WHERE ARE THE BEST CONDOS FOR SALE IN Gulf Shores, ALABAMA?

If you are searching for Gulf Shores condos, then read on…

(or use my “Property Search” feature to find condos for sale in Gulf Shores right now!)

Looking for information about Orange Beach condos for sale instead?why hire me as your realtor when searching for condos for sale in Gulf Shores

Right now in Gulf Shores, Alabama there are over 330 condos for sale!  How about that – hundreds of Gulf Shores condos for sale!  If you are looking for information on condos for sale in Gulf Shores, AL – this is the place for you!  From $78,000 investments to $1,500,000+ luxury condos – there is something for every budget in Gulf Shores, AL.  I’m serious when I tell my clients, “You CAN afford the beach”!  As a long time Realtor™ in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, I can help you find the perfect condo to fit your lifestyle. 

Let’s start by taking a look at two of the most prominent condos in Gulf Shores, AL  Keep in mind there are many more condos for sale in Gulf Shores to choose from – these are just a small sample!

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Where Are The Best Condos For Sale in Orange Beach, aLABAMA?

If you are searching for Orange Beach condos, then read on…

(or use my “Property Search” feature to find condos for sale in Orange Beach  right now!)

Right now in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama there are over 350 condos for sale!  Can you believe that?  Hundreds of condos for sale in Orange Beach!  If you are looking for condos for sale in Orange Beach – there is a place for you!  From $95,000 investments to $3,000,000+ luxury condos – there is something for every budget.  I’m serious when I tell my clients, “You CAN afford the beach”!  As a long time Realtor™ in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, I can help you find the perfect condo to fit your lifestyle. 

Let’s start by taking a look at two of the most prominent condos in Orange Beach, AL  Keep in mind there are many more condos for sale in Orange Beach to choose from – these are just a small sample!

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*Update 1/24/16* The expected cuts to the mortgage insurance premiums have been suspended by the Trump administration.  Stay tuned to this blog an The National Association of Realtors website for more information.

If you are a low – mid income home buyer or are shopping for your first home, this affects YOU!  In November, the Federal Housing Administration released it’s report on the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund which could spell good news for you.  What is the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund (MMIF)?

A fund that insures mortgages made by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) on single-family homes. Mortgagors pay into the fund with a one-time premium of 1.5% of the loan amount, paid at closing, and annual mortgage-insurance premiums of 0.5% of the loan amount, which must be paid until the mortgagor has 22% equity in the home.
The Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund pays the lender if the mortgagor defaults. Borrowers who have FHA mortgages are considered higher risk because of the low down-payment requirement and looser income and credit requirements on FHA loans

http://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/mutual-mortgage-insurance-fund.asp

Basically, it helps take some of the risk out of lending which helps you buy your dream home!

The report states that the fund is on very sound financial footing exceeding it’s financial targets set by the Congress.  This is good news for low – mid income households and first time home buyers.  Right now, the National Association of Realtors is working with the Federal Government to lower mortgage insurance premiums even further putting more money in your pocket!

Don’t let fear of the mortgage process stop you from owning your dream home.  Now is a great time to buy on the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast.  Like I always say, “You can afford the beach”!

Call me today at 251.233.9273 or email me at catherine@catherinemcinnis.com to learn about condos and homes for sale in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.   

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Click to view my listing!

It’s hard to miss Turquoise Place when driving down the Beach Road!  The two gorgeous glass towers of Turquoise Place dramatically rise out of the Alabama sand in a stunning display of modern architecture.  Let’s learn a little more about this unique luxury real estate development in the heart of the Alabama Gulf Coast!

Designed by Forrest Daniell and Associates and opened in 2008, Turquoise is a $375 million development located at 26302 Perdido Beach Blvd. next to The Palms by Wyndham.  Still the tallest buildings at the beach, clocking in at a towering 375 feet, Turquoise is an Orange Beach landmark.

Turquoise boasts front desk services for your convenience, a pool-side Tiki Bar, 5 swimming pools, a state of the art fitness center with gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico, and, of course, 24 hour security for your peace of mind.  Send the kids for a ride down the 450′ lazy river, or let loose on the two lighted tennis courts!  Spa services are available in their luxurious on site spa or in the comfort of your own home.  Turquoise is not just a place to call home – it’s a life style.

At the moment, I’m excited to be able to tell you that I have an impressive 3 bedroom / 3.5 bath unit listed in Turquoise place!  Contact me today at 251.233.9273 if you are interested in viewing the luxury properties for sale at Turquoise Place.  Like I always say, You Can Afford the Beach!

 

 Flood insurance in Baldwin County, AL

 

the reason you need baldwin county flood insurance - flooded neighborood

You might not know it, but there was some good news that came out of Washington D.C. not too long ago.  Shocking, I know!  President Obama signed a bill which will significantly impacted Baldwin County flood insurance policies.  The “Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act” will put money in the pocket of home owners and home buyers in Baldwin County.  According to my friends at RPAC,

This law repeals FEMA’s authority to increase premium rates at time of sale or new flood map, and refunds the excessive premium to those who bought a property before FEMA warned them of the rate increase. The bill limits premium increases to 18% annually on newer properties and 25% for some older ones. Additionally, the bill adds a small assessment on policies until everyone is paying full cost for flood insurance.

http://www.realtoractioncenter.com/news/Flood-Insurance-Bill-Into-Law.html

What does this mean for you?  In short, savings!  Since many of the homes sold in lower Alabama (especially homes for sale in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach) are in a FEMA flood zone, this news is especially important tor home owners, buyers, and sellers in Baldwin County.  

Every home and policy is different, so please make sure you speak with a real estate professional before making any decisions.  If you’re in the market for Orange Beach condos for sale, houses for sale in Gulf Shores give me a call and let’s discuss your options.  

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The purchase or sale of a home is one of the most important financial decisions you will ever make.  As a buyer or seller in the luxury home market, you deserve the absolute best representation available to you.  You did not get to this point in your life by being average, so why work with an average agent? 

Not just an agent.  My years of experience selling Gulf Shores and Orange Beach real estate have qualified me as an Associate Broker.  Real Estate Brokers are a cut above your average agent because we have accumulated enough transactions, experience, and education to hire agents and manage a real estate agency.  Associate Brokers are Real Estate Brokers who have simply chosen to work with an existing office.  Learn about the differences between and agent and a broker here.

Results speak for themselves.  As a Certified Residential Specialist, I am part of the top 3% of real estate professionals nationwide who produce extraordinary results for their clients.  CRS agents, on average, have 3x as much experience and produce 3x as many sales as average agents.

Success breeds success.  Because of successful track record in selling Gulf Shores luxury homes and condos in Orange Beach, I can afford the best advertising for my clients.  Your home will be prominently featured in print and online advertising as part of a customized marketing strategy.

You and your home are special.  As a member of the Keller Williams International Luxury Homes team and the Institute for Luxury Homes Marketing, I have unique experience with and insights into the luxury home market.  Luxury homes are not average homes, and those who live in them are not average people.  Your agent should have experience in dealing with the unique intricacies of the luxury real estate market.  Don’t put your special home in the hands of an average agent.

Purchasing a second home presents unique challenges.  When it comes to Orange Beach or Gulf Shores real estate, there is a good chance that at least one party in the transaction is buying/selling a second home.  As a Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist, I have extensive experience in navigating the purchase or sale of a second home.  

Think globally.  In order to reach the greatest number of potential buyers for my clients, I am a part of the Asian Real Estate Association of America.  This connects me with an extensive network of wealthy buyers in Eastern markets who are strongly interested in purchasing prime American real estate.  When looking for a real estate agent in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, don’t limit yourself to someone who only thinks locally.

I invite you to give me a call or send me an email today to view the best of the Gulf Coast whether you are looking for Orange Beach condosOno Island homes for sale, or unsurpassed luxury on waterfront in Lillian.  There is something for you on the Alabama Gulf Coast, and remember – You can afford the beach!

nightlife in Orange Beach Flora-Bama Yacht Club

Sunset at the Flora-Bama Yacht Club

 

So you’re at the beach and looking for something to do at night in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?  Don’t despair my friends!  While Orange Beach and Gulf Shores can seem to be sleepy little beach towns on the Alabama Gulf Coast, things come alive at night!  From laid back waterfront spots to rowdy parties filled with local service industry workers (IE: the bartenders and waitresses from other estatblishments) we have your Orange Beach and Gulf Shores nightlife covered.  Let’s take a look at a few favorite local spots to enjoy an adult beverage after dark.

 

The Flora-Bama Yacht Club

Everybody knows about its famous and rowdy big brother across the street, but the Flora-Bama Yacht Club has really come into its own as a destination for nightlife in Orange Beach!  Leave the crowds at the Flora-Bama for the tourists,and come kick back with the locals on the beautiful shores of Ole River.  Serving a delicious menu of Gulf Coast specialties by Chef Chris Sherrill, plus a full bar (fully equipped with a bushwhacker machine!) the Flora-Bama Yacht Club is the perfect place to kick back and take some laid back tunes from the live bands that regularly perform without the big crowds to be found across the street.

http://www.florabamayachtclub.com/

 

 

The Sports Bar of Perdido Key

Just across the state line in Perdido Key, this rowdy locals joint is a favorite haunt of many service industry professionals across Baldwin County.  Chances are you will run into your waitress or bar tender from earlier in the day if you stop by this local watering hole.  On Sunday mornings during NFL season, you’re likely to see large men wearing cheese on their heads walking around the parking lot.  Don’t be alarmed – the Sports Bar of Perdido Key is the official local gathering place for Green Bay Packers fans!  It’s very easy to get to – just drive down the Beach Road into Florida and watch the right hand side of the road.  If you see the Purple Parrot, you just missed it. One of the owners is a real life native of Buffalo, NY so don’t leave without trying their famous buffalo wings!

 

 

 

The Hangout (gulf Shores)

This nightlife spot in Gulf Shores is perhaps most renowned for it’s world famous Hangout Music Festival, but it is a quality place to “hangout” nearly any day of the year!  Serving a delicious menu of Gulf Coast seafood, burgers, salads, and more The Hangout in Gulf Shores has it covered when if comes to your late night snacks!  Their classic “Surf’s Up” Cocktail is a must to try.   Be sure to check the Hangout’s music calendar before you go to see who is playing that night!

 

 

Sunset Pointe at Fly Creek (Fairhope)

If you made your way over to beautiful Fairhope, AL during the day and are looking for a great place to take in the sunset, then look no further than here.  Sunset Pointe at Fly Creek boasts an extensive menu called a “delightful culinary toast to the end of the day” by the folks over at AL.com.  Delicious craft cocktails and beautiful sunsets make this the perfect spot to unwind after a long day of shopping along Fairhope Ave.

 

 

 

That’s it for my brief look at some lesser known things to do at night in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Fairhope.  Feel free to chime in with your favorite place to hang out after the sun goes down in the comments!  Cheers!

By the way, I have some gorgeous homes and condos for sales in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach near all these destinations!

Sold Home For Sale Sign in Front of Beautiful New Home

Gulf Coast Condo Sales do Not Hit Analyst Predictions in March

In a new housing sales report released by Baldwin County Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service, condo sales in March of this year held steady at 122 sales.  Despite sales holding steady from the previous month, some analysts were disappointed that sales volume did not tick upward.  The sales numbers missed the Alabama Council on Real Estate‘s projections by 12 units, or 9%.  Inventory remains relatively low meaning that there are fewer homes for sale in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.  

Don’t despair though!  Many agencies are reporting a large bounce in the month of April.  The National Association of Realtors is predicting that the following 4 factors will drive up sales in April and beyond:

4 Factors Boosting Housing This Month 

1. Low mortgage rates: Mortgage rates have moved lower this month and are hovering near the lowest averages in the past three years. Lower mortgage rates help boost home buyers’ purchasing power as well as buyers’ ability to qualify for a mortgage.

2. More urgency: Many buyers were frustrated last year with their inability to buy. This spring, they’re heading to the housing market more determined. Mortgage applications for home purchases are up 20 percent compared to last year.

3. More searching: Realtor.com® reports a record number of people searching and looking at its website for homes. Nevertheless, there are 2 percent fewer homes for sale that they’ll find when compared to last year.

4. Faster sales: The time that listings spend on the market has dropped dramatically. Nationwide, the median days on the market dropped 14 days in the first two weeks of April compared to the first two weeks of March.

 

To find that perfect slice of the Gulf Coast, you are going to need an experienced real estate agent who keeps her ear to the ground.  Contact me today to learn more about Orange Beach and Gulf Shores homes for sale.  I have a gorgeous house for sale in Craft Farms that you just have to see!    

Gulf Coast Real Estate Market Update

Home sales on the Alabama Gulf Coast continue to trend upwards with 5% year on year growth in February 2016 reported by the Alabama Council for Real Estate in their latest market analysis.  A total of 377 residential real estate sales occurred in the shortest month of the year which is 40 more than occurred in the same time a year ago.  The improving economy, and low interest rates continue to spur people to invest in real estate.  Many people from the I-10 corridor extending westward through Mississippi, Louisiana, and all the way to Houston are viewing the Alabama Gulf Coast as the ideal place to purchase a second home.  Year-to-date home sales in Baldwin County are 5 percent over last year's numbers.

Although supply is down and demand is up, the median sales price in Baldwin County dropped several percentage points.  This just reinforces the need for an experienced luxury real estate agent in your housing search.  The market here is unique, and you need an expert.  What seems to be a trivial difference in terminology, like “Gulf front” vs. “Beach side”, could mean a huge difference in price and lifestyle to you.  

Let my 20+ years of experience be your guide.  I am one of very few agents nationwide who is an Accredited Buyers Representative, a Certified Residential Specialist, and a Resort & Second-home Property Specialist.  Don’t entrust one of the largest financial decisions of your life to just anyone.  Call me today, and remember: You can afford the beach!

 

Reposted from http://alabamanewscenter.com/2016/03/12/39770/

Sales: According to the Baldwin County Association of Realtors/Multiple Listing Service, February residential sales in Baldwin County totaled 377 units, up 6 percent from last February. Year-to-date sales are 5 percent or 40 units above the same period last year. Two more resources to review: Quarterly Report and Annual Report.

For all of Baldwin County’s housing data, click here. 

Forecast: February results were 15 units or 4 percent below our monthly forecast. Alabama Center for Real Estate’s (ACRE) year-to-date sales forecast through February projected 681 closed transactions while the actual sales were 692 units, a favorable difference of 1.6 percent.

Baldwin County home sales topped out at 377 units sold during February.
Baldwin County home sales topped out at 377 units sold during February.

Supply: The Baldwin County housing inventory in February was 2,809 units, a decrease of 5 percent from February 2015. The area’s housing inventory has declined by 55 percent from February peak in 2007 (6,236 units). There was 7.5 months of housing supply in February (6 months considered equilibrium for February NSA) versus 8.3 months of supply in February 2015. This is down from the prior month’s 8.9 months of supply.

Demand: Baldwin County residential sales increased 20 percent from the prior month. This direction is consistent with local historical data indicating that February sales, on average (2011-15), increase from January by 13.7 percent.

Existing single family home sales accounted for 57 percent (down from 58 percent during February 2015) of total sales while 11 percent (up from 8 percent during February  2015) were new home sales and 32 percent (down from 34 percent in February 2015) were condo buyers.

Pricing: The Baldwin County median sales price in February  was $202,000, a decrease of 5 percent from last February ($212,250). The median sales price also increased 0.6 percent from the prior month. This data contrasts with historical data that indicate on average (2011-15) the February median sales price decreases from January by 2.2 percent. The center highly recommends consulting with a real estate professional to discuss pricing as it can and will vary from neighborhood to neighborhood.The median sales price in Baldwin County during February was $202,000.

Industry Perspective: “Our February results show the most modest consumer home price expectations since late 2012,” said Doug Duncan, senior vice president and chief economist at Fannie Mae. “For consumers who think it’s a bad time to buy a home, whose share has trended up from its recent low last November, high home prices have been an increasingly contributing factor. A slower pace of home price appreciation may provide some relief for potential homebuyers, especially first-time buyers who couldn’t reap the benefits of selling a home at high prices to buy another one.” For the full story, click here.

 

 

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The average home sold during February in Baldwin County sold for $247,125. On average, homes sold in Baldwin County during February spent 101 days on the market.  

 

The Baldwin County Residential Monthly Report is work product developed in conjunction with the Baldwin County Association of Realtors to better serve gulf coast consumers.

– See more at: http://alabamanewscenter.com/2016/03/12/39770/#sthash.7imQatGS.dpuf

 

Alabama Real Estate Market Update

Welcome back for our second edition of #MarketMonday!  It’s a typical early spring day here on the Alabama Gulf Coast with a high temp of 71 degrees and winds coming off the Gulf at about 15 mph.  Across the city we have just put away our Mardi Gras decorations, and are now gearing up for the yearly influx of Spring Break vacationers.  It’s a gorgeous time of year to be at the beach!  

Today we are taking a look at market trends in the Alabama Gulf Coast region.  We’ll examine supply & demand factors, sales numbers, home prices and more.

If you’re looking to relocate or just purchase that dream vacation home, give me a call today.  We can discuss your housing needs, and then view some of the finest luxury properties on the Gulf Coast.

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