Light conversation amongst friends, about our beautiful Gulf Coast's Real Estate, current events, and anything else we decide to ramble about. Feel free to sit down, grab a sweet tea and join in!
If you head towards the Fort Morgan Peninsula in Gulf Shores Alabama, you will find The Beach Club condos and resort just 12 miles down, nearly to the Fort on the Gulf Side. The Beach Club at Fort Morgan is the only all inclusive type resor that Gulf Shores currently offers. With shopping, dining, swimming, tennis, a spa and more you would never need to leave the campus.
The further down Fort Morgan you go, the more obvious it will become that the area has not been fully developed. For a getaway that is off the beaten path, or secluded if you will, The Beach Club is just that.
The Beach Club's atmosphere is booming with things to do, but just adjacent and surrounding its property is the untouched version of the Gulf Coast. Just the way nature would have it; beautifully reminiscent of paradise.
What you will find at The Beach Club:
4 condominium buildings
private cottages
5 Outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs
Clubhouse with cabanas and poolside bar
8 lighted tennis courts & Racquet Club
multiple dining options- from upscale to casual
Gameroom
Spa
Salon
Boutique
Indoor Pool and jacuzzi
Childrens playground
Shuffleboard
Basketball goals
Wildlife preserve
There are multiple jacuzzi's scattered throughout the property as well, along with an indoor pool and hot tub.
Current 1 bedroom units are starting at $199k according to the Baldwin County MLS system. Investors, these 1 bedrooms typically sleep 6, and can bring a great rental return. If you are interested in learning about a Beach Club rental projection, don't hesitate to call me.
The MLS currently shows just over 50 Beach Club of Gulf Shores units actively on the market. 36 condos at The Beach Club have exchanged hands so far in 2011, let's make that 37!
The New iPhone App by Apple for Gulf Shores and Orange Beach might be just what you need if you are planning a trip to Alabamas beautiful Gulf Coast. Lets face it, for many people now our smart phone is an extension of our arms. If you sit quietly and just take a moment to people watch it should be no surprise, that most people that you see will be bustling about their day, but multi-tasking with that smart phone at the same time. If this is you, then read on!
A new iPhone App has been developed for Gulf Shores and Orange Beach areas. The app can be located at the iTunes store, and is a free download. The app has been out since September of this year and its newest version has area events, coupons, map to your location, find area eats and more!
No matter if you are local or a tourist to our area this new app from iPhone for Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is a must have! iPhone version Android download
The Bella Luna Condos in Orange Beach Alabama are just over the Alabama Point bridge you'll see the single tower gleaming on the north side of the scenic beach highway in Orange Beach Alabama. Just before the Florida border the beautiful glass semi-circle is conveniently located to both Perdido and Orange Beaches and attractions. Bella Luna Condominiums in Orange Beach sit a stone's throw from the hustle and bustle of Orange Beach's busy tourist row, but just far enough to watch the crowd from afar.
The views that Bella Luna in Orange Beach offer are unique because you get a taste of the Gulf as well as the area's Ole River that is salt and peppered with some of the coasts most beautiful and character filled homes. From within a unit at Bella Luna in Orange Beach the floor to ceiling glass lends expansive views of it all. Take your pick!
An owner or guest staying in a Bella Luna unit can expect nothing less than high end furnishings and upgrades throughout, from stainless steel, granite, wetbar, wine cooler, as well as the most modern fixtures sure to please even the most discriminating of individuals.
The Amenities that Bella Luna Condos in Orange Beach offer are plentiful. There are four swimming pools. One heated indoor and one heated outdoor pool. The fitness center is state of the art and includes a steam room and sauna. Let's not forget the indoor theatre with wetbar for entertaining! Boat slips are available on a first come first serve basis, and beach access is available directly across the street. It's safe to say you can have it all with a Bella Luna Condo in Orange Beach Alabama!
Lets talk prices... how much would it take to own one of these fabulous beach condos? Currently the inventory is very slim with 9 Active Bella Luna Condo Orange Beach units (2 of which are under contract) on the MLS. Prices are ranging from $399k for a low level 2 bedroom, to 1M for a Penthouse.
Although the closed prices have varied greatly over the last year, some of the best priced deals for 2011 Bella Luna Condos are as follows:
Gulf Shores | Orange Beach Travel and tourism brings in record revenues!
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach travel and tourism brings in record revenues! 2007 was the top revenue year for our Gulf Coast community, but not anymore!Gulf Shores and Orange Beach banded together to boost their travel and tourism efforts with marketing dollars and new campaigns to see that 2011 went over 2009’s top numbers.And it did! – The summer season has brought in 18% more than the 2007 precedent, and year to date numbers are in line to be a 17% increase overall.
Of course The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach travel and tourism numbers from 2010 were sagging due to the BP Gulf Oil spill.The 2011 numbers are towering over 2010 by an encouraging 51%!Without a doubt Gulf Shores and Orange Beach tourism would have seen an increase over last year with little effort.But to triumph over a record year (2007) after such a depressed previous year is something to shout about!We are back!
The marketing efforts of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau along with the Alabama Tourism Department should be praised; they got it right.Added events such as the Hangout Music Fest, along with the corporate sponsorship with the SEC and all of the great ads put together in conjunction with historic SEC coaches helped remind the Gulf’s target audience that the Gulf is still here and open for business! Our beaches are as white as ever, and our community still encourages a family atmosphere, we are the place to bring your family.
Thank you to the CVB and ATD for boosting the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Travel and Tourism back to where it belongs.
The Press Register reported that the City of Orange Beach has decided to raise condo owners business licenses. The price of the license hasn't seen a hoist since 2000, however, an Orange Beach and Gulf Shores travel and tourism report suggests that visitors to our area could hit 5M this year. Beach services and upkeep will need to be able to keep up with these numbers and raising the license fees will help add an additional $200k in revenue for the city.
The Baldwin county coast is in the lead for the gulf coast lodging/rentals market share according to recent Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureaus reports. These numbers are likely a result of the combination of recent advertising campaigns as well as the "urge to get back to the beach" - since many beach vacationers felt forced to skip their beach trip last year, due to the BP oil spill.
Either way, hopefully our area condo owners will see the increased fee returned in their overall annual rental income and then some!
There was an interesting article posted in the USA Today. In today's market, this seems like it is a great option for those that have the family resources available.
Turquoise Place Condos of Orange Beach Alabama | Now selling in the $700's!
Turquoise Place Condos of Orange Beach Alabama are the newest high rise condominiums to be erected along the gulf coast of Alabama. These luxury condominium units feature 3, 4, and 5 bedroom units boasting of only the highest quality materials and amenities. Construction started during our areas real estate market high, when million dollar condos were in high demand and selling quite easily- and reselling for even more... unfortunately for the project, its completion didn't happen quite soon enough, and as we all know the market took a tumble before many units could be sold.
Turquoise place condos of Orange Beach Owners of the pre-construction units found themselves holding beautiful condos that were priced between 1-2 million dollars at preconstruction rates-- Many of which likely purchased at these prices thinking they would be able to sell after completion at a higher rate... but most of them are probably still hanging on to their units (or lost them)...while current units are being sold by the developer at much different prices.
Price tags for the Turquoise Place Condos of Orange Beach are starting @ $ 725,000. Although according to tax records it may look like these units are still selling at $925,000. However, the $200,000 developer credit on the HUD is indicating a different number. In addition to this, the developer has recently released these incentives:
(PLEASE NOTE: The following information has been taken from Turquoise Place sales literature and all information should be verified).
Developer would pay up to $20,000 annually in holding costs anticipated as follows:
Association Dues & Phone/Cable/Internet Package: $11,028
Electricity: $1756
Contents/Liability Insurance: $1252
Real Property Taxes: $5787
Personal Property Taxes: $160
In Addition to:
One Year Limited Warranty
Fully Furnished, rent ready
Three annual payments of $20,000 if net rent proceeds are less than $20,000 annually
We are also going to offer on a trial basis on the “03”, “06”, “07” and “08” units on Floors 14 – 20 a $20,000 incentive towards COA dues, furniture package, electronics or other incentive. The purchase price will remain at $975,000.
Dive right into fun! Turquoise Place is home to two heated indoor pools, a seasonally-heated outdoor pool, as well as another outdoor pool with kiddie pool, plus a 450-foot lazy river. If that's not enough of a workout for you, hit the fitness center to get in a round on the cardio machines and weights while overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The resort also boasts two tennis courts. Tennis rackets and balls are available at the Front Desk.
Resort Amenities
Four indoor hot tubs
Front Desk/Conceirge (limited hours)
In-room laundry facilities
Interim housekeeping services
Pool side activities and games
Parking garage
Personal chef services
Poolside Turquoise Tiki Bar and Grill
Two saunas
Two steam rooms
Swimming pool - children's
Swimming pool - two heated indoor pools
Swimming pool - lazy river
Swimming pool - zero-entry, seasonally-heated outdoor pool
Swimming pool - outdoor pool
The property also offers such services as: poolside activities, grocery delivery, peronal chef services, housekeeping and massage.
According to the Baldwin County MLS there are currently 21 Turquoise Place Condos of Orange Beach Units Active or Under Contract ranging from $889,000 to $4,850,000. There have been 60 closings since 2008, with 45 of them taking place in 2011. The lowest priced unit to close was a 3 bedroom for $850,000 in August of 2011. The highest priced unit to close according the our MLS, occured in 7/2010 when a unit that was listed at $5.9M exchanged hands at $3.25M.
With all of the added bonuses, and credits there has never been a better time to buy a Turquoise Place Condo of Orange Beach for your very own! If you are interested in finding out more, give me a call!
Adorable waterfront home, with large lot sitting directly on Wolf Bay,Boat dock, 2 lg porches overlooking the bay, 1 bedroom down with additional sitting room, 2 bedrooms on 2nd floor. Huge master closet, master bath with garden tub, and his and hers vanity's.Large open kitchen and living space with numerous windows overlooking bay, 2 stall garage with 1 bed 1 bath apt above, great$$! The home next door is listed at almost double the price...
With the 2011 Football season kicking off just a few short weeks ago, some former SEC Coaches paid a visit to our beautiful beaches here in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. As part of an advertising campaign partnership with the SEC and Gulf Shores & Orange Beach a series of 30 second spots have been released and are played during Saturday College game time.
As citizens of this area we know what a gem we have right beneath our toes, and with the new release of these commercials it is our community's hope that others will venture down to learn what a great place this is for families and vacationer's the like.
Take a moment to enjoy the 30 second spots that I've linked below. If these don't bring a smile to your face, I don't know what will! Roll Tide!
I have decided to repost this information that was blogged on al.com in the real estate section. This is the same information that we walked away with last week at our monthly RE/MAX of Gulf Shores sales meeting. It's nice to see that it's being reiterrated here as well.
-Kristy www.kristydoggett.net
"2011 (Baldwin County)
Closed Volume 1/1/11 - 8/31/11: $1,241,637,662
# of Transactions 1/1/11 - 8/31/11: 6,188
Closed Volume 6/1/11 - 8/31/11: $507,172,014
# of Transactions 6/1/11 - 8/31/11: 2,448
2010 (Baldwin County)
Closed Volume 1/1/10 - 8/31/10: $998,789,328
# of Transactions 1/1/10 - 8/31/10: 4,962
Closed Volume 6/1/10 - 8/31/10: $356,369,438
# of Transactions 6/1/10 - 8/31/10: 1,776
Comparing the Numbers
The # of Transactions increased by 1,226 transactions YTD, which is a year over year increase of 24.71%.
The # of Transactions increased by 672 transactions during June through August, which is a year over year increase of 37.8%.
The Closed Volume increased by $242,848,334 YTD, which is a 24.31% year over year increase.
The Closed Volume during the summer months increased by $150,802,576 during June through August, which is a 42.32% year over year increase.
A wide variety of deals continue to present themselves on all different levels, and if you are someone that has been on the fence there is no time like the present to get involved whether you are looking for a new primary residence or an additional investment opportunity.
The numbers above are a strong indicator that the inventory is getting consumed and as soon as all of the distressed inventory gets removed from the market prices will most definitely start back up again.
There are certain pockets that already exist where prices reached a bottom several months ago and have started ascending. No one can ever time the market perfectly (without just plain luck), and there is no doubt in our minds that if we haven't hit bottom we are close to it.
So where do you go from here? Find the deal that is right for you then be aggressive and go after it with a vengeance because opportunity is staring you in the face. Don't look back in 12 months with a lot of "would of, could of, and should of's" because even though it is going to take some time to get there we can assure you Baldwin County is poised for a strong comeback. Nathan Cox, founder and president of Bellator Real Estate & Development, Inc. located in Baldwin County, Al, provided commentary for this article. Mr. Cox specializes in single family residential development and the management of numerous investment groups. He is currently a member of the ACRE Advisory Board of Trustees. "
Article Courtesy of the Press Register. Direct link to article: http://blog.al.com/acre/2011/09/real_estate_commentary_baldwin.html
Orange Beach paid tribute to the tenth anniversary of the September 11th, attacks of 2001 yesterday by lining their beach with American Flags set at half mast. Beach go-ers enjoyed one of America's most beautiful beaches without overlooking what the day stood for.
The ten year anniversary of America's greatest tragedy was filled with documentaries, news stories, and look backs on that day's horrifying events. When the news of the attacks came across the airwaves, the lives of most Americans stood still for a moment, making a permanent imprint of that moment. Everyone who was old enough to remember that day will always remember exactly what it was they were doing at that moment.
What about you? Where were you? What were you doing at that moment?
Thank you Orange Beach for a beautiful tribute up and down our shoreline, all lives that were lost that day are never forgotten, and we will continue to memorialize you!
With the national news constantly talking about the housing crisis, and the over saturation of foreclosures, it wouldn't surprise me if people were a little shy to list right now. Afterall, how could your condo possible compete? Well, if you own a gulf front condo here in Baldwin county, I'm here to let you know, our outlook is a bit different.
In fact, according to Baldwin County MLS today, there are only TWO gulf front condo foreclosures on the market. Two out of 637 active gulf front units. Anyone that is looking to buy a gulf front foreclosure, will soon see that they do not have many to choose from.
This time last year there were over 1700 listings in the beach areas of Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Perdido Key and Fort Morgan. Today there are just over 1100. Basic economics priciples say this, when supply is down, demand is up.
The Fed's interest rate isn't the same as consumer interest rates...This morning at our monthly RE/MAX of Gulf Shores sales meeting, we had a representative from the newly formed National Bank of Commerce out of Birmingham come and introduce their bank to our Gulf Shores area. While she was at the meeting speaking with us, she had some great tidbits of information that many consumers may not quite understand.
She said that she has heard alot of her banking customers commment on the fact that the FED won't be raising interest rates for a minimum of two years. With this information she says that people seem confused. Alot of consumers think that this means that mortgage rates won't be elevated either. Contrary to this belief however, the FED rate has nothing to do with mortgage interest rates.
The FED rate is the rate inwhich banks lend money to eachother. This rate is said to be steady for now. Just because the banks aren't hiking rates on eachother, doesn't mean they won't hike rates on us, the consumer. In fact, a good day for the stock market normally means a bad day for mortgage rates and vice versa.
There is not a two year safety net on mortgage rates, so if you were thinking you still had time to make that purchase, think again, a good day on Wall Street may bring a quick end to those low low mortgage rates that we are seeing today.
In fact according to the sales and market data for our area, the dollars per square foot are now leveling out, which signals that we may have reached the bottom. Prices may not go any lower than they are today. Take advantage of this great time to pick up a piece of beautiful gulf coast property.
Let me know which property you'd like to see this weekend!
Kristy
251-747-2146
After a busy weekend at the beach wind down with The HangOut who's been hosting their "Beach Blues and BBQ" music series each and every Sunday in August and September. This Sunday enjoy Eric Lindell's unique blend of blues-y sounds, you won't be disappointed! Guitar Magazine wrote, "unquestionably one of the hottest things at last years
New Orleans jazz and heritage festival....impressive super slinky guitar tone....classic blues and r&b origins with a taste of country twang....bound to win over roots music fans for years to come." With a review like that, this relaxing time is a must. After you’ve finished sipping your sweet tea, and listening to Lindell’s sweet sounds, wipe that BBQ from your chin and give me a call to discuss which of my listings will work best for you! Life’s good at the beach!
