When Real Estate Meets Art

I love to imagine myself as an artist and envision the natural world as a great canvas with the beach as my masterpiece. During my 36 years as a Realtor, I’ve seen the best and worst of all conditions. I’ve navigated through surges and slumps, growth and lulls, market crashes and rallies, but I’ve always understood the amazing impact that a truly exceptional coastal experience can have on one’s mood and sense of well-being, and I’ve never lost the childlike awe of the beach. I’ve been dubbed the “Resort Specialist” because it’s well-known that living on the island is synonymous with resort-style living. Real estate is a long-term strategy, not just a transaction. While home ownership ranks among the highest wishes of the American family, owning a home on a beach is possibly one of the most sought-after dreams imaginable.

Pensacola Beach spans a coveted eight miles of beauty on Santa Rosa Island. The seashore in eye-popping shades of azure, lined by soft white sand beaches, attracts visitors from around the globe. Our beach is decidedly different from regular waterfront destinations. Instead of a single beachfront, this unique area is surrounded by the Gulf of America (formerly Mexico) to the south, Santa Rosa Sound and Pensacola Bay to the north, and the Gulf Islands National Seashore to the east and west. In short, the water and, in some areas, the sugar-white sandy shores are present as far as the eye can see. Moreover, Pensacola Beach is part of a nearly 40-mile stretch that includes Perdido Key Beach and the Gulf Islands National Seashore -- all combining to create an island paradise unlike any other along the Florida Panhandle.

While other beachside-city downtowns fold after 5 p.m., the opposite is true in Pensacola. With a walkable downtown and outstanding cuisine, both day and evening enjoyment is a priority for locals and visitors alike. The most notable is Palafox Street, once named one of “10 Great Streets in America.” The vibrant thoroughfare, presently undergoing a multi-million-dollar facelift, is alive with an assortment of dining options, art and culture, live music and theatrical venues, along with historical architectural features.

At CORE, we boast years of experience as the quintessential Coastal experts covering a wide expanse from Perdido Key, Pensacola, and Cantonment, to Gulf Breeze, Navarre and beyond. We pride ourselves in making our living in the same communities in which we live. We’re the people next door, around the corner, down the block. The proof of quality service is in repeat customers and in customers who refer Conna O’Donovan Real Estate (CORE) Associates to their friends. Our Sales Associates average over 70 percent of their business from repeats and referrals. That’s a statistic we’re proud of. At the CORE of it all is drive, dedication and desire.