February 2023 : Don’t Miss These Exciting Events on the Gulf Coast

February 1st – 14th on the Gulf Coast

Perdido Key Chamber Snowbird Hootenanny Sweetheart Saloon – When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Feb. 2 – Where: Flora-Bama Lounge, 17401 Perdido Key Drive

Krewe of Avant Garde’s 40th Anniversary Masquerade Mardi Gras Ball – When: 6 to 11 p.m., Feb. 3 – Where: Hilton Garden Inn, 1144 Airport Blvd.

Pensacola Double Bridge Run – When: 7 to 11 a.m., Feb. 4 – Where: 101 W. Main St

Sam Tallent at Vinyl Music Hall – When: 7 p.m., Feb. 4 – Where: Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St

Oyster Bash 2023 – When: 6 to 8 p.m., Feb. 4 – Where: Sir Richard’s Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Presents Mozart Madness – When: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Feb. 4 – Where: First United Methodist Church, 6 E Wright St

2nd annual Pawdi Gras – When: 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Feb. 5 – Where: Garden Street (closed), between Tarragona and Palafox streets

Just Beachy Painting with Pints – When: 3 to 5 p.m., Feb. 5 – Where: Coastal County Brewing Company, 3041 E. Olive Road

Valentine’s Date Night Beer Dinner – When: 6:30 p.m., Feb. 14 – Where: Coastal County Brewing Company, 3041 E. Olive Road

February 17th-28th on the Gulf Coast

Krewe of Lafitte Illuminated Mardi Gras Parade – When: 7:30 p.m., Feb. 17 – Where: Downtown Pensacola

Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade – When: 2 p.m., Feb. 18 – Where: Downtown Pensacola

Mardi Gras at Odd Colony – When: 6 to 9 p.m., Feb. 18 – Where: Odd Colony Brewing Co., 260 N. Palafox St

Bud N’ Boilin’ Crawfish – When: 11 a.m., Feb. 18 – Where: O’Riley’s Irish Pub Downtown, 321 S. Palafox St

Krewe of Wrecks Parade – When: 2 to 11:30 p.m., Feb. 19 – Where: Pensacola Beach

Pensacola Arts Market – When: 2 to 6 p.m., Feb. 19 – Where: Gary’s Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave

Pensacola Chocolate and Cheese Festival – When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Feb. 19 – Where: Community Maritime Park, 301 W. Main St

Hot Glass, Cold Brew: Krewe du Brew – When: 5 to 9 p.m., Feb. 24 – Where: First City Art Center, 1060 N. Guillemard St

Gallery Night Pensacola Steampunk – When: 5 to 9 p.m., Feb. 24 – Where: Downtown Pensacola

Pensacon – When: Feb. 24-26 – Where: Various venues in Downtown Pensacola

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Presents Verdi Requiem – When: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Feb. 25 – Where: Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox Place

Pensacola Habitat Food Truck Festival – When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Feb. 25; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Feb. 26 – Where: Community Maritime Park, 301 W. Main St

Contact us if you would like to tour homes in our beautiful area! We would be happy to discuss all the fun events!

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 contact@pointesouth.com

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 contact@pointesouth.com

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 susancarletonteam@pointesouth.com 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!!!

susancarletonteam@pointesouth.com ~ 850.492.1148

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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, Southern Rentals & Real Estate can help to make your sweet Southern 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: PensacolaPensacola Beach
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, Southern is dedicated to helping you find the perfect place. Stop by one of our office today.  Southern Rentals and Real Estate

Have a sweet Southern experience !

Buying a Vacation Rental? Hire a Property Manager

MarseillesInvesting in real estate isn’t a new thing, especially when you call the Gulf Coast home. But, lately we’ve heard more and more about the demand for rental inventory in a real estate market that continues to pick up steam. All things considered, you might find yourself asking: “Is now the right time to buy a vacation rental in Pensacola Beach?”

If you decide the answer is yes, know that the idea of a “staycation” has only gained in popularity. According to Inman.com, the majority of people who invest in real estate look to purchase a second home or condo within 40 minutes of their primary home. Buyers do this to save time and money on travel, which just so happens to be great news for areas like Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key and Gulf Shores. All are within a half day’s drive of larger markets like Atlanta, Birmingham, Mobile and New Orleans. These areas are not only convenient for owners, but tourists too, growing at unsurpassed levels each year. For many investors, these factors help tip the scale in favor of buying real estate in Pensacola Beach and the surrounding areas, including Perdido Key, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.

Relaxation, convenience and income, what more could you possibly want in a second home? More often than not, what deters buyers from making the jump to rental property owner, is the stress that comes after the deal closes – like handling the stress that comes with being a “landlord.”

Local Pensacola Beach property management companies, like Southern Vacation Rentals, have made it easier to rent your home or condo, protect your assets and generate income, so that you can sit back, relax and let your recently purchased property do the work for you.

Home Safety Tips for the 4th of July

Philadelphia started the tradition of lighting up the night sky with fireworks back in 1777, just one year after the ratification of the Declaration of Independence. It might have taken a few years to catch on, but these days it’s hard for Americans to imagine the Fourth of July without fireworks.

As we speak, families near and far are getting ready to pack up the car and head to a vacation home in Orange Beach, Alabama. And since it is Fourth of July weekend, we have no doubt they’ll be stopping along the way for some sparklers of their own. Before you buy out the tent though, keep in mind that the 4th of July DIY-ers are usually the cause of 20,000 fires each year resulting in over $32 million in property damage and 9,300 serious injuries each year, according to Medical Daily.

This Independence Day, let’s keep it safe. Instead of lighting fireworks at home, you could always opt for one of these fun, public fireworks shows in Orange Beach. But if you must have a celebration of your own, follow these safety tips from the National Council of Fireworks Safety:

  1. Always obey local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
  2. If you are going to light fireworks, do it outside in a clear area (away from your property and your neighbor’s).
  3. Never light a dud firework. Wait 20 minutes and soak it in water.
  4. Do not experiment with homemade products.
  5. Always have a responsible adult present.

Overall, we hope you have a safe and Happy Fourth of July with the ones you love!

New Listing in Riviera Dunes!

PCOLA-RESAD-501294-2Have you been on the hunt for a condo for sale in Perdido Key? But not just any old regular condo, more so, one with incredible views and plenty of room… Stress no more, because we have just the place for you!

Southern Real Estate Sales’ Owner/Broker, Susan Carleton recently listed (and by recently, we mean within the past 10 days) an absolutely stunning condo in the sought-after Riviera Dunes complex. Before we get into the nitty-grity of the condo itself, you should know that Riviera Dunes is incredible, low density complex with amazing amenities, including direct beach access, covered parking, a community pool and river-side dock.

Not quite sold? That is okay! The interior finishes and panoramic views are too good to be true. 16685 Perdido Key Drive #201 is a fabulous end unit with wrap around windows and a spacious balcony that overlooks the white sandy shores and crystal blue waters of Perdido Key. Spacious and fully furnished, this three bedroom gulf front condo for sale is warm and inviting from the moment you enter. With a neutral color scheme and mixture of flooring styles, you’ll find that everything remains in tip-top shape and rental ready.

That is right, not only are you buying a place to house a lifetime of memories, but you are making a solid investment choice with gross rental potential projected to reach $40,000/year.

Are you interested in learning more about buying a rental condo? Sit back, relax and let Susan handle the sale. When it’s all said and done, our friends at Southern Vacation Rentals will be happy to help with the vacation rental management.

Luxury Real Estate in Pensacola Beach

Luxury Real Estate Pensacola Beach by SouthernLavish. 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.

Vote Southern as Best of the Bay!

Vote (2)It’s that time of year again! The Pensacola News Journal is on the hunt for the best of the best. Restaurants, boutiques, realtors, doctors – the list of categories goes on and on. Needless to say, the competition is stiff. To make things a little easier for you though (hopefully), Southern has entered the “Best Vacation Rental,” “Best Property Management,” “Best Realtor,” and “Best Real Estate Company in Pensacola” categories.

We’d like to encourage you, your friends and your family to vote for Southern in across the board. That might be a lot to ask, but we want you all to know how hard we work in all divisions of Southern Rentals and Real Estate to be the most caring company on the Gulf Coast.

Our property managers, guest service agents, realtors and support staff are always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to provide you with a truly sweet Southern experience. Our goal is to go above and beyond for you, whether you are looking to stay for a few days, or make the move of a lifetime.

So, if it’s not too much trouble, grab this weekend’s issue of the “The Weekender” in the Pensacola News Journal, or visit www.bestof.pnj.com to cast your vote in this year’s Best of the Bay!

Voting kicks off at 9am this Friday (May 27) and runs through June 3 at 5pm. Good luck and thanks in advance for taking the time to vote Southern!