Are you considering investing in Alabama real estate in the new year? You may want to think about buying a beachfront rental in Orange Beach, as Tripadvisor has just named it a top travel destination for 2016.

Tripadvisor recently released their list of “Destinations on the Rise in the U.S.”and named Orange Beach to their #2 spot. As a dominant source of travel information, it is likely that our white sand beaches and green cascading waters will, in fact, continue to draw more and more visitors in 2016 and beyond. This will certainly increase the likelihood that your new Orange Beach investment property will be an overwhelming financial success.

In addition to the scenic highlights of the area, visitors also flock to Coastal Alabama for the many attractions and water sports activities, delicious gulf to table dining and the incredible fishing.Fun festivals and family-friendly events make Orange Beach a year-round vacation favorite.

If you’re shopping for beachfront real estate in Orange Beach, call our agents today! 850.492.1148

Property 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.

Did you just purchase a home on the Gulf Coast? If so, you may be looking for the best New Year's celebration near your new home. We're happy to help!

If you own a home in Orange Beach or Gulf Shores, reel in the New Year at The Wharf! The fun begins at 6pm. The beer garden, ice rink, Ferris Wheel and more will be available for family fun and the Marlin Drop will take place, along with fireworks, at midnight. Also near Orange Beach is the party at the Flora-Bama. Three stages, food, party favors and champagne will highlight this party before the countdown commences at midnight.

In Pensacola there is a little something known as the Pelican Drop. A favorite area tradition, this is a must-experience event when you live on the Gulf Coast. Hit the Little Pelican Party downtown, where you will enjoy family friendly games and entertainment, or party in downtown before the crystal Pelican drops to mark the beginning of 2016.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas on the Gulf Coast and this weekend you will find plenty of holiday events to enjoy, after you're done shopping for your next Perdido Key or Pensacola real estate investment, of course.

Near our Perdido Key homes for sale you can attend the always popular Santa Drop at the Flora-Bama. Santa will literally drop in from the sky and land safely at the Flora-Bama to visit and take pictures at 10Am on Saturday, December 12, 2015. There will also be yummy food and fun activities following the drop.

Also on Saturday is the arrival of Billy Claus to LuLu's at Homeport Marina in Gulf Shores. Billy, Santa's younger, beach-loving brother, will arrive in style with his LuLuBelles at 2PM and celebrate with photos and fun until 5PM. But, the fun at LuLu's doesn't stop at 5PM. Keep your seats and watch as the 30th annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade launches from LuLu's at 5:30PM. You'll be captivated by this beautiful event.

We hope to see you and your loved ones out at these fun community events taking place this holiday season!

Is a new home for sale in Pensacola on your holiday wish list? If so, our agents have a few listings that might be up your alley. Recently listed (within the past 10 days) these properties each offer something unique to satisfy your individual buying needs.

If you are in the market for a condo with incredible views, our very own Jim Bomar can help. He added a six bedroom, three bathroom condo in Gulf Shores at the luxurious Bayshore Towers. In addition to spectacular views, this condo comes fully upgraded with incredible complex amenities to boot.

For those of you interested in buying a single-family home in the greater Pensacola area, Ouida Jones and Denise Kinne both added homes to the MLS this past week. The classic brick homes are located in the Emerald Shores community priced affordably within the $180,000 range.

Interested in seeing more of what our agents have to offer? Search the entire Baldwin County and Pensacola MLS today to find exactly what you are looking for!

Owning real estate on Alabama's Gulf Coast comes with many perks. One of which is getting to enjoy festive holiday events in the evening after a day spent on our still-warm beaches.

One such event we highly encourage you to check out this Christmas takes place at Bellingrath Gardens. Their annual light display has been named by USA Today as one of the top public displays in the country. This year also promises to be extra special, as it is the events 20th anniversary!

If you are not familiar with Bellingrath Gardens, this 65-acre estate is located in Mobile, Alabama and features manicured lawns and abundant gardens. They offer several festivals throughout the year to mark the different seasons with Christmas in Lights being an annual favorite.

The event is currently taking place and will run nightly through January 2, 2016, with the exception of Christmas Day and New Years Day. Entrance to this walking event is $15 for adults and $7 for children. The lights twinkle to life at 5pm and stay lighted until 9pm. We hope to see you there!

Good news! The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced changes to the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) condominium policies the other day at the National Association of Realtors convention in San Diego. This a game changer for those looking to buy condos for sale in Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.

Effective today, the FHA will streamline the condominium recertification process and expand its definition of acceptable "owner occupied" units to include second homes not owned by investors. In short, this will qualify more condo complexes for FHA loans, and give more buyers access to FHA low-down payment mortgages.

This is great news for our condo heavy market. To this day, condos remain one of the most affordable option for home buyers, especially first time buyers. The ease of financing will only support homeownership in the area...

All these factors make it a great time to list. Contact a member of our team today to learn more about what we can do for you and your condo sale!

View the complete "HUD Eases FHA Condo Financing Rules" at FloridaRealtors.org

Southern Real Estate Sales Owner/Broker, Susan Carleton, is pleased to announce she and her team can now can produce 3D model tours of their listings. The 3D Showcase, shot by our Transaction Coordinator, Amy Lamar, will engage prospective buyers with a rapid and innovative model tour of Susan's homes and condos for sale in Perdido Key, Pensacola Beach, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.

"In an ever-changing, technological world, we're always ready to try something new," said Susan. "We are extremely excited to offer this as a resource to our clients."

Demonstrated in one of Susan's newest listings at Marseilles, you can see that this is one of the most realistic and immersive ways for a potential buyer to experience a property online. Don't just take our word for it though, take the tour yourself by viewing the Perdido Key real estate listing.

Are you interested in learning more about Susan and the Susan Carleton Team? Call 850.516.7238 to speak with Susan directly about your buying or selling needs.

Thanksgiving is just two weeks away and the Christmas season around the corner. If you will be taking a break from shopping Gulf Coast real estate for sale to celebrate, be sure to check out these wonderful events along the beach!

First up, we have Thanksgiving. If you have just recently moved to the area or sold your home in Alabama or Florida, the idea of cooking may seem daunting. Skip it this year and enjoy a delicious meal cooked and cleaned up by someone else!

Restaurants open near your home in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach include Gilbey's Seafood and Steak, as well as the Ginny Lane Bar at The Wharf. If you live in Perdido Key, try the Flora-Bama's annual potluck. Or, for something a little more traditional, the Perdido Key Beach Resort. In Pensacola, head downtown to Jackson's Steakhouse or the Fish House.

After the Turkey has been cleaned away, stick around a few days to watch the beaches light up for the holidays! Orange Beach will host their annual tree lighting on December 1, 2015, while Gulf Shores will get into the holiday spirit with the town parade on December 4, 2015.

If 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 Pointe South Real Estate Sales' agents today for more information how we can sell your property within your time frame!