America’s First Settlement Found in Pensacola!

UWF-DeLuna-1Property values in Pensacola may have just risen in the East Pensacola Heights neighborhood. Trending in today’s news is the fact that University of West Florida archaeologists discovered the site of the de Luna settlement.

The location of de Luna settlement has been a mystery for centuries – since 1559 to be exact. That is when the first multi-year European settlement was established somewhere in the Southeast. Well, it is a mystery no longer.

Archaeologists from the University of West Florida in Pensacola, “discovered and can support the statement that the land settlement of site Tristan de Luna has been located within the city limits of Pensacola, Florida.” That is according to University President, Dr. Judy Bense.

The unearthing began in early October when Pensacola native, Tom Garner uncovered Spanish colonial and Native American artifacts at a privately owned residential lot in Pensacola. Since then, and with the cooperation of residents and property owners, UWF began to text excavations at the site and recovered remaining artifacts. The team will continue to examine the neighborhood to determine the extent and organization of the site.

We should know more within the next few weeks what all these archaeologists dig up! For more details on America’s first settlement and the excavation in Pensacola, visit uwf.edu/luna.

We’re Hiring an Inside Sales Agent

Untitled-1If you or someone you know is looking for jobs in Pensacola, Southern Real Estate Sales can help! We have a new opportunity available for someone who might want to transition into the world of real estate sales. The even better news is that no real estate license is required!

We have revamped our approach to qualifying and cultivating leads. With that in mind, we have decided to hire an Inside Sales Agent. This position will prospect and obtain new clients on a daily basis, using various inbound and outbound lead sources.

Maintaining client relationships is one of our top priorities here at Southern, and the Inside Sales Agent will be a key player in doing just that.

For more information on this position and other opportunities to become a part of the Southern Real Estate Sales team, please search our Career Opportunities. We are always looking for talented people to join our Florida and Alabama real estate sales team!

New Home For Sale in Pensacola!

PCOLA-RESAD-491744-1If shopping for real estate in Pensacola is on your holiday to-do list, then you may want to add 3406 Esplanade Drive to the top of your must-sees. Recently listed by Southern Real Estate Sales, Owner/Broker, this beautiful four bedroom, two bathroom home sits in the charming neighborhood of Cypress Gardens.

From the exterior’s curb appeal to the interior’s finishes, no detail of this classic Florida cottage has been overlooked.

Enter through the front door and find that this home has an open floor plan, beautiful laminate floors and a focal fireplace that is perfect for gathering around on those cooler winter evenings. Connected to the main living area and dining room is a large, galley-like kitchen with a built-in pantry and oversized refrigerator.The master bedroom has two spacious walk-in closets and an attached master bathroom suite. Outside is a well-maintained (fenced) backyard and cozy little patio.

All of this and a convenient location to boot! Cypress Gardens is a sought-after neighborhood in Pensacola, close to schools and just minutes away from the beautiful beaches of Perdido, and Pensacola Naval Air Station.

For more information on this and other homes for sale in Pensacola, please contact 850.492.1826. Just remember to reference MLS #491744.

Southern’s New Client Care Coordinator

887496_1017478484971568_7099547785788254996_oAt Southern Real Estate Sales, we pride ourselves on innovative tactics. We are always ready to try something new and stick with what works. With that in mind, we are pleased to announce that we have revamped our approach to buying and selling real estate in Perdido Key, Pensacola, Gulf Shores and the surrounding areas, by hiring a Client Care Coordinator, Brandi Cowper.

In this role, Brandi has been put in charge of prospecting and servicing our large volume of leads. She works with them on an individual level to establish their needs and converts them into appointments for our agents.

Within the first week of implementing our Client Care Coordinator, we scheduled five new appointments and generated one contract. Needless to say, with Brandi’s help we have been able to create a system that converts prospects into qualified leads who are ready to buy. Now, we need agents to help these buyers find a home.

Leads are just the beginning of what Southern Real Estate Sales can offer you and your real estate career. Contact us today or view a list of our available jobs in Pensacola, Perdido Key, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Fairhope.

Pensacola Condo Values Rebound

486638-1If you’ve been teetering with the decision of whether or not to sell your home or condo in Pensacola, a recent article released by the Pensacola News Journal might help you make up your mind. Long story short, years after the recession, condo values have officially rebounded.

According to real estate data from Zillow, median condo values in the United States are increasing at a 5.1 percent annual rate compared to single-family homes which are increasing at a 3.7 percent rate. Condos in Pensacola, however have increased in value at an 8.7 percent rate between September 2014 and September 2015 alone.

In general, the Gulf Coast condo market is hot and hot for a few reasons. First and foremost because of demand is exceeding supply. Additionally, condos are a better bargain now for first time home-buyers and foreclosures aren’t nearly as prominent as they were a few years ago.

If you were looking for a golden opportunity to list your home or condo, this is it. Contact one of our Southern Real Estate Sales’ agents today for more information how we can sell your property within your time frame!

Why You Should Reconsider “For Sale By Owner”

SOLDAre you thinking about listing your home “For Sale”? If so, we don’t doubt that the thought: “I could save money on closing costs if I forgo hiring a Pensacola real estate agent,” has crossed your mind.  You’re not the first to think so, but we think you should reconsider for a few reasons.

For starters, the rate of “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) homes has been decreasing steadily for decades. Why? Simply because the value that an agent brings to the table outweighs the commission paid. Last year alone, the typical for FSBO home sold for $208,700 while similar homes – listed by agents – sold for an average of $235,000. Six percent of $235,000 is $14,100. Assuming you covered all costs, that’s still $12,200 more than you would have made listing FSBO.

If that’s not reason enough to go out and hire an agent today, think about the resources and knowledge they can offer you. From marketing power and online tools, real estate agents can increase your property’s exposure and overall likelihood of selling. All this and the added benefit of having a built-in negotiator on your side so you can feel cool, calm, collected and confident when it comes time to close.

Are you interested in learning more about our agents and how we can help you sell your home? Give us a call today! We’ll be happy to walk you through the ins-and-outs of buying and selling a home.

Southern’s 20 Days of Giveaways!

As many of you already know, Southern Real Estate Sales is a proud member of the Southern family of companies. Not only are we here to offer buyers and sellers the chance to search condos for sale in Pensacola Beach, but to rent or even vacation in popular beach towns like Panama City Beach, Destin, Perdido Key, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Fairhope.

Speaking of vacation rentals, this year marks Southern Vacation Rentals’ 20th anniversary, and to celebrate the team is giving away free prizes for the next 20 days (well, starting November 1st). From dolphin cruises, segway tours and golf passes to a 3-night stay in the Gulf Coast vacation rental of your choice, you better be ready to act quickly because these prizes won’t last long!

To enter, all you have to do is “like” Southern’s Facebook page and follow the instructions. Everyone is eligible to win, but you must re-enter the contest daily to win that specific day’s gift.

What are you waiting for? Get a head start by liking Southern Vacation Rentals’ Facebook page today and keep an eye out for the amazing prizes to come!

New Listing at Seawind in Gulf Shores!

If you are on the hunt for a condo for sale in Gulf Shores, look no further! Our Owner/Broker, Susan Carleton has a new listing at the popular Seawind complex.

For those of you who do not know, Seawind is an upscale condominium complex situated directly on the sandy white beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Within minutes of popular Orange Beach attractions, Seawind boasts dramatic views from floor-to-ceiling windows, classic finishes and variety of resort amenities which includes everything from a beachfront pool and fitness facility to a community barbecue area and spa.

Unit 1002 is no different. This beautifully appointed 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom offers incredible views and fabulous upgrades. The unite features stainless steel appliances, granite counters, Kohler fixtures and SO much more. If you are looking for an investment property, this is a great one to choose!

Contact Susan today for additional details on this and other Gulf Shores real estate opportunities. Just remember to reference MLS #488513.

Realtor.com’s Mobile, AL Real Estate Forecast

WaterfrontSweet home Alabama never rang more true, at least according to a recent article released by Realtor.com. Large homes, affordable prices – who wouldn’t want to own real estate in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Fairhope or any of the neighboring cities in the great state of Alabama?

Well, that’s not the only reason real estate is “looking rosy in Mobile.” Job creation is a huge draw. The Airbus Factory is projected to create 4,000 jobs, and according to the New York Times the “plane maker has received more than 18,000 applications,” already.

“If manufacturing continues to grow, Mobile may just become a destination for people looking for an affordable place to live,” said the author Lisa Davis. Affordable is an understatement when you compare market prices to similar areas around the Gulf Coast. The average home price in Mobile is $125,000. The average sold price is $119,000 – $190,640 less than the national average.

It’s an exciting time, and we’re happy to be here on the ground floor. If you’re thinking about buying a home for sale in Mobile, Alabama, now is the time to do it! Contact one of our real estate agents for advice and tips and area information.

The National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores

EventPhotoFull_shrimp fest logoWhy is October a great time to own real estate on the Gulf Coast? We have no doubt our local residents of Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama have been enjoying the great fall weather, but have you ventured out to any of the local events? If not, this is your weekend!

It’s almost time for the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama. If you own real estate in Orange Beach or other nearby communities, be sure to come out. This event will kick off Thursday, October 8 and will run through Sunday, October 11, 2015. The festival is free for everyone and takes place at the public beach access where Highway 59 ends and intersects with Highway 182.

The National Shrimp Festival features four fun-filled days of live music, great food and kid-friendly activities. In addition to the delicious eats and awesome live music, you will also enjoy walking through the vendor booths as you take in the art pieces from local, regional and national artists. The Children’s Activity Village offers exciting arts and crafts and other activities that the kids are sure to enjoy. If you weren’t already planning on stopping by, we highly recommend you spend a day…or four…at this premier festival. Who doesn’t love music, delicious food and an incredible view?