Absolut perfection! Very well kept, updated 3/2 home for sale in Chandelle - one of Pensacola's premier SW subdivisions. Loads of updates and the best back yard!

1139 Naple Info

When it comes to doing your next home search online, what websites come to mind?  Often they're sites like Zillow.com, Realtor.com, and maybe Trulia.com.  That's logical, as these sites spend considerable amounts of money on advertising.  There is something to be said for some of the bells & whistles on those sites.  However, there is a better approach to locating every possible home that meets your search criteria.  Here is the best way to make sure that you don't miss that perfect home for you.

1.  Receive pre-approval for a mortgage, as this will qualify you for a price range.  Once you know what you can buy, don't let listed prices limit your possible choices.  When you're doing your searches, if you have a limit of $285,000, make $295,000 or $300,000 the top end of your search.  The main reason is that the majority of homes sell at some price below the list price.  Don't miss seeing some of them just because the list price is above what you want to spend.

2.  Find a local real estate website in your market area with an IDX search page.  IDX stands for Internet Data Exchange, and it's an agreement among all brokerage members of the local MLS to allow their listings to appear on other member websites.  Check out a few local sites, and look for the disclaimer at the bottom of the search page about IDX.  Feel free to choose the site that is the most friendly to use or the one that offers other bells & whistles.  

3.  Look for one more thing on the site you like best.  Hopefully, there will be a form to complete and the ability to save a search.  This will allow you to tell the site what you want for home features, area, and price range.  Once set, the MLS system will send you automated email alerts for new listings that match your search criteria.  Many will also alert you to price reductions and depending on the site, you may see a place to request your search, and the agent will build it.  Keep in mind that busy agents don’t always have the time to check for new listings daily, so by using the IDX system you will know about new listings before many of the area agents.

4.  Remember, in most cases, Zillow does not have feeds that come from the MLS systems and on Zillow, many owners do not remove their listing after the home has sold, so you will see houses advertised that are not for sale. Therefore, you will get more up-to-date information from a local real estate website.

Following these steps and using a local agent’s website will deliver just about every home available to your computer or smartphone screen.  The IDX site will be up to date because the MLS rules require their members to keep it current and most boards require the members to remove delisted or sold listings within 24 to 48 hours in order to avoid a fine. You will also want to start with a local site to get your alert search set up, so you are aware of new listings as soon as they hit the MLS and watching the price reductions can also alert you to your perfect home when it drops into your price range.

The world-famous Flora-Bama is home to the Interstate Mullet Toss on Perdido Key. This weekend long party draws people from all over. Fun in the sun, great music, and good food. The beach will be lined with vendors surrounding the perimeter of the carefully marked off throwing field. For a fee, both adults and kids can partake in the fun and see just how far they can throw a mullet! A portion of each fish tossed goes to local youth charities including programs from the CDAC (Community Drug and Alcohol Council, Inc.), which offers programs addressing tobacco, drug and alcohol abuse, mental health issues and situations involving violence.

The Flora-Bama Mullet Toss has raised and contributed over $40,000 every year to local charities on both sides of the state line. Come on out enjoy the beautiful weather and toss a fish across the state line!

The success or failure of your vacation rental can hinge upon your marketing efforts. The nicest vacation rental can't be rented if no one knows about it. While employing a company can take a lot of the weight off your shoulders, it's cheaper and more rewarding to do it yourself. Also,it is easier than you think, and once you have the processes in place, keeping them going can be simple.

Digital marketing is the most effective for vacation rentals. With so many comparison websites and travel websites, it is essential to create a presence for yourself and your property. These sites will make your rental visible, where potential renters can look at pictures and read reviews.

Pictures and reviews are two tools that will help you bring in renters. If you can't take professional-grade photos, consider using a freelance photographer. It is important to show your property in its best light, while still being true to its condition, especially when you are trying to get your rental off the ground. The renters that these photos attract will become your ambassadors, who will build the word-of-mouth that results in the success you desire. Reviews are vital for the marketing of your vacation rental. Be sure to ask each renter to review their experience and the property so that others will know what to expect when they look at booking.

You should put your vacation rental on the TripAdvisor, FlipKey, VRBO, and Airbnb websites. These are where most people go to find a vacation rental, and a lot of the reviews are linked throughout these sites, which makes the process easier for you as well. Flipkey and Tripadvisor synchronize; when you set up your vacation rental at Flipkey, it will automatically list on Tripadvisor. FlipKey charges three percent per booking, so you don't spend money until you start making it. VRBO and Airbnb offer a similar scheme. They make it simple to be a start-up. 

The right marketing will mean the success of your vacation rental. Most marketing is done digitally now, and advertising your property online means getting it in front of more eyes than you could ever hope to otherwise. This is also where you will build your customer base with repeat business; reviews that recommend you to others will create new business. Directly managing your marketing will give you the control and freedom to make the changes necessary to reach the demographic you're looking for, without requiring too much of your own time. The right marketing will pay off in your first season of renting and carry your momentum forward into the years to come.

Article by Dawn Marino

Beautiful, canal front home with pool located in the highly desired Gulf Breeze area. This spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath home has loads of upgrades and has been well maintained. The property offers, spacious master bedroom with beautful master bath, 2 large additional bedrooms, large kitchen, formal living room, dining room, family room and bonus Florida Room. Outside has ample parking including secondary drive/pad for boat or RV, inground pool, deck and boat dock with 16k lift. 

1602 LUZON LN - INFO

Welcome Home! If you are looking for that perfect island home, you know, the one that makes you say "I'm living the dream." This is it! These townhomes are the latest addition to the Lost Key community and offer spacious floor plan, lots of storage, garage parking and a new pool and fitness center. Lost Key also offers all residents a gated community, walking paths, tennis courts and access to the new Beach Club, which has a restaurant, gulf front pool and provides beach service in season. This truly is a one of kind place to call home! Click the link below for more details on the newly listed 2 bedroom townhouse.

14596 Salt Meadow Dr  

Entrance to Riviera Condominium

Large oak tree with Spanish moss in this heavily-shaded parking area.

Pool and deck area next to grass common area that overlooks Pensacola Bay.

Swimming pool with a panoramic view of Pensacola Bay, Gulf Breeze, and Pensacola Beach beyond.

Large dividable lot located near Big Lagoon State Park. Very close to the beautiful beaches of Perdido Key. Nearby shops, boat launch and community park with tennis courts. Owner is willing to finance or will consider lease option. 

Coming Soon - 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo with Bay view located on the 8th floor at the Bayshore Condos. Located just minutes from downtown Pensacola this great unit offers a convenient location and affordable price for waterfront living.

Sold

Nice level lot in Heron's Walk. Build your beach home in this quiet subdivision which is just a short distance from the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Beautiful spot to call home!