Realty Masters~ Pensacola's Best of the Bay 2012!

Realty Masters~ Best of the Bay 2012 award finalist!

Pensacola area's Best of the Bay Voting results are in.

Every year, the Pensacola Bay area votes in a contest called Best of the Bay. It's hosted by the fabulous Pensacola News Journal and contains over 100 different categories including categories like Best Hardware Store and Best Dentist, to Best Margarita & Best Happy Hour, even Best Pilates & Best Place to Dance. Readers (both in print and online) cast their votes their favorites during the last week of May and first week of June every year.

Here's a few of our favorite categories and the winners for them:

Best Florist 2012: Celebrations the Florist

Best Place to Work: Baptist Healthcare.
Best Home Builder: Adams Homes
Best Mortgage Company: Pen Air Federal Credit Union
Best Pool & Spa: Pensacola Pools
Best Used Car Dealer: Frontier Motors
Best New Car Dealer: Sandy Sansing Dealerships
Best Hotel: Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulffront Hotel
Best Carpet Cleaning: Pro Clean Restoration and Cleaning

Best Overall Restaurant: The Global Grill

Best Place for Live Music:
Vinyl Music Hall in Pensacola

Best Mexican Restaurant: Cactus Flower Cafe
Best Outdoor Dining: The Fish House Deck
Best Dining with a View:  The Grand Marlin
Best Chicken Wings: Sidelines Sports Grill
Best Hot Dog: Dog House Deli
Best Cheap Meal: Jerry's Drive In
Best Desserts: Oh, Snap! Cupcakes
Best Bushwacker: Sandshaker Lounge
Best Beach Bar: Paradise Bar and Grill

National Naval Aviation Museum:
chosen as Best Museum 2012

Best Place to Dance: Seville Quarter 
Best Golf Course: Marcus Pointe Golf Club
Best Museum: National Naval Aviation Museum
Best Place to take out-of-town Guests: McGuire's Irish Pub
Best Local Event: Blue Angels Air Show
Best Live Music Spot: Vinyl Music Hall
Best Family Entertainment: Pensacola Blue Wahoos Baseball
To view the full list of winners and finalists, visit the Pensacola News Journal's website here.

 Chosen best place to dance 2012~
Best of the Bay. Seville Quarter.

Realty Masters Best of Bay
finalist: Best Property Management

Our company Realty Masters was chosen as a finalist for Best Property Management Company! Thank you for all who voted for us; it is an honor to live in and be part of the Pensacola community.

Our company rents more homes and apartments in the Pensacola area than any other real estate company. We have rented over 215 homes and apartments during 2012 so far- in the cities of Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Pace, Milton, Cantonment, Perdido Key, and Mary Esther. If you're looking for the best of the best in the Pensacola area- give us a call!

Until next time,

Realty Masters of FL~ #1 in Rental homes in Pensacola

Call us (850) 473-3983 ~ Over 40 rentals at www.PensacolaRealtyMasters.com

Follow us~ Facebook~ Pinterest~ Youtube

Free Wi-Fi locater in Pensacola~

Looking for access to Free Wi-Fi in Pensacola?
We found all the wireless internet hotspots in town- and you can too through this cool app!


Screen shot of free JiWire application
for your cell phone!


We recently attended a technology conference and learned a few new things that we are excited about sharing with you.

One of the coolest we learned about is a smartphone application called JiWire.  Using GPS technology, this app can locate unsecured wireless internet connection closest to you. Download it from the app store for free.

By using the app, I was able to find 59 wi-fi hotspots near me in Pensacola. These locations include restaurants, hotels, and some local businesses. Some examples are Homewood Suites and Inn, Whataburger, the Drowsey Poet, Pensacola International Airport, Starbucks, McDonald's, Cordova Mall, Best Buy, and many more.

This is also a great app for traveling!

Remember, there could be security risks involved with using free wi-fi hotspots. Not that necessarily the company/business would be a threat, but it is possible for other tech-savvy internet users to gather information from your device when you are on an unsecured network. My advice is to store your personal information somewhere other than your hard drive.

Until next time,
Realty Masters of FL ~ Pensacola's Premier Property Management Company!
www.PensacolaRealtyMasters.com~ Call us (850) 473-3983

Restaurant Inspections & Violations!

We investigate Escambia & Santa Rosa County Restaurants~
FL Department of Health inspection results viewable by public.
 

One of our favorite restaurants- New Yorker Deli-
Scored well with 2 inspections= 6 minor violations.
We love their New Yorker style pizza & calzones!

Before you eat out again, read this article!

We recently found this website which lists restaurants in all counties in the state of Florida with health department inspection results. Of course, we were curious as you should be, too.

We looked up some of the top offenders in our area and have posted them below. These results include total number of violations from multiple 2011 & 2012 inspections. From the website, you can see more details including what the specific violations were and dates of inspections.

Another one of our favorite restaurants, The Fish House!
Over 2 years, the restaurant was reported having 28 violations
found through four inspections. Uh oh!

Common violations include:

• Current license on display
• Restrooms with self-closing doors, fixtures operate properly, facility clean, supplied with hand-soap, disposable towels or hand drying devices, tissue, covered waste receptacles
• Foods handled with minimum contact
• Animals prohibited. Outer openings protected from insects, rodent proof
• Floors properly constructed, clean, drained, coved
• Walls, ceilings, and attached equipment, constructed, clea
• Original container: properly labeled, date marking, consumer advisoryn
• Toxic items properly stored, labeled and used properly
• Food protection, cross-contamination
• Outside storage area clean, enclosure properly constructed
• Food contact surfaces of equpiment and utensils clean

The website features a disclaimer stating that this information is a snapshot of a particular day. Some restaurants were inspected more often than others. I understand the health department shows up unannounced to perform the inspections and that some restaurants were inspected more than others.

With that being said, we don't guarantee this information, but we do want to open your eyes to it and it's definitely a good idea to look at! One of the restaurants has over 100 violations in the last two years. We were amazed to see that the restaurant was given so many chances.

Top Violations for Restaurants in Escambia County:

• Tequila Mexican Restaurant- W Hwy 98- 53 violations
• Rio Bravo Mexican Restaurant- 9 Mile Rd.- 43 violations
• Florabama Package Lounge & Oyster Bar- Perdido Key Drive- 36 violations
• King Buffet- 9 Mile Rd- 35 violations
• Castaways Beachside Restaurant- Quietwater Lane, Pensacola Beach- 32 violations
• Barracks Street Fish House- Barracks St.- 28 violations
• Yang Tze Buffet Restaurant- 9th Ave.- 26 violations
• Teriyaki Cafe Sushi & Grill- Davis Hwy- 25 violations
• Cazdores Mexican Restaurant- Cervantes St.- 24 violations
• Churches Chicken- Barrancas Ave- 23 violations
• Los Rancheros Mexican Restaurant- Plantation Rd.- 21 violations
• 2 Stix- Bayou Blvd. - 20 violations
• Hong Kong Restaurant- Navy Blvd.- 19 violations
• Coffee Cup- 18 violations
• Ryans- Pensacola Blvd. - 17 violations
• Beef O'Bradys- 9 Mile Rd- 16 violations
• Wintzell's Oyster  House- E Chase St.- 16 violations

Lowest number of violations for restaurants in Escambia County:
The Olive Garden, The Tin Cow, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, & Taco Bell on Airport Blvd., were some of the very few restaurants with 0 violations reported!

Top Violations for Restaurants in Santa Rosa County:

• China Sea- Caroline St., Milton- 196 violations. Wow! I must say, the latest inspection from May resulted in 0 violations, but the health inspector has been inspected 10 times over the last year with multiple violations each time!
• Shuckums- Caroline St., Milton- 37 violations
• Addies Seafood & Grill Inc- Hwy 90, Milton- 34 violations
• Ciscos- Caroline St., Milton- 34 violations
• McDonald's- 6485 Caroline St.- 31 violations.
• Shrimp Basket of Milton- Hwy 90, Milton- 31 violations
• Captain D's- Hwy 90, Milton- 30 violations
• Stinkys Fish Camp & Helen Back Again- Navarre Pkwy, Navarre- 28 violations
• Ryans Steakhouse- Hwy 90, Pace- 28 violations
• East River Smoke House- Hwy 87 S, Navarre- 27 violations
• Guglielmos Italian Grill- Navarre Pkwy, Navarre- 26 violations
• Golden Dragon- Navarre Pkwy, Navarre- 23 violations
• Sonic Drive In- Hwy 90, Pace- 20 violations
• Village Inn- Hwy 90, Pace- 19 violations
• Sakura Japanese Restaurant- Navarre Pkwy, Navarre- 18 violations
• Rio Bravo Meixcan Restaurant- Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze- 16 violations

Lowest number of violations in Santa Rosa County:
Papa Nalu Aloha Grill, Pizza Hut (Gulf Breeze Pkwy), Main Street Cafe in Milton, & Baskin Robbins in Pace.

To see all local restaraunts violations for Pensacola, Cantonment, Perdido Key, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Pace, and Milton, visit the website here or see more information from the Florida Department of Health.

Until next time,
Nicole St. Aubin, Broker Associate
Realty Masters of FL ~ #1 in Pensacola Rental Homes!
www.PensacolaRealtyMasters.com ~ Over 45 rentals Available
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Family fun in Pensacola: Roger Scott Swimming Pool

Splash Pad & Water Slides make this pool a favorite!
Residents of all ages enjoy summer swim sessions at the Roger Scott Pool~

The Roger Scott swimming pool is located at 2030 Summit Blvd., Pensacola, FL 32503 near the intersections of 12th Ave. and Summit Blvd. in Southeast Pensacola.

                 View Larger Map
The pool is open daily through summer from 9:30-12 noon; 12:30- 3:30 pm and 4-7pm. The pool does close for thirty minutes between sessions. There's a splash pad to accomodate younger kids and three large slides for the older ones. Although the pool does get busy on weekends, it's a huge pool so there's plenty of room to swim around.

Pool area for younger children and toddlers at Roger Scott Swimming Pool. Children under the age of 2 free! 

Pool at Roger Scott~ equipped with three slides. Pensacola's favorite public pool! 

Plenty of seating area at Roger Scott Swimming Pool

You must purchase admission to the Roger Scott Swimming Pool:

• Adults: $4 for swimming; $2 for observing
• Children: $3 each
• Children under 2: admitted free
• Cash or check only!

Season passes including individual, family, and senior passes are available. Although this would be the perfect place to host a birthday bash, their website says no birthday parties or outside food is allowed at the pool. Bummer.

It's still a fun way to beat the heat in the Pensacola area! And be careful, because your kids will definitely want to come back! In addition to the beautiful pool at the complex, the Roger Scott Center also features 18 tennis courts and tennis lessons, a park, and a dog park. For more information about the Roger Scott Pool, visit their website or call (850) 595- 1218.

View of Roger Scott Municipal Swimming Pool in Pensacola, FL~ 

Entrance at Roger Scott Complex Municipal Swimming Pool~ Showing rules & regulations and admission information.

Want your own pool? Pam Keen, real estate broker, can find your dream pool home in the Pensacola area? Email Pam@PensacolaRealtyMasters.com and she'll send you a list of all the homes for sale in Escambia and Santa Rosa County- right now- with a pool!

Until next time,
Realty Masters of FL ~ #1 in Pensacola Rental homes and apartments

(850) 473 3983 Call us! www.PensacolaRealtyMasters.com ~ facebook ~ pinterest

Summer Solstice & 1st Day of Summer 2012~

Summer is finally here!~
And what a long, beautiful, summer day it was in Pensacola Beach!

Today marks the longest day of the year! Sunrise in Pensacola was at approximately 5:44 am with sunset around 7:55 pm for a total of 14 hours nd 11 minutes of daylight. And it was a gorgeous day with a high of 88 degrees and low of 73 degrees.

The beaches were packed today with locals and tourists alike welcoming Summer 2012. We hit the beaches of Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach to bring you some pictures of the sun making its appearance on the longest day of the year.

Sunrise and Sunset in Perdido Key
These photos were taken at Johnsons Beach, right off Perdido Key Drive. Johnsons Beach is a state park and there is an admission fee to enter but there are several places in Perdido Key with public beach access and just as gorgeous views.

Sunrise at Johnsons Beach

Johnsons Beach in Perdido Key, FL

waves crashing on the beach in Perdido Key, FL

Birds take in the summer solstice in Perdido Key, FL.

 Sunset in Pensacola Beach
I try to make it a habit to watch the sunset as often as possible. When you live so close to the water, it's almost a shame not to go watch the sunrise and set! Listening to the waves crashing into the shore; the sun sinking below the horizon while birds catch their last meal. Palm trees, sea oats, sand between your toes. There's nothing else like it!
 

Sunset off Via Deluna in Pensacola Beach on Summer Solstice 2012

Shortly after sunset off Via Deluna Drive in Pensacola Beach near sight of new Pensacola 360 wheel!

Do you love the sunrise and sunset in Florida as much as we do?

If you live near the beach, make it a point to get out and watch the sun rise or set soon. You will not regret it.

If you don't live near the beach, why not? If you are looking to move to the Pensacola area or considering it: Call us~ Realty Masters of FL (850) 473 3983. We have over 45 homes and apartments for rent within a 30 minute drive to beautiful white sand, Florida beaches!

See you at the beach!
Nicole St. Aubin, Broker Associate
Realty Masters of FL ~ #1 in Pensacola Rental Homes!
www.PensacolaRealtyMasters.com ~ Over 45 rentals Available
Follow us on Facebook ~ Pinterest  ~ YouTube

Pensacola's 12th Ave. Tree Tunnel~

Pensacola's beloved 12th Ave. Tree Tunnel
One of the most beautiful roads in Pensacola due to historic trees lining both sides of the road
Located in the North East Hill area of Pensacola, N 12th Ave. is a favorite road for many locals due to the collection of artsy shops, historic bunaglow homes, and the beautiful, mature oak trees that landscape the road.

There's a particular section of 12th Ave. that is a treasured landmark in Pensacola: The section of N 12th Ave. between Barcia Drive and Fairfield Drive. This section of road is landscaped heavily by gorgeous oak trees on both sides.

Through the years, tree limbs from both both sides of the road have grown towards each other, touching, and creating a unique tunnel effect that Pensacolians of all ages enjoy.

 Check it out yourself with the interactive map below.

View Larger Map

And here are some of our favorite pictures of the 12th Ave. Tree Tunnel!

Rain or shine, sunny or cloudy, traveling through this tree tunnel is sure to put a smile on your face!

Want to live near the 12th Ave. tree tunnel? Email me~ Nicoles@PensacolaRealtyMasters.com and I will send you a list of homes for sale or for rent near here!
Until next time,
Realty Masters of FL ~ # 1 in Pensacola Rental homes and Apartments!
(850) 473-3983 ~ Over 40 rentals available at www.PensacolaRealtyMasters.com
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Free Fireworks show courtesy of the Blue Wahoos!

Saturday night Fireworks at Blue Wahoos a hit!
Free Fireworks show from Palafox Pier over Pensacola Bay~

Hopefully, by now, you've had a chance to see a baseball game at Pensacola's new waterfront stadium. If you haven't, you are surely missing out!
Pensacola residents of all ages are enjoying the Blue Wahoos' first season. In addition to themed nights including 80's night and movie night, the Blue Wahoos also host a spectacular fireworks show on Saturday night home games. The show, although only about 4-5 minutes on average, is definitely comparable to the Pensacola areas Fourth of July Fireworks.

View of the interior of Blue Wahoos Stadium

It's my opinion that the fireworks alone is worth admission into the Blue Wahoos game. For as little as $5, you can get general admission tickets and secure a spot on the green. General admission does not provide a seat; it gives you entry into the ballpark but is standing room only so we suggest you bring your own chair just in case! Box seats are available for as little as $10 per ticket. You can purchase tickets here. Because of the fireworks, many Saturday night games are booked in advance so make sure you buy tickets the week prior in order to secure your seat at the next Saturday night home game!

If you are working on a limited budget, tickets are sold out, or you are not interested in baseball, we have a secret we'd like to share with you! There is a fabulous view of the fireworks show from Palafox Pier in downtown Pensacola which actually overlooks the Blue Wahoos Stadium. Of course, there is no charge for admission and usually plenty of parking. The firework show starts at the conclusion of the game, which typically ends around 9pm but could begin as late as 10pm if there the guys go into overtime.

Fireworks at Blue Wahoos Stadium in downtown Pensacola~ overlooking Pensacola Bay!

We went a few weeks ago to check out the view from Palafox Pier (997 S Palafox St, Pensacola, FL 32502) There were only a few people there taking advantage of the view~

 Here's some footage of the fireworks showcasing the fabulous view from Palafox Pier!

The finale of the show was awesome, but you will have to go see it for yourself!
We are so grateful to have the Blue Wahoos in Pensacola and look forward to enjoying the many activities the team brings to our area! Thanks guys!

Until next time,
Realty Masters of FL ~ # 1 in Pensacola Property Management!
(850) 473-3983 ~ Over 40 rentals available at www.PensacolaRealtyMasters.com
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Family fun in Pensacola: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park~
Beach front marine park opens with new name & new attractions!

Visitors feed the penguins through one of
the many new animal encounters~

Looking for something fun to do in the Pensacola/ Destin area? Back for the 2012 Summer season, the Gulfarium comes with a jazzier name, AKA The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, and several new attractions including up close and personal encounters with the animals.

The Gulfarium is located at 10101 Miracle Strip Pkwy in Fort Walton Beach, FL in Okaloosa County. Fort Walton Beach is approximately 45 miles east of Pensacola, FL and less than 10 miles west of Destin, FL.
The Gulfarium has been a popular Gulf Coast attraction since 1955! This gulf-front marine park showcases several marine animals including dolphins, sea lions, seals, turtles, sea otters, tropical penguins, alligators, and several species of birds and fish. The Gulfarium also serves as a rehabilitation center and life-long refuge for some injured animals unable to survive in the wild.
Video tour of the Gulfarium


The park is open daily from 9am to 4:30pm. General admission is $19.95 for adults and children ages 3-12 for $11.95 with children under age 3 free and covers entrance to the park and exhibits as well as entrance to the dolphin and sea lion show.

New EncountersThe new animal encounters at the Gulfarium are available for an additional charge and include opportunities to feed and/or interact with marine mammals including stringray, sharks, seals, sea lions, sea otters, turtles, and even dolphins! There are several encounters to choose from. The animal encounters range from $5 to feed the penguins to $349 to spend the day as a VIP marine mammal trainer. Reservations are suggested for animal encounters.

Visitors snorkel in Stingray Bay with stingrays and sharks! The cost is $34 per participant and includes a 30 minute snorkel.

Another new attraction is the "Living Sea" which features a huge indoor aquarium with several species of marine life as well as several other aquariums housing octopus, blow fish, sea horses and more.

Living Sea Aquarium~

Sea Lion Shows DailyThere are three California Sea Lions who live at the Gulfarium and perform three shows daily at 9:30am, 11:30am, and 2:00pm. The show is entertaining and sure to make you laugh.

Marine Mammal Trainer works plays with California Sea Lion during a show in Summer 2012~

Sea lions play before show at the Gulfarium during 2012 Summer Season~

Dolphin Shows Daily
There are three dolphins that live at the Gulfarium and boy, are they smart! The dolphin show is one of the most popular attractions at the park. Held three times daily, shows begin at 10:30am, 12:30pm, and 3:00pm. Although brief (it only lasts 15-20 minutes) it is well worth the trip to the Gulfarium for this alone. There is some seating, however, seating fills up fast so if you want to get a seat, make sure to get to the show early. If seating is full, you are welcome to stand around the pool and watch like we did for a closer view of the show! Just be careful, you may get splashed.

Dolphin show at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach, FL~

Dolphin relaxes in between tricks during the Dolphin Show at the Gulfarium

 A few more photos of the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and the animals who live here:

View from observation deck of part of the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and beautiful white sand beaches

Seal swims under water at Seal Harbor~

Fish in the Living Sea aquarium at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach, FL ~

Dolphin shows off at the Gulfarium in Fort Walton Beach~

For more information, visit their website or call them at 850-243-9046. What are you waiting for? Plan your trip to the Gulfarium today!

Until next time,
Realty Masters of FL ~ # 1 in Pensacola Rental Homes & Apartments!
(850) 473-3983 ~ Over 40 rentals available at www.PensacolaRealtyMasters.com
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Neighborhood Profile: Heron's Forest Gated Subdivision near NAS

Gated Heron's Forest Subdivision
Popular community right at the back gate of NAS Pensacola

Heron's Forest is a gated community located less than 1/2 mile from the back gate of Naval Air Station off Gulf Beach Hwy near the intersection of Blue Angel Pkwy. The proximity to the back gate, beautiful white sand beaches, and popular Perdido Kid's Park make this a favorite community, especially among military families.

             View Larger Map
Street Names in Heron's Forest Subdivision include the main road Rookery Road, as well as the cul-de-sac roads of Jaburu Lane, Limpkin Lane, Grallatoral Lane, Rail Circle, Tanger Circle, Lorikeet Lane and Bittern Drive.

Within 5-10 minute drive, there is adequate shopping including Target, Walmart, Winn-Dixie and Publix as well as access to Perdido Key Beaches and Big Lagoon State Park. Additionally, the popular Perdido Kids Park is less than a mile from this community. The Perdido Kids Park is a well maintained newer park, and is hands down the best park in the Pensacola area!
Community Features

• Gated Subdivision
• Gated community pool
• Two nicely maintained tennis courts
• Access to Nature Trail & beaches

Community Pool in Heron's Forest Subdivision near NAS Pensacola



Tennis Courts at Heron's Forest Subdivision

Trout Point Nature Trail

Approximately 1 mile walk to Beaches
via access to Trout Point Natural Trail
from Heron's Forest Community

Heron's Forest is surrounded on three sides by the US Navy Trout Point Watchable Wildlife Area which is part of NAS Pensacola. This area is largely wetlands and offers fabulous opportunities to spot wildlife in their natural habitat.
In addition to access from inside the gates of Naval Air Station Pensacola, there is access to the Trout Point Nature Trail from inside Heron's Forest Community. The trail entrance is off of Bittern Dr. and includes approximately 1 mile walk through the nature preserve to beautiful white sand beaches. 

End of Trout Point Nature Reserve on Big Lagoon!

Observe wildlife from Trout Point Nature Trail~

School Districts
Hellen Caro Elementary- A School as of 2011
Jim Bailey Middle- A School as of 2011
Escambia High- C School as of 2011
 
To view more information on Escambia County and the current school grades, visit their website here.


Blue Angels fly over Heron's Forest

Warning: Your neighbors are loud!
Due to the proximity to the Naval Base, you can expect some noise from planes nearby. In fact, because Pensacola is home to the Navy Blue Angels, you may hear quite a bit of noise. During their season, the Blue Angels practice overhead every Tuesday & Wednesday morning right at 8:30am. It's part of the charm of this subdivision- unless you happen to work 3rd shift~ Don't say we didn't warn you!

Style of Homes in Heron's Forest Subdivision
One of the things I love about this community is that every house has its own personality. Many of the newer subdivisions are what we call cookie cutter subdivisions- each home varies silghtly but overall design is the same. This is not the case in Heron's Forest! Take a look at a few of the different style homes in the community.

South Florida Stlye stucco home with side entry 2 car garage~

Brick patio home with front entry 2 car garage ~

Craftsman Stlye Home in Heron's Forest Community

Homes for rent in Heron's Forest
While most of the homes in Heron's Forest are owner occupied, there are a few rental homes in this community. Currently, there are three homes available for rent in Heron's Forest, although avaiablity changes daily. The homes are listed between $1695 and $1750 and are all over 2,000 square feet.
Homes for rent in Heron's Forest have rented previously $1150 for a smaller patio home to $1800 for a larger executive style home. Rental rates are on the rise and I don't expect seeing many homes below $1350 in this community for some time!

If you are interested in renting a home in Heron's Forest community or other similiar gated communities near NAS, email Nicole at Nicoles@PensacolaRealtyMasters.com for a list!
Homes for sale in Heron's Forest
There are several homes for sale in Heron's Forest. They are listed from $210,000 for a 3 bedroom 2 bath, 1900 square foot home to an executive 3,350 square feet home for $425,000. Comparable homes have sold in 2012 between $229,000 and $288,000 with an average price of $96 a square foot or $255,000.

If you are interested in purchasing a home in the Heron's Forest Community, email Pam Keen at Pam@PensacolaRealtyMasters.com with your requests or feel free to call her at (850) 232-2200.

Homeowners Association
If you are interested in renting or buying a home in Heron's Forest Community, I urge you to review their important documents including the Rules and Regulations as well as Covenants and Restrictions for the Homeowners Assocation. There is an active Home Owners Association, the Heron's Forest Property Owners Association. HOA dues are currently $100 a month and cover the assocation, common grounds landscaping, pool maintenance, tennis court maintenance, and professional management of the community.
Until next time,
Realty Masters of FL ~ # 1 in Rental homes in Pensacola, Florida!
(850) 473-3983 ~ Over 35 rentals available at www.PensacolaRealtyMasters.com
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Septic Tank inspections no longer required in Escambia County~

Septic tank inspections no longer required in PensacolaNew Florida Statute drops requirement for septic tank inspection

Last week, I saw an announcement on the Pensacola Association of Realtors website in regards to septic tank inspections that Escambia County septic tank inspections are no longer required when selling (or buying) a home! I was a little surprised to see this- as septic tank issues can be costly to fix!

Regardless of the change in FL statute, I will suggest to our clients that they still have a licensed plumber or septic tank company do a visual inspection on the septic tank and drainfield lines to ensure there are no issues. You can contact a company to do an inspection a septic tank for between $150 and $400 depending on the scope of the inspection and whether or not the tank is pumped prior to inspecting.

You still have the option to get an inspection
Although you are not required to, you still have the option to get a septic tank inspection. Frankly, I'm unsure why the state of Florida made this change. However, if you are purchasing a home with a septic tank, it is, in my opinion, a good idea to have the tank inspected. The plumbing system in your home is pretty important. Most of the homes in our area with septic tanks are older or located farther away from city limits. Especially with an older tank, having an operable septic tank is important when making the decision to purchase a home. If you are opting for the septic tank inspection, make sure you have a septic tank inspection contingency as part of your contract and
get the inspection completed prior to the inspection period.

Further questions about septic tanks? Call my friends at: Ensley Septic (850) 476-9610 or Economy Septic Tank (850) 968-5130 or visit the Escambia County Health Department online or by phone at (850) 595-6786.

Here's a copy of the letter that we saw in case you wanted to read it.

"To Whom it May Concern:
The Environmental Health Division of the Escambia County Health Department has conducted property sale inspections as required by Escambia County Ordinance Chapter 98, Article III since August 1999. As of April 27, 2012, House Bill 1263 became a law and prohibits the requirement for an evaluation of a septic system at the point of sale. House Bill 1263 modifies Florida Statute Section 381.0065 to now state the following:
"381.00651 Periodic evaluation and assessment of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems.-
.... (4) Notwithstanding any other provisions in this section, a county or municipality that has adopted a program before July 1, 2011 may continue to enforce its current program without having to meet the requirements of this section, provided such program does not require an evaluation at the point of sale in a real estate transaction..."

This modification supersedes the current Ecambia County Ordinance and property sale inspections of septic tank systems are no longer required.

If a septic tank system is requested or required to be performed by a seller, buyer, or lender, the inspection must be performed in accordance with the 'Procedure for Voluntary Inspection and assessment of Exisiting Systems" in Chapter 64E-6 of the Florida Administrative Code.  The inspection must be conducted by a master septic tank contractor, a registered septic tank contractor, a state-licensed plumber, or persons certified under section 381.0101, Florida Statutes with the exception of Department of Health employees.

Please post pertinent information from this letter on your website in hopes to reach out to as many local realtors as possible. Please do not hesitate to call (850) 595-6786 with any questions"

 Signed by Mr. Phillip Davies, Environmental Supervisor 1

Until next time,
Nicole St. Aubin, Broker Associate
Realty Masters of FL ~ # 1 in Pensacola Rental Homes & Apartments!
(850) 473-3983 ~ Over 35 rentals available at www.PensacolaRealtyMasters.com
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