612 Lost Key Dr Unit 1004B

There is everything to love about this penthouse condo at Lost Key! Enjoy a cup of coffee in the crisp, paradise-rich air on the large, screened balcony while taking in the beautiful views of Lost Key Golf Course, the Intracoastal Waterway, and Perdido Bay. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath unit includes a den and offers over 1600 square feet of living space along with expansive views of the island on both sides of the condo. This penthouse residence comes with an open-concept floor plan, a coveted, deeded garage space, and a storage locker along with all the fabulous amenities that Lost Key has to offer! 

About Lost Key Golf and Beach Club: Upon entering The Lost Key Community members and guests are greeted by a friendly, 24-hour manned guard house providing security and peace of mind for all residents. As a certified Audubon-sanctioned nature preserve, there are over 400 acres of property to enjoy at Lost Key. Amenities include miles of walking paths for a quiet escape, tennis courts, a golf course clubhouse/restaurant, and shuttle service to its beautiful beach club.  There are several micro-communities within the complex which offer their owners/guests top-of-the-line residential properties with a pool and the multi-family buildings include a fitness center. Everyone in the community has access to the Beach Club. This 5,000-square-foot Club has a private restaurant, and bar, as well as private beach access with beach chair service provided!

Watch the Blue Angels practice overhead and visit popular local spots near this centrally located condominium such as the Flora-Bama Bar, Downtown Pensacola, The Wharf, and Joe Patti’s Seafood Market! Isn’t it time to make this beautiful condo your home?

See photos and more information about this listing!

April showers bring May Flowers! As spring is commencing and social media is at its peak, users are dedicating posts to spring cleaning! These easy home hacks are rarely heard of but useful to make regularly difficult tasks, simple. My name is Jessica. I am the assistant to Dawn Marino and The Marino Team at Emerald Coast Realty. I tried a few of the cleaning tips I saw on social media and made a list of a few with my reviews on them! Everyone wants that picture-perfect home, so clean you might feel like you can lick the floor (not recommended)! With tips and tricks to make daily cleaning almost effortless, this ideal might be within reach! Below is a list of cleaning hacks:

Mardi Gras season has left us! Now the Emerald Coast prepares for spring break, tan lines, crawfish season, and St. Patrick's Day festivities! Local businesses are promising open mic nights, karaoke, trivia, live music, stand-up comedy, and more. As the winter starts to give way to warmer weather, tourists from around the world will come to see our breathtaking beaches. Everyone, please remember to have fun and be safe! 

As St. Patrick's Day, spring break, and summer approaches, venues such as The Well, Bamboo Willies, and Vinyl will provide live music every week. Local businesses will also host many social activities for guests of all ages! Visit pages for your favorite businesses to see what's happening! Dressed in green, O'Riley's Downtown Irish Pub starts celebrating St. Patrick's Day on March 4th with their Grog March! Registration begins at 4 pm featuring free General Admissions with a donation of two nonperishable food items. Donations will go to Manna Food Pantries to help feed the hungry in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

McGuires Irish Pub will present their St. Patrick's Day 5K Run/Walk on March 11th from 9 am to 10 am followed by their infamous street party. This race and the post-party are the largest St. Patrick's Day party on The Emerald Coast. McGuire's never disappoints! Registration will be held on March 10th from 10 am to 8 pm and March 11th from 6:30 am to 8 am. 

Finally, O'Riley's Irish Pub will open early to host their O'Riley's Saint Patrick's Day Party in Downtown Pensacola on March 17th! This celebration will include live Irish music, green beer, and games. Pensacola's famed Gallery Night will also take place on March 17th. Come out and support local artists and vendors! We hope to see you there!

Get ready for the beach bead bonanza season on the Emerald Coast! Celebrate Mardi Gras with our famous Krewes from now until the beginning of March. Krewes work all year preparing to entertain visitors and locals with Gulf Coast hospitality and fun! With events placed from the Flora-Bama all the way to Navarre, these must-see celebrations present the perfect opportunity to celebrate with family and friends. Out of the numerous, fun-filled events along the Emerald Coast, we have highlighted a few of the Mardi Gras events to give you a taste of what’s to come!

Celebrating for their 27th year, the Pirates of Lost Treasure host their 2023 Treasure Mardi Gras Flotilla with the theme “Let’s Get Shipwrecked!” Scheduled on February 4th, the parade will begin beside Holiday Harbor Marino at 11 am and end at the famed Flora-Bama 2:30 pm 2:30 pm. Floats will glide past viewing spots along the way including The Oyster Bar, Big Lagoon State Park, and Hub Stacey’s at Galvez Landing. Immediately following the parade, Pirates of Lost Treasure request you join them in full pirate attire for their Victory Party at the Flora-Bama Dome Stage! Don’t miss out on Perdido Key’s biggest Mardi Gras Flotilla!

Join the Navarre Krewe of Jesters a week later in their Music Through the Decades Mardi Gras Parade and Ball on Saturday, February 11th from 1 pm- 11 pm! Beginning the afternoon with their annual parade at 1 pm, Navarre plays the perfect host. Plans to supply fun lovers with food, a beer tent, ice cream, and live music establish the perfect setting for a good time! Later, the theme continues at the Krewe of Jesters Mardi Gras Ball! This is a Black-Tie event, so formal wear is a requirement. Purchase tickets to this ball through a krewe member or by emailing contact@nkoj.org! 

The following weekend, Pensacola kicks off its Mardi Gras with the Krewe of Lafitte Illuminated Mardi Gras Parade. Starting on February 17th at 7:30 pm, floats will brighten the night air with twinkling lights! This family-friendly parade is the only event during Mardi Gras where viewers get to see floats showcase their lights as they ride through Downtown Pensacola.

Continuing the celebration, the next day (February 18th), the Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade takes place from 2 pm to 6 pm on Palafox and Garden street. Bringing the biggest crowd of people Downtown Pensacola sees all year, this parade includes almost all the Krewes this wonderful city can produce! Alcohol and tobacco restrictions will be in effect. A children’s area has been put in place so families can relax and feel safe throughout the day’s revelry. 

The last parade of the year is certainly not the least. Beginning at 2 pm on Pensacola Beach near Via DeLuna, the Krewe of Wrecks Mardi Gras Parade mixes music, dancing, candy, and beads with the crisp ocean air! After the parade, the fun continues. After-parties line Pensacola Beach Blvd while viewers wait for judges to make their final decision for the best Krewe of 2023. The biggest of these parties will be at the Sandshaker where live music and the party continues throughout the evening!

For more information: https://pensacolamardigras.com/events/ 

Maybe you are here for the holidays, or maybe just dreaming about being near the beach; Pensacola, Perdido Key, and Orange Beach do not disappoint! All three locations are hosting fabulous family-friendly events to help celebrate the season. Mark your calendar, grab a friend or family member, and see why our beach towns are the place to be for the holidays!

Pensacola Winterfest

This downtown series of holiday events include three different themed trolley rides (The Polar Express tour, The Grinch tour, and The Scrooge tour). Check out the video trailers for the tours in the link below! The tours run from December 9th through the 24th, and purchasing tickets in advance is recommended as tours do sell out. There are also photo opportunities with Santa and the Grinch. Reserve your time in advance.

Pensacola Winterfest 🎭 Christmas Fun for Everyone!

Flora-Bama Santa Drop, Make it to the Line Run/Walk, and Christmas Potluck

Flora-Bama has something for everyone during the holiday season! On December 10th Santa skydives to the beach at Flora-Bama and sits for pictures (and requests)! There will also be crafts, games, and live music. Santa visits and the activities are all FREE!

Saturday, December 17th is the annual “Make it to the Line Run/Walk.” There is a 4-Mile Run and 1- Mile Fun Run. The entry fee is $30, and part of the proceeds go to the local Secret Santa program benefitting families in need.

At noon on Christmas Day, Flora-Bama hosts their annual Christmas Potluck. This event is free to attend. Our local service members and veterans are honored and served first. Of course, Flora-Bama will have live music playing in several parts of the venue as well.

FLORA-BAMA SANTA DROP (florabama.com)

FLORA-BAMA MAKE IT TO THE LINE RUN & WALK (florabama.com)

FLORA-BAMA CHRISTMAS POTLUCK (florabama.com)

The Wharf – Orange Beach

The Wharf in beautiful Orange Beach, Alabama, has a December calendar full of holiday events and activities! From now through January 16th, go ice skating by the beach! The rink is open most days, and admission includes a skate rental.

On a few special nights, Holiday Horse & Carriage Rides will be offered along The Wharf Main Street. The remaining dates are December 9th, 11th, and 16th. The cost is $25 for a carriage for up to six adults.

The Wharf will once again offer train rides via the North Pole Express Train. The train will run from December 10th and December 17th through the 24th. The cost is $6 per passenger. Of course, Santa will also be at The Wharf on December 10th, as well as from December 16th through the 24th. Photo package costs vary.

The Wharf | Upcoming Events (alwharf.com)

Many people have come to believe that investing in real estate is a proven way to make money. However, there are many risks involved in real estate investing, and if you're not careful, you could find yourself losing a lot of money. This blog post discusses the top five mistakes people make when investing in real estate so that you can avoid them.

1. Not Doing Your Research

One of the biggest mistakes buyers make when investing in real estate is not doing their research. There are many things to consider when purchasing a property, such as the location, the condition of the property, and the potential rental income. If you don't take the time to do your research, you could end up with a property that doesn't appreciate in value or that is difficult to rent out. Taking the time to learn about the real estate market and doing your research before making any decisions is crucial to success as a real estate investor.

2. Overpaying for a Property

Another mistake people make is overpaying for a property. When you overpay for a property, you immediately put yourself at a disadvantage because you have less equity in the property and will need to generate a higher return just to break even. Not only that, but you also increase your risk of defaulting on your loan if the market turns and your rental income doesn't cover your mortgage payments. To avoid overpaying for a property, do your homework and know what the property is worth before making an offer. Work with a qualified real estate agent that can help you assess the value of the property and negotiate a fair price. And don't be afraid to walk away from a deal when the price isn't right. There are always other opportunities out there.

3. Not Keeping Up with Maintenance and Repairs

One of the most common mistakes investors make is failing to keep up with maintenance and repairs. Investing in real estate is a big commitment, and it's important to remember that your property is a long-term investment. That means you need to be prepared to budget for ongoing maintenance and repairs. Whether it's fixing a leaky roof or repainting the exterior of your property, neglecting to keep up with repairs can quickly eat into your profits. In addition, if you're planning on renting out your property, neglected maintenance and repairs can result in unhappy tenants who are reluctant to renew their lease.

To avoid costly mistakes, it is important to do your homework before investing in real estate. Once you've found the right property, be sure to consider the cost of ongoing maintenance and repairs when creating your budget. By doing so, you can help ensure that your real estate investment will be a profitable one.

4. Not Hiring a Professional Inspector

One of the more critical steps in purchasing a home is to have it inspected by a professional. A home inspector will look for any potential problems with the property, from structural issues to plumbing and electrical problems. However, many homebuyers try to save money by skipping this step. This can be a huge mistake, as an inspection can uncover serious problems that would otherwise go unnoticed. In some cases, these problems can be expensive to remedy, and they may even make the property uninhabitable. As such, it is always worth the investment to hire a professional inspector before making an offer on a home.

5. Not Getting Professional Help

Another mistake people make when investing in real estate is not getting professional help. Real estate can be a complex investment, and there are many things that you may not know about. Working with a qualified real estate agent or investment advisor can help you avoid making costly mistakes. These professionals can offer valuable insights and guidance putting you on the path to success.

Conclusion

Investing in real estate can be a great way to make money, but it is important to do your research and avoid making common mistakes. By following these tips, you can enhance your chances of success in the world of real estate investing.

Lovely Lost Key 2 bedroom 2.5 bathroom townhouse is now available. This furnished end unit is the perfect second home for your beach getaways or it can be added to your rental property portfolio. Lost Key has amazing amenities and is sure to please all!

As-Is home purchase contracts differ depending on who drafts them. A Realtor's contract may be significantly different from one an attorney writes. However, the as-is provisions are likely very similar. The majority of as-Is contracts favor the seller by shifting the entire responsibility for paying some fees and potential costs to the buyer. Does this mean a buyer should refuse to submit an as-Is contract if requested by the seller?

The answer to that question is "it depends." If it's a seller's market with few available listings, sellers can make any demand they wish. No matter what conditions they set, there will be a host of potential buyers lining up to make an offer. People have to live somewhere, and if there's not much to choose from, they will take what they can get.

A buyer's market has the opposite dynamics. When there's a large inventory of available homes, buyers call the shots. If they don't like a particular seller's demands, they can move on. Sellers know this and may not be as willing to require an as-is offer.

The most significant difference between the two contracts involves determining which party pays for repairs and building permits. Repairs might include items such as replacing appliances or fixing a broken window. There may also be a separate section covering the cost of repairs for damage caused by wood-destroying organisms such as termites. In an As-Is contract, the buyer pays for both types of repairs and the cost of opening and closing permits. A standard contract allows the buyer to include a seller-paid maximum dollar amount or percentage of the estimated costs to resolve repair and permit issues. Of course, anything is negotiable. The seller can present a counteroffer with a lesser amount for stated repairs, including $0.00 in seller contributions.

One common misconception among buyers is that an as-is contract doesn't allow home inspections. This shouldn't be true. If it is, find another attorney if you're using a customized document and not a Realtor form. As-is buyers should be entitled to have a home inspection and to cancel the offer for any reason within a specified timeframe. An as-is offer shouldn't bind them to purchase a house that needs repairs. It should state that if repairs are necessary, they are the buyer's responsibility.

Don't be afraid of signing an as-is contract. In fact, you should expect that requirement in a seller's market. Offer a price that takes into account the amount that you'd expect to pay for repairs after your initial visit. If the home inspection uncovers unexpected expensive damage, let the seller know, and you might be able to work something out. If not, cancel the contract within the allowable timeframe.

Along the emerald coast, there is always something to celebrate! July is packed full of celebrations and a favorite month for visitors and residents alike. Fourth of July celebrations begin on July 1^st, and the patriotic celebrations continue through the end of the Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Air Show on July 9^th!

From Orange Beach, AL, to Pensacola, FL, here is a cheat sheet to all the fun!

OWA in Foley kicks off the July events with festivities for the whole family, July 1^st through July 3^rd. Their patriotic fireworks show will occur on July 2^nd at 8:50 pm. 4th of July Weekend Party – OWA (visitowa.com)

The Wharf has a July calendar packed with events, including tons of live music, family activities, and a 5k! On the 4^th of July, they will have an Independence Day Street Party from 5-9 pm. The Wharf | Upcoming Events (alwharf.com)

The Flora-Bama gets their party started on Saturday, July 2^nd at 8 am with The Freedom Run, a patriotic 4-mile run/walk. They follow this up with a bikini contest in the afternoon and fireworks that evening. FLORA-BAMA FREEDOM RUN (florabama.com)

Some local resorts are also hosting their own fireworks shows! In Orange Beach, Turquoise Place will have a fireworks show on the evening of the 4^th, and Perdido Beach Resort will host a fireworks show and party on the 2^nd. The Perdido Beach Resort event is open to the public. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and there is a limited quantity. Perdido Beach Resort | Independence Day Celebration

The best event is the last event! The famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels host an airshow annually over Pensacola Beach in July. This year’s events will take place from July 6^th through the 9^th. Thousands of spectators watch from the beaches and from boats. Here is a link the start times and more: Santa Rosa Island Authority | What’s Happening Blue Angels (visitpensacolabeach.com)

Gather your family and friends and grab your red, white & blue apparel! Join the parties this July along the beautiful emerald coast!

Beautiful second-floor unit for sale at SeaSpray. This updated 2 bedroom, gulf front unit sits directly on the Gulf of Mexico and has extensive updates. Great second home or beach rental.