life; we call it HOME LIFE.

From live music and night life events in Pensacola Beach, major head line music tours singing loud and proud in Pensacola Arena or The Wharf Amphitheatre in Orange Beach, sports fun with the Blue Wahoos Baseball team, organized races and family races, paddle boarding and bike fun. If that isn’t your thing, how about all the exquisite food and drink flavors from Greek, Smokin BBQ in the Square, Emerald Coast Beer and Seafood Festivals your belly is full with home town hospitality and good eats.

For the Art enthusiast, the Gulf Coast has tremendously talented artists on display at local markets, shows, and even exceptional performing arts shows at the theatre, designers, and Broadway events, comedy fun, and local rising artists playing at Vinyl downtown venue and fun street bands. Having fun here is easy. No Exceptions! Ladies nights, Street Parades, Good Eats, Sports, Fishing, did I mention Sugar Sand Beaches and U.S. Navy Blue Angels Air Shows and that is just a few of the tops.

It’s always fun to visit, even better to play, stay and invest. Southern draws upon decades of real estate expertise in the area, in the events, in it all and we offer an asset-based approach to your NW Florida or Coastal Alabama real estate options – licensed in Florida and Alabama because we know your most 2 valuable assets are YOUR FAMILY and YOUR HOME – We Serve them both.
Destination – HOME!

Building on your Reputation

When it comes to helping homes buyers, your name matters. That is why we stake our reputation on helping you enhance yours.  All our customers, whether buying or selling, are provided a clear journey and an inspired path where your dreams come true!  That is how reputation is built at Southern Real Estate Sales.  One Exceptional Experience at a time.

Southern Real Estate Sales is a full-service real estate brokerage firm serving the Gulf Coast of Florida and southern Alabama; which covers Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Perdido Key, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and team coverage to Destin and Fairhope.

Southern Agents offer relocation counsel, personal attention and market expertise to all of our customers, family and friends. Our team specializes in the marketing of premiere residence in condominiums and single family homes in Florida and Alabama including new construction.

We want to be the first to WELCOME YOU and assist you with your real estate needs. We understand! We live here with the sugar white sands, temperatures averaging 60 degrees, even in the winter – many want to invest, retire, or relocate permanently. Your Southern Team has you covered. Our goal is to add value to every customers transaction by helping each and every customer to get the information they need to make the best decision for your situation. We are Southern and our Mission is: To Be the Most Caring Company along the Gulf Coast.

We have a close team that works together in every aspect of your need and we want you to have a sweet Southern experience with us!

Thanks & Giving !

Thanksgiving, like many of the holidays around this time of the year, is time to reflect and remain thankful for what you have. We take the time to appreciate the friends and family that we are surrounded by, as they are the most important to us all. These days of thanks we reflect on the challenges and focus our attention on what really matters. Share your joy and peace.

In the midst of celebrating Thanksgiving, real estate agents, entrepreneurs, business owners and co-workers alike need to build and establish our relationships in one another and give thanks to all of our clients and customers. With out them we would not be successful. Southern Real Estate Sales extends this thankful greeting to all of our customers. We appreciate you, your friends and family that you entrust and refer us too.

We are thinking of you all and our entire team. Building our rapport is imperative. This simple gesture is not enough to share the impact that you have on our lives and we hope we reciprocate to you as well. The Southern Real Estate Team works extremely hard to provide the absolute best service to all of our customers and we are grateful to you. We aim high for our clients, customers and prospects. We strive to be your choice when in need of any real estate needs. The entire season is ripe with opportunity to take advantage to share and care. With Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years before us, we focus on the positive atmosphere of life and business generating professionalism, knowledge, experience, market awareness and building on our desire to provide you with the exceptional service you deserve.

OUR MISSION: To exceed our Customers’ and Owners’ expectations by providing the highest quality experience and service along the Gulf Coast.

OUR VISION: to be the most caring company along the Gulf Coast.
These are our CORE Values. The team is strongly committed to helping you achieve your dreams of playing, staying and investing along the Gulf Coast.

Many THANKS to you all !

Discover Pensacola with Pointe South Real Estate Sales

DISCOVER PENSACOLA with SOUTHERN REAL ESTATE SALES

Under the direction of Broker/Owner, Susan Carleton, Southern Real Estate Sales has been selling real estate along the Gulf Coast for more than 20 years. Susan continues to lead by example with sales over $22 M SOLD last year http://www.susancarleton.com and sharing her experience and expertise with her team.

Southern has grown into an industry leader, offering a variety of properties to satisfy every taste, budget and dream of playing, staying and living along the Gulf Coast. Southern Vacation Rentals offers more than 250 short term rentals from Navarre Beach, Florida to the Eastern Shore of the Mobile Bay area while Southern Residential Leasing  maintains more than 650 long term rentals in Pensacola, Navarre, Gulf Breeze, Perdido Key, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Fairhope. With continual growth along the coast from Florida to Alabama, being licensed in both states is standard for her team. “We want to provide the very best service to our clients and showing and sharing with them the possibilities in Alabama is an absolute must!” said Susan. “Our team is committed to helping find the perfect piece of coastal living in a condo, investment or family home.” Southern does this by being “IN” the business and team effort from Broker to Agent, Client to Lender as well as additional vendors is imperative. The success of the team requires cooperation, listening to all parties, understanding the needs, wants and desires, managing all the parts and scheduling the appropriate appointments in a timely fashion. This synergy and an “ALL IN” mindset is paramount on the Southern Real Estate Sales Team. Southern Core Vales:

B e Positive
E xcellence
A daptive and Innovative
C ollaboration and Team Work
H onesty and Integrity

Southern roots infused with our southern hospitality grows outstanding service. Being a native of Pensacola as Susan is or a relocator that now calls Pensacola home, the team calls it paradise! The Southern Team are experts in the real estate field, experts in the area, the market, the developments, events and activities and associations. This confidence is evident when you speak to any of the Southern agents. They want you to enjoy the process of buying or selling real estate and want you to have a sweet Southern experience just as these clients have shared.

Customer “A” Sold a Single Family home in 2018 in Pensacola, FL. said, It was an Absolute pleasure to work with the team. Great contact throughout process. I lived in a different state as my house being sold, and not once did I worry about anything. Would absolutely recommend again and again!!”

Customer “B” Bought a Condo home in 2018 in Pensacola, FL. said,  “There were numerous hurdles to overcome and Susan stayed on top of everything. We needed to extend the closing on two separate occasions and Susan stayed on top of everything keeping us fully informed. The team was responsive to every call and email, communication was simply superb! I cannot thank enough as she helped us get into the retirement home of our dreams.”

Customer “C” Bought a Condo home in 2018 in Orange Beach, AL. said, “True professional throughout the purchasing process. We have multiple transactions through Southern and always have 5 star customer service.”

Working with EXPERTS is important!  TRUSTING your EXPERT with one of your biggest financial investments is even more important!

When you are interested in buying, selling or investing, Susan and the Southern Real Estate Sales Team is ready to assist. Learn more today at Meet the Team.