Real Estate in Bloom

SPRING FLING is happening and the Panhandle is in BLOOM!

With miles of sugar white sand beaches and emerald green waters, the Gulf Coast of Florida and Alabama are popular destinations for vacations, investing and permanent residence.

Before you jump in and start looking at properties, ask yourself a few questions to prepare this exciting phase. It’s a big decision and our real estate team can help.

1. Rank what’s important to you.

We have condos, single family homes, apartments, duplexes and lots of options, but only you can answer what makes sense for you.

2. What’s it all going to cost?

With a little planning and talking with a lender, we can answer this question, configure a budget, itemize down payment, calculate the expenses and suggest options. Working with an expert who knows, will eliminate a lot of stress and that is exactly why our team is here to assist. Even if you have just started browsing or thinking of the purchase in the future, planning and working together is paramount. For both the agent and you.

Additionally, a lender can also share with you different types of loans available, help work on credit to buy your dream home and advise your real estate agent programs that support you! Your loan officer and agent will work to help you prepare and when the time is right, pre-approve your loan so when you start to look at homes with your agent and see the perfect home, you are ready. No stress! You are ready to make an offer. And as your real estate team continues to communicate through the process, all are prepared and this is where your real estate agent is most valuable to you. To help guide, research homes and different properties and how long they have been on the market. As your agent, we negotiate the very best for you, prepare the offer and negotiate the deal so you walk away with keys in hand excited on the best deal and the future memories you will make!

Pensacola and surrounding area market to include Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama has properties for investing, second home purchase, relocating, and retirement and all on the prettiest beaches with plenty of activities, entertainment, lower cost of living and inviting weather.

At Southern, we can answer your questions with confidence, with knowledge and start your property search today of all budgets. Buying and Selling a property can be overwhelming, but not with us. YOU are our TOP PRIORITY. Feel free to contact us.

Call | Text 850.492.1148 or Email | susancarletonteam@pointesouth.com

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 http://www.southernresorts.com 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. http://www.southernrealestatesales.com/meet-our-team

The Wharf in Orange Beach

The Wharf2If you have recently purchased real estate in Orange Beach, check out The Wharf for family fun, great food and tons of entertainment options.

The Wharf is two stories full of shops for your whole family. Breath Athletic Wear, Seaside Shoes and Shades Sunglasses are just a few examples of the stores you should visit at The Wharf. There is also a variety of dining options available, such as Driftwood Bar and Grille, Ronin Sushi Bar and Restaurant, and Montego’s Caribbean Café and Bar.

There is an endless amount of entertainment provided by The Wharf. The Wharf Putt Putt is a great option. Challenge your family to a friendly competition and treat whoever wins to a ride on the Ferris wheel! The Ferris wheel is one thing that makes this area famous. It is considered a landmark of Orange Beach and gives you the best view of the gulf. The SPECTRA Sound and Light Spectacular is a must while visiting The Wharf. During SPECTRA, Main Street is transformed into a magical stage where the palm trees come to life with color. The shows are unlike anything else and created with audiences of all ages in mind.

Another thing that makes The Wharf famous is the Amphitheater. Hundreds of concerts are held at the Amphitheater every year. Shinedown, Twenty One Pilots, Train and Miranda Lambert are all scheduled to play in August and September. From Chris Young to ZZ Top, The Wharf’s Amphitheater has seen it all!

After settling in your new Orange Beach real estate, head on over to The Wharf and enjoy some quality family time at one of the area’s best attractions.

Fourth of July Celebrations in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach!

Colorful FireworksIndependence Day is right around the corner. Because the Fourth of July falls on a Monday, there will be many terrific events to attend leading up to the big celebration. If you have recently purchased Alabama real estate in Orange Beach or Gulf Shores, continue reading to find out where to enjoy fireworks and BBQ around your new hometown.

Seeing as it is summer along our beautiful shores, the first thing you are going to want to do is hit the beach. Just remember, this is one of the busiest, if not the busiest vacation weekends, so head out early and plan for traffic and parking. Also, pack bottled water and lots of sunscreen. Once you park, you won’t want to give up that spot to go get snacks!

The Fourth of July fun really begins in the evenings. If you own Orange Beach real estate, the place to be for early fireworks is The Wharf. On July 2, 2016, head out at 5PM for their annual Independence Day Street Party and Fireworks. In addition to specials at each of the delicious restaurants for the adults, there will also be plenty of kids activities such as bounce houses, rock climbing walls, face painting and more. Fireworks will take place at 8:45PM followed promptly by the SPECTRA light show!

Looking for fireworks on the actual Fourth of July? Hit the beaches near the Gulf State Pier in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The event begins at 5:30PM and will feature a carnival-like atmosphere before the fireworks light up the night sky at 9PM. This is the biggest local celebration, so we recommend heading out early to get a great vantage point, enjoy some local fun and, well, park.

We hope you enjoy these fun celebrations near your new real estate purchase in Alabama this Fourth of July!

Location, Location, Location

Picture2You have heard it so much that it’s become a cliche, when it comes to real estate in Orange Beach, Alabama (or even Pensacola, Perdido Key or Gulf Shores) its location, location, location. This one though, is based on truth. Location is a powerful factor in your home or condo selection process. You can build the perfect place, have the perfect floor plan or even view, but if it’s in an undesirable location, it will be worth far less than something similar in a “desirable” part of town.

So, what makes a location desirable? Here are some factors to consider:

(1) Walkability – in most places, the “hottest” properties are within walking distance of some body of water, and of course, restaurants, movie theaters, galleries and shops.

(2) Top-Rated School Districts – if you’re not buying a Gulf Coast vacation rental, this is something to consider for resale value or long-term rental potential. Parents will often pay more for a home that is located in a highly rated school district.

(3) Neighborhood – when it comes to single family home purchases, buyer do their homework when they are looking for a neighborhood. More often than not, they look for stability of ownership and a sense of community. Low crime rates with little noise are two things to keep in mind.

Looking for a great home in a great location? Contact one of our realtors in Pensacola, Perdido Key or Orange Beach for help in finding that perfect place to call home.

The 2016 Mullet Toss at the Flora-Bama!

FloraBama-300x224If you have recently purchased a home in Perdido Key or Orange Beach real estate, you may have begun hearing a buzz about the mullet toss or how it’s almost mullet toss time. And, you may be thinking “What?”

Yes, it’s almost time for the annual Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast Greatest Beach Party, an event hosted each year by the Flora-Bama. So, what is the Mullet Toss? Well, it’s not a hair competition, although you might think so if new to the South. It’s where beach-goers line up to see who can toss a fish, a mullet, the farthest and, hopefully, across the state line.

But, let’s back up. There are a few events that lead up to the flinging of fish. The first is the Mullet Man Triathlon on April 16, 2016. Sign up now and see if you can be the fastest to swim, bike and run the course, now in its 20th year. Be sure to stay after for the awesome post-race party at the Flora-Bama. If golf is more your game, register for the Mullet Swing Golf Tournament on April 20, 2016. The event kicks off at 11AM and is a 4 person scramble.

Now it’s time to talk about the Flora-Bama Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party, which will take place April 22-24, 2016. During these three days you can enjoy live music, cool drinks and an incredible party on the beach. While there, register and pay $15 to take your shot at throwing a (dead) mullet from the circle and into Florida. There is an overall winner and every day, and you could take home some seriously cool prizes.

If you have never experienced this event, be sure to head out this year and try it out. We will see you there!

Orange Beach Condo in Bayshore Towers

457774-12Pensacola real estate professional Jim Bomar specializes in selling waterfront properties along the Gulf Coast. Adding to his group of impressive listings is this stunning three bedroom, three bathroom Bayshore Towers unit.

Showcasing spectacular views of Turtle Cove, Perdido Pass and the Gulf of Mexico, this Orange Beach condo spans 2350 square feet and sits on nearly three acres of Terry Cove. Quietly tucked away from the hustle of daily life, but centrally located to a variety of area dining and attractions, this unit was designed with relaxation in mind.

The retreat begins from the moment you walk into this immaculate, like-new space. From the ten-foot glass windows and doors to lavish furniture; every detail is evidence to the previous owner’s meticulous care. Spend your evenings watching the sunset on your expansive balcony. This 11×32 foot deck is large enough for grand events, but small enough for quiet evenings at home. Listed at $648,000, 28250 Canal Road is a unit worth seeing.

Contact Jim Bomar today for more information regarding MLS 45774 or continue searching all of our available listings from Pensacola to Gulf Shores.