Realtors: Are you where you need to be online?

The internet has changed the way people research purchases both large and small. We all go online to shop whether it’s for a T-shirt or a car. But you already know this. Just like you know the real estate industry isn’t immune to these changes. That’s why we make such a BIG deal about our lead generation software and exclusive listing enhancements.

At Pointe South, we make it a goal to meet home buyers where they already are. Does your current brokerage?

Here are a few additional things we can do to help maximize your online presence:

Multiple Branded Websites

When you join Pointe South, you gain access to TWO full-featured websites with MLS integration, IDX home searches, and CRM capabilities. Both pointesouth.com and ForSaleontheGulfCoast.com experience high traffic and page views. To further increase our presence and guarantee you leads, we utilize extensive SEM tactics including pay-per-click and search engine optimization.

Enhanced Listings on Top Sites

Currently, Pointe South Real Estate Sales offers agents a chance to increase their exposure on Realtor.com. With this, you can build a pipeline of high-quality, actionable leads. In addition to this, and exclusive to Pointe South, we’ll provide you with a number of leads from the Zillow network. Why? Because with our targeted advertising methods, there are too many for just one agent to work.

Extra Exposure on Social Media

We’re social people. And no, we aren’t just talking about parties (although we’ve been known to host a few of those, too). We like to highlight our agents on our social media outlets – Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +, Instagram – you get the idea. Not only do we provide custom content here so that you don’t have to, but we also create targeted ads that have been known to generate leads, make owners happy, and give our agents the boost they deserve.

Reporting Metrics to Prove it All

We know what you’re thinking, “So what?” We get it. The proof is in the pudding. That’s why we pay for reporting metrics so that you can see things like the number of leads generated or the performance of a home that just won’t sell. The even better news? You can download these metrics at any point in time.

Ready to learn more about what we can do for your Pensacola Beach real estate career? Give us a call at 850-492-1148 and we’ll be happy to discuss the details.

Blue Angels are Back!

If you have recently purchased real estate in Pensacola then you should learn a little bit about what makes Pensacola famous. There are many different features that set Pensacola apart from other areas, but the biggest factor is the Blue Angels.

The Blue Angels bring locals and visitors to Pensacola Beach during the month of July to watch their spectacular air shows and practices. Although, in June, they suffered a fatal accident and needed a break to regroup before getting back in the air. Pensacola and its surrounding communities mourned the loss of Marine Captain Jeff Kuss, but were very excited to see the Blue Angels return to the sky!

This past weekend, on June 16, 2016, they gave Pensacola Beach a wonderful show. Their air shows in Pensacola are free and open to the public. They provide you and your family the opportunity to spend the day on the beach and see why the Blue Angels are so loved in our area. It is a treat to see them flying overhead, and what better way to do that than on the beach?

The airshows may be over, but the team continues to practice. Their practice schedule varies, but the National Naval Aviation Museum at Pensacola Naval Air Station hosts viewing events on Wednesdays during their practice season. At these events you can watch the Blue Angels practice different techniques and members of the team will be available to sign autographs and answer questions.

The Blue Angels have been around since 1946 and aim “to showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach.” They continue to do this by showcasing their talent and bringing new techniques to the air every year.

They do shows across the U.S., but Pensacola is lucky to be able to call them “Our Blues.” Catch a show to celebrate your new Pensacola real estate, and you can call them “Our Blues” too.

Luxury Real Estate in Pensacola Beach

Lavish. Affluent. Exclusive. All are words used to describe the luxury real estate market. No matter how you describe it, the luxury market has been and always will be an integral part of the Gulf Coast real estate industry. From beachfront vacation condos to bay front estates, the Pensacola, Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key areas are home to a variety of “premier” property types. The question though, is what defines these properties as luxurious?

According Inman.com, the leading online source for real estate news, the $2 million to $5 million mark is the most popular price point for luxury properties on a national level, comprising 29% of the total respondents surveyed. With this as the criteria, only 1.2% of properties currently active in the greater Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key areas can be classified as “luxury.” However, Inman.com’s second defining range of $1 million to $2 million comprises 26% of the respondents on a national level and 8.5% of properties in the Pensacola MLS (multiple listing service).

With less than 10% of properties in the area being classified as “luxury,” it can be difficult to find the right buyer for luxury real estate in Pensacola Beach. More often than not, these buyers are few and far between, and in most cases, conservative with their spending and cautious with their risk-taking. Because they know what they want, it becomes increasingly important for sellers to highlight their property’s value in terms of what motivates this group. On the Gulf Coast, proximity to water is key, in addition to neighborhood/complex amenities, privacy and comfort.

In short, high net-worth clients have high expectations. As any great luxury real estate broker in Pensacola Beach will tell you, the agent you choose and the strategy they employ is a key component of success to buying and selling high-end properties on the Gulf Coast.

Buyer Mistakes to Avoid

So you are shopping for condos to buy in Pensacola Beach and found one that you think has it all. Now it is just a matter of negotiating the terms. More often than not, people overestimate their skills in this department. Negotiating is an art, which is usually why we recommend you work with someone who is well versed in this trade… ahem, a Pointe South Real Estate Sales agent.

Before you write the idea of hiring an agent off entirely, you should know that they bring a wealth of knowledge to the table that can make all the difference when rounding third and heading for home. Typically, a real estate agent will provide you with a detailed price analysis of local market conditions, comparable homes and recommendations so that you can decide on the best possible price.

Speaking of price, keep in mind that the end goal is to purchase your ideal home at an ideal price. You don’t want to get so caught up in the negotiation game that you lose out on a great deal. That is actually another reason to hire an agent – they can offer you an unbiased perspective based off the numbers alone.

Still thinking about buying or selling? Contact one of our Pensacola Beach real estate agents today to go over the details of your transaction. They will be more than happy to help you find the right deal at the right price!

Pensacola Named Rising Star by TripAdvisor

You know that feeling you get when you’re a big fan of something before it takes off and gets really popular? That’s kind of how we feel about owning real estate in Pensacola Beach. Apparently, TripAdvisor’s FlipKey feels the same way.

The popular vacation rental booking engine shared a list of vacation rental destinations that are about to launch into the “stratosphere.” The data, based on web traffic in 2014 – 2015, highlights the places with 500% growth. And the good news is, Pensacola Beach is one of them.

With 700% growth, Pensacola Beach has edged out tens of thousands competing areas, simply because vacationing in Pensacola Beach is awesome. Take it from us (we live here) when we say that the activities are endless. From boating and fishing to dining and shopping, you can’t go wrong with a stay in this b-e-a-utiful area! Did you notice we didn’t even have to mention how incredibly gorgeous the water is and soft the sand is?

Ready to stay along our emerald shores? If you want to make your trip last longer than a week, give our agents a call. They’ll be happy to find you a beach home or condo for sale in Pensacola Beach!

Taste of the Beach in Pensacola!

Do you need another excuse to buy real estate near Pensacola Beach? This is an incredible event and you will want to be near all the action!

Taste of the Beach is an annual event that welcomes chefs, many you know from television, to our shores for demonstrations, seminars, and of course, plenty of food tastings! It doesn’t matter what type of cuisine you prefer, this event offers a little something for everyone.

Seafood, steak and good southern eats will all be available in abundance, as well as much more. And, during the Pensacola Beach Taste of the Beach event, you get the opportunity to taste the best of what this delicious community has to offer, fresh from our local chefs.

This annual event will take place September 18-19 at Casino Beach and feature our best local chef’s and restaurants. Enjoy cooking demonstrations from celebrity chef, John Besh.

Top Ten Things to Do in Pensacola, Florida

If you have just recently moved into a rental home in Florida, or purchased real estate in Pensacola, Florida, you may be wondering what there is to do and see in the area. Trust me when we tell you, there is plenty! Pensacola features a number of thrilling attractions, but it is also home to peaceful beaches and low-key restaurants. With a wide variety of venues, you will never run out of things to do. Topping the list of the top-ten things to do in Pensacola? Watch a Blue Wahoos baseball game, of course! Following that is making sure you stop by the National Naval Aviation Museum and the Pensacola Naval Air Station. With that in mind, be sure to catch one of the Blue Angels Flight Shows, which take place every year in July. You can’t forget to take a tour of historical downtown Pensacola. Walk along the streets yourself, partake in a retro bus tour or cruise along on a Segway with a tour guide from Emerald Coast Tours.

Next on the list? Visit the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum and take in the incredible view of white sandy beaches and bright blue waters. Spend the day on Johnson Beach or venture over to Santa Rosa Island, the locals’ favorite beach hangout. Pensacola is littered with specialty and gift shops that you will love to visit. One of the best-kept secrets of the area is Beyond the Grape, a wine bar located in Cordova Mall.

Check out the full list of popular things to do in Pensacola and add them to your to-do list after moving to the Gulf Coast of Florida.

Enjoy Bands on the Beach in Pensacola

There are so many perks to owning Pensacola Beach real estate and calling the Gulf Coast home. One of the best is all the wonderful events, not to mention the awesome weather and views, you can enjoy!

One of our favorite events in Pensacola Beach is Bands on the Beach. This live music event has just kicked off for the 2015 season and promises great local bands throughout the summer.

Bands on the Beach takes place at the Gulfside Pavillion, which is just a quick stroll away from many Pensacola Beach condos and homes along the Gulf. Each week on Tuesday evening at 7PM you are invited to grab your beach chairs and the family to sit back, relax and enjoy the music at this family friendly event! An added bonus? Every show is also free!

Playing this summer along the water’s edge are acts such as Continuum, Mass Kunfuzion, and Southern Breeze, as well as many more. The shows run throughout the spring, summer and through October, so no matter when you feel like hitting the beach, you’re sure to be in for a great show!

Do the Turkey Trot in Pensacola Beach

Lace up your running shoes! It’s time for the Pensacola Beach Turkey Trot and what better way to make room for all that delicious dressing, sweet potatoes and pie?

Whether you prefer to run, walk or push a stroller, sign up now for this scenic 5K along the shores of the Gulf. The event will kick off at 8:30am on Thanksgiving morning at Casino Beach and follow a route along the beach and boardwalk.

If you want to bring the kids, we highly suggest registering your little ones for The Dash. This race is a 100 yards through the sand as they chase the turkey and end with an craft. Registration for the Pensacola Beach Turkey Trot is currently open. All proceeds benefit cancer research at Duke University. Sign up now and we will see you at the finish line this Thursday!

Art & Wine Festival on Pensacola Beach

One of the premier fall events on Pensacola Beach is just around the corner and Pointe South couldn’t be more excited to be a sponsor! If you love art and wine, what better excuse is there to hit the beach than the 2014 Pensacola Beach art & Wine Festival?

The Pensacola Beach Art & Wine Festival will take place on Sunday, October 9 from 11am to 4pm, rain or shine. During this time you can wandered the event grounds at Portofino Boardwalk and shop the amazing creations of some of the Gulf Coast’s most talented artists.

Beginning at noon is the wine and culinary tasting event. Make your way from booth to booth as you sip and savor this year’s wines, paired with a tasty creation prepared by local chefs. All of this fun will be set to the vocal styling of Shawna P., which you may know from The Voice. Want to simply attend and look at the art? Entrance into the event is free!