Gulf Coast Biggest Beach Party & Annual Mullet Toss

The infamous Beach Party and Mullet Toss is planned for April!  Hmmm….you may be asking what is a mullet toss?  Well, it’s not the 80’s haircut, but it is one of the largest beach parties on the Gulf Coast that has participants throwing this fish called a mullet.  The mullet toss is hosted and organized by Flora-Bama Lounge, Package & Oyster Bar to see who can throw a fish the farthest over the state line between Florida and Alabama.  The farthest throw wins and fans and participants enjoy good fun, live legendary music, people watching, dancing, singing and especially enjoy the Flora-Bama famous concoction drink called the “Bushwacker”.

Mark your calendar for April 27-29, 2018.  All this annual fun is a national event with music, good food and contributes to our local youth charities including local school education and prevention programs, CDAC, community support and to the Boys and Girls Club of America.  More then $40,000 was donated last year for this weekend fun.  Come out and enjoy and support.  The fun starts on Friday with the first throw at noon.  So fling your fish.  The cost to toss is $15.00 including a souvenir t-shirt and then you toss the entire fish which weighs just about 1lb. across the border.  All ages and family fun is had by all.  Let the beach bash begin!

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    susancarletonteam@pointesouth.com.

Perdido Key new construction brings sophistication and enjoyment!

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 luxury for you?

Well, two new condominium developments planned for Perdido Key, Florida are luxury in style for sure. The most recent completed development, Vista Del Mar, is a nine-story, Gulf front project. The modern 64-upscale condominium project complete this past summer is a combination of location and sophisticated amenities.  Sitting with it’s unrestricted views of the Gulf and its neighbor on a protected haven of nature and bike trails on the Gulf Islands National Seashore ensures that your view, your tranquility and your peace of mind will always be preserved.

The spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico and the unspoiled beauty of Perdido Key, Florida with the pristine, sugar sand beaches, waterfront balconies with kitchens enhances being a resident at one of the Vista Del Mar units. If that sounds appealing to you, visit our site for re-sale units as the building is fully complete and sold.

Vista Del Mar

With such great success, the developer is continuing his journey in Perdido Key with yet another condominium project, The Meridian Click link for full video detail. It is gorgeous!

The newest development to adorn and start construction in the fall is a 41 unit upscale condominium development unlike any other on the Key.
The project, which totals $54.5 million, could finish by the end of 2019. This is a different project then others on the Key year to date with much more detail on the look of the building and attention to designing a very modern, current building that has architectural significance. The units will measure from 2800-3900 square feet and feature three-bedroom or four-bedroom options. The condos will have 12-foot high ceilings, taller than the typical 9-foot ceilings found in many condos. Some units will have balconies 20 feet deep and include outdoor summer kitchens with refrigeration and grills.

Beach living is all about living more outdoors enjoying the sun and sounds of the waves and this project allows more of that.

Susan Carleton and her team at Pointe South Real Estate Sales has vast experience in all the new construction sites, amenities, and re-sales in the area. Call/Text/Email for more information to reserve your pre-construction price that start at $1.25 million for each unit. The development also includes two penthouses for sale at $3 million each.
With such remarkable response from the first project, Vista Del Mar, call us today for specific details on your unit or any other real estate options in Perdido Key, Pensacola Beach, Pensacola, Gulf Breeze and Alabama areas from Orange Beach, Gulf Shores to Daphne. Susan and her team are strongly committed to helping you achieve your dreams of playing, staying and investing along the Gulf Coast.
Point South Real Estate Sales | 850.492.1148 | FORSALEONTHEGULFCOAST.COM  http://www.forsaleonthegulfcoast.com/

Upcoming Events on the Gulf Coast !

What’s Happening on the Gulf Coast!
Celebrate the unique combination of food, history, art, music and beaches that can all be found in and around our city. From the smaller arts and crafts festivals to the larger music festival, these outdoor parties are fun for the whole family! Don’t just take our word for it! Come see Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key, Destin, Orange Beach, or Gulf Shores. Find your perfect place on the Gulf Coast whether you are coming to play, stay or invest, Pointe South Rentals & Real Estate can help to make your experience memorable!

Our Calendar of Events has some of the fun for the Fall Season!

October
Blue Angels practice : Pensacola
Flora Bama Oktoberfest :
Humane Society’s Barktoberfest : Pensacola
13-15 Annual Shrimp Festival : Gulf Shores
13-15 58th Greek Festival : Pensacola
14-Bridge to Bridge Run 5K : Pensacola
17 UWF Symphonic Band Concert Band : Pensacola
18 Fishing Rodeo : Destin
28 Spooky Movie on the Lawn at The Wharf : Orange Beach
22 Art & Wine Festival : Pensacola Beach
24 Bands on the Beach : consecutive Tuesdays : Pensacola Beach
20 Gallery Night Downtown : Pensacola
28 Boo at the Zoo : Gulf Breeze
28 Halloween at Naval Museum: Pensacola
28 Wahooloween : Blue Wahoo Stadium: Pensacola

November
Ice Flyers Hockey is back.
38th Annual Toys for Tots Run :
02 Foo Foo Festival : Pensacola
03 Umbrella Sky Project : downtown Pensacola
03 Annual Oyster Cook Off at The Hangout : Gulf Shores
04 Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival : Harbor Walk Village : Destin
08 Magic Men Live at Saenger Theatre : downtown Pensacola
09 Elf – the musical at Saenger Theatre : downtown Pensacola
17 Ice Skating at The Wharf : Orange Beach
10 An Evening with Guitarist, Gene Bertoncini: Pensacola
10 Emerald Coast Theatre Co.-Disney Aristocrats Kids show : Destin
10-11 Blue Angel Homecoming Air Show : Pensacola
11 Repti Day – Reptile and Exotic Animals Expr : Navarre
12 Annual Marathon : Pensacola
16 Palafox Market, recurring weekly : downtown Pensacola
18-19 UTR Tennis Tournament : Orange Beach
24 Magic Christmas Lights at Bellingrath Gardens & Home opens for the month : AL
24 Elf Parade : downtown Pensacola
27-28 Annual Tree Lighting : Orange Beach

December
02 Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks : Pensacola Beach
03 Visit with Santa at the Harbor Walk : Destin
08 Christmas on the Coast : Pensacola Children’s Chorus : downtown Pensacola
09 Christmas Parade : Destin
01-17 Horse and Carriage Riders at The Wharf : Orange Beach
09 Flora Bama Santa Drop
15 Nutcracker at the Saenger Theatre : Pensacola
31 Pelican Drop Celebration – downtown Pensacola

With so much to do around town, whether you are looking to stay for a day or make the move of a lifetime, Pointe South is dedicated to helping you find the perfect place. Stop by one of our office today.  Pointe South Rentals and Real Estate.

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.

Protecting your Biggest Investment on the Gulf Coast… Family and your home

Hurricane Season officially started June 1st in NW Florida and we need  to be prepared on the Gulf Coast. In protecting our biggest and most important investments, we need to have a plan.  Two keys to weather safely are to prepare for the risks and to act on those preparations when alerted by emergency officials.  These are essential pieces to protecting our families and our homes and communities.  Our gorgeous sugar sand beaches can feel some occasional weather.  Hard to believe, I know!  But, when and if it happens, we want our guests and families to be ready.  We have to gather important information.  Especially, Beachfront communities in Destin, Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores. 

We have to know the evacuation plan.  Firstly, know if you live in an evacuation area.  Assess your risks and know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.  Next, plan and take action.  Everyone needs to be prepared for the unexpected.  Your friends and family may not be together when disaster strikes.  How will you find each other? Will you know if your children or parents are safe?  Texting is a good tool to use as the phone lines might be saturated.  Furthermore, have a supply kit.  Put together a basic disaster supply kit and consider storage locations for different situations.  Help community members do the same.  That is what we do on the Susan Carleton Real Estate Team.  We prompt one another to do good and take care of one another in all areas of life.  Develop and document plans.  Protect yourself and family with a Family Emergency Plan.  Be sure to plan for locations away from home and business.  Business owner, Susan Carleton, survived  the massive hurricane 10 years ago and recalls the importance of the plan.  In all life scenarios, the plan is a guide. We hope we don’t have to use, but if you do, you find yourself responding and acting and taking care of one another.

When waiting out a storm, be careful.  The danger may not be over yet.  Be alert.  Wait until the area is declared safe before returning home.  Remember that recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process.  The City of Pensacola has incredible resources for our visitors and residence from Alerts to traffic advisories to American Red Cross and additional preparedness.  Be safe!  Enjoy the City of Pensacola and surrounding areas.  

http://www.cityofpensacola.com

 

Strike Investment Property Gold In A Perdido Key Luxury Beach Condo

Perdido Key condo living is luxury living.  The beach lifestyle can be enjoyed all year round.  Dipping your toes in the sugar-white sand of Perdido Key is life at its best!

The gated community at Beach Colony Resort has gorgeous views of the emerald-green water of the Gulf of Mexico.

The special amenities at Beach Colony include an indoor swimming pool with a hot tub, two outdoor swimming pools, and a fitness center. Plus, it’s all just steps away from the beach!

Beach Colony is comprised of three high-rise condominiums situated on the Gulf of Mexico.  Located on the Eastern end of Perdido Key, Florida, it is a hidden gem in our area. Each tower offers only Gulf front residences with large private balconies and security-coded elevators for access.  You can relax and enjoy the tranquil nature of the beautiful Gulf Coast and indulge in all the fine amenities that Perdido Key has to offer. Plus, when you invest in a Perdido Key condo, you can enjoy the income from owning a beach rental.

For more details about this or any other condos in the area, visit ForSaleontheGulfCoast.com for comprehensive information on Perdido Key, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Pensacola Beach, and more beachfront, waterfront, or riverfront units available in the area.

Our expert agents on the Susan Carleton team are happy to help you. Pointe South Real Estate Sales is a locally owned and operated powerhouse driven by a single goal: impeccable customer service.

Whether you are looking to rent, buy, or list your home, Pointe South is the company you trust in Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama.

La Serena Condos for Sale in Perdido Key

Looking to live or invest in luxury? Look no further than the La Serena condos in Perdido Key. Featuring incredible interiors, terrific amenities, and a fantastic location, this is an ideal place to live and play.

Susan Carleton currently represents two condos for sale at La Serena. Both La Serena 206 and La Serena 408 offer three bedrooms, lush interiors, and endless views.

La Serena 408 is a three-bedroom, three-bathroom featuring over 1,700 square feet of space, while La Serena 206 boasts over 2,400 square feet. Both condos include hardwood and tile flooring, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and ten-foot ceilings. Crown molding and designer lighting are also extras of these incredible Perdido Key condos for sale.

The amenities at La Serena are practically endless! The complex features a waterfront pool complete with a jacuzzi spa and cabanas, as well as an indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room, lighted tennis courts, and a fitness center. Boat properties also include boat slips! Golfers will also enjoy being a short distance from the Lost Key Golf Club.

Don’t delay! These luxurious condos for sale in Perdido Key won’t be on the market long. Contact Susan Carleton to schedule your showing today.

Realtors: Are You Building Your Brand?

Being a successful real estate agent is about more than just selling property. Your name, your brand, is everything.

At Pointe South Real Estate Sales, we know our success is directly tied to how well our agents are doing. So, we want to make sure we are providing you with the ultimate tools and the team to help back you up and build equity in your brand.

Does your current brokerage?

Building a brand is about more than just getting your name out there. Sure, that’s a pretty vital part, but there is so much more. We have a top-notch marketing and advertising team who works to drive the Pointe South brand, and our agents, in the Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama markets. Enhanced social media presence, professional listing presentations, and customizable agent websites are a few of the services we provide to help ensure your success.

Customized Agent Website

When you join Pointe South, you will have the option of purchasing a customizable agent website. These websites have been designed and optimized by our marketing and advertising team to ensure they convey the brand, product, and value of agents. They will do the same for you! And, at a fraction of the cost of what a website normally costs.

Professional Listing Presentations

As an agent with Pointe South, you will have access to professionally designed listing presentations, sure to set you apart from the other agents vying for listings in your target markets. These presentations can be personalized, including the addition of an introduction letter and even testimonials from past clients.

Social Media Presence

Social media is a powerful tool in today’s market. Pointe South Real Estate Sales has thousands of followers on Facebook, while the Pointe South brand is also represented on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, and Google+. Have your listing featured, enjoy exposure via cross-promotion with the other Pointe South brands, and benefit from targeted buyer and seller ads.

Are you ready to begin your career as a Pensacola Beach or Perdido Key real estate agent with Pointe South? Call 850-492-1148 and we will happily discuss these details and more!

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.