Robin Sherman, CRS, Broker Associate Robin@PensacolaForYou.com

Gulf Breeze Home Sales . . . Things aren't always as they seem. A look at the actual numbers can sometimes be surprising. The following sales figures are from the Pensacola Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service. Here are the figures:

While sales of homes, townhomes and condos in Gulf Breeze have slowed for the period Jan. 1 to April 23, compared to the same period a year ago sales prices are actually significantly higher. Our number of days on the market continues to lengthen and there is plenty of inventory with 562 active listings. That's about 60 months of inventory at the current Gulf Breeze Home Sales rate . . . ouch!

Pensacola's Earth Day - The University of West Florida returned to the original Earth Day Celebration concept by hosting a day filled with educational lectures and demonstrations aimed at protecting our earth; the Earth Day Environmental Symposium. From recycling to energy credits, there were opportunities to learn about a variety of earth healthy ideas at Pensacola's Earth Day Celebration.

But the important festival concept of Earth Day continued for Pensacola's Earth Day with Saturday's celebration in Bayview Park. Dozens of vendors, non-profit organizations and community groups participated and - WOW - did the weather cooperate.

Thousands of people came together to learn about the environment, enjoy the great weather and just have some fun. While children played on the climbing wall and playground equipment, adults learned about natural lighting options, organic produce, had the opportunity to have their fortunes read and picked up tips from the Escambia County Master Gardners. And these were only a few of the dozens of activities!

We're fortunate that Pensacola's early urban planners recognized the need for gathering spaces for the public and incuded numerous parks throughout the city. Bayview Park is one of the largest in town and includes a community center, a senior center, playground equipment, a dog park, tennis courts and pic-nic shelters. The park is always busy when the sun is out. What a blessing for Pensacola's Earth Day.

Pensacola Dream Home Goes Green . . . It could not have worked out better . . . What is more fitting than for the Home Builders Association of West Florida's Parade of Homes to kick off on a gloriously sunny Earth Day with a "Green Dream Home?" No wonder the line of people waiting to see the home stretched around the block!

One of my very favorite local builders, West Calhoun has really pulled out all the stops this year by ensuring that the Dream Home is not only esthetically pleasing and well built, but "Green" as well. Calhoun partnered with Gulf Power to make sure the home was not only Energy Star qualified, but also qualifies as a Florida Green Building Coalition "Green Home." The additional energy features in this home will save 50% when compared to your typical construction.

Some of the features that make the home "Green" and add to the energy savings are features that you won't see. The heating and cooling, for example, rely on a geothermal unit with built in hot water recovery and a Metlund water circulation system moves hot water from the water heater to the most remote fixtures in seconds.

But, if you're like me you're VERY interested in what you can see. And you won't be disappointed! To qualify as a "Green Home" the interior design had to rely on recycled or eco-friendly materials. From the cabinet manufacturer's plant that has been certified "Green" to the sustainable cork and wood floors, and carpets made from recycled materials, the overall feel is quality, soothing and liveable. I loved the relaxing back patio which features a fireplace and outdoor kitchen, extending the living area of the home into the outdoors.

I would go on, but the Parade of Homes lasts through April 27th. Take my word for it, you must go!

The 2008 American Dream Home is located in the new Nature Trail subdivision in Pensacola.

Need more information on the Pensacola Dream Home? I'm just an e-mail or phone call away.

Pensacola Florida Real Estate Market - Historically speaking, Florida real estate has outperformed other investments, including most real estate investments elsewhere in the U.S. Want to know where the opportunities are now?

Northwest Florida - the Emerald Coast - remains the most affordable area of the state. With the growth in the area military population (especially Eglin Air Force Base) and the recent positive regional economic news (Thyssen Krupp Steel plant and Northrop Grumman Tanker contract in Mobile, AL, I-10 Wired high tech initiative, etc.) Pensacola provides super opportunities for the homeowner and investor.

Median Home sales prices are down 9% in Pensacola - Feb. '07 to Feb. '08

Realtor Sales Median Sales Price

Lots of beach buying opportunities on the nation's most beautiful beach! Today there are 276 condominiums actively listed on the Pensacola Multiple Listing Service. Prices range from $179,999 to $2,274,925. The average list price is $653,875 with the median price being $599,000.

Super buy? A 1691 square foot 3 bedroom/3 bath condo built in 2006 that is listed for $625,000. This beach condo features gorgeous views of both the Gulf of Mexico and the Santa Rosa Sound, a state-of-the-art exercise facility, pool and hot tub and a front row seat for the July 12th Navy Blue Angel's Air Show. You don't have to look far for beach buying opportunities in today's market!