Gulf Coast Beaches

The Gulf Coast is experiencing a robust recovery. Tourism records set in 2011 were broken again in  2012 as visitors from across the country and the world flock to the Gulf Coast. The Gulf tourism industry  has seen a strong rebound in part due to BP monies. BP has supported the Gulf Coast tourism through  payments of:
• $179 million for state-led advertising campaigns • $7 million non-profit groups and government entities promoting tourism • A BP national advertising campaign that complemented these efforts to promote tourism along 
The Gulf Coast’s remarkably recovery is evidenced by:
• Taxable lodging revenue in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach set a new record in 2012, surpassing  the previous record set in 2011 by 15%. •…

Phoenix West II is 32 stories and almost 2 million square feet.  This makes the condominium the largest residential building in Alabama.  The project cost an estimated $245 million and sits directly on the Gulf of Mexico in West Orange Beach, AL.

Some owner's are currently furnishing their respective units even though some of the building's amenities are incomplete.  The indoor pool, outdoor lazy river and lobby furnishing are a few of the unfinished items on the punch list.

Complications began to bombard the condo in 2005 after its construction was approved by the Orange Beach city council.  First, the construction company's piling supplier in Pass Christian, MS was destroyed by hurricane Katrina.  This effectively pushed the opening date from mid

…

There are many condos in Gulf Shores, AL that rent well.  There are condos on Little Lagoon and condos in West Beach.  There are condos on Lake Shelby and condos in the middle of town.  There are condos on golf courses and condos in Northern Gulf Shores.  There are condos with beach access and condos at the end of Fort Morgan road.  The point is that Gulf Shores, AL is full of all types of condominiums and we'll discuss the basics in this article.

We're going to start with the condos North of the Intracoastal bridge with no water frontage.  These are the most inexpensive and can range in price due to location and the amenities in the actual complex.  Typically the properties North of the bridge are not considered investment properties, but offer a

…

Selling in the Fall or Winter.

Fall and its typically cooler temperatures and lower humidity brings a new season of house hunting to South Alabama.  Everywhere from Spanish Fort to Orange Beach will notice a pick up in appointments during this time of year.  Everything starts with the all-important first look;  curb appeal may be the most important factor in selling anything from a house to condominium.

Seller's should understand that the first time a prospective buyer walks through the door, it's really the second showing.  The reason I say this is simple.  Most all buyers in today's market begin their search for property using their computer.  If they're serious about the real estate their viewing, they've already seen it;  possibly many times. 

…

According to CoreLogic, home prices rose 3.3% statewide compared to 2012.  This trend continued across the state with a few exceptions during the month of September.  Prices fell in mobile along with four other metro areas that include Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, Aurburn-Opelika and Dothan.  
Distressed sales and foreclosures are dragging prices down in these areas, with the exception of Aurburn.  In Mobile, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa and Dothan home prices would have increased if these short sales and foreclosures would have been excluded from the analysis.  
The Auburn-Opelika market was the only market that prices would have still fallen even without the effect of the distressed property sales.  This perplexing state is a question mark as to the reason.  In…

According to CoreLogic, home prices rose 3.3% statewide compared to 2012. This trend continued across the state with a few exceptions during the month of September. Prices fell in Mobile along with four other metro areas that include Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, Aurburn-Opelika and Dothan.

Distressed sales and foreclosures are dragging prices down in these areas, with the exception of Aurburn. In Mobile, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa and Dothan home prices would have increased if these short sales and foreclosures would have been excluded from the analysis.

According to Grayson Glaze, the executive director of the Alabama Center for Real Estate, he is optimistic regarding the home prices. He states “overall fundamentals in that market remain resilient,” with the

…

After another record-breaking season of fun in the sun both guests and residents prompted the powers to approve a $48 million budget.  The plans include investing more in recreational facilities, strengthening public safety and provides a three percent cost-of-living raise to all city employees.

From the projected $48 million, $3 million is carried over from last year's budget, $25 million the city intends to draw, with $23 million carrying over from 2012.  Orange Beach expects to have a $4.5 million surplus for 2013 - $2.5 million more than expected - on December 31st.

"We had a huge surplus," Mayor Tony Kennon said.  "But you never know what next year brings, so, you know, make hay while the sun shines."  Total expenses in 2014 are expected to

…

In 2009, Austal USA, located on Mobile's waterfront, set a goal to create 4,000 jobs for its U.S. base of operations.  The goal is on pace for realization by the end of 2013 according to representatives from the Australian ship builder.  When met, this will make Austal the largest private sector employer in Mobile County. "Our game plan is to level our to support both of our programs going forward," said president Craig Perciavalle, discussing the two different classes of ships currently being assembled at the sprawling facility on the waters of Mobile Bay. The employment figures are approximately five times higher than the 800 of the initial year in 2009.  Austal made a commitment to double its workforce in a two year window to facilitate the…

After three straight years of increases in the numbers of visitors and the economical benefits associated, Baldwin County is obviously gaining in popularity.  More people are visiting and spending more while they're here.

Over five million people visited the Alabama Gulf Coast in 2012 and spent $2.9 billion while visiting Baldwin County.  That's an increase of over 4 million visitors and over $100 million since 2011;  this year (2013) is slated to break these number and establish new record marks.

It's estimated the coastal cities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, AL will generate an estimated $343 million in rentals this year, an increase  from $323 million in 2012 and $280 million in 2011.  These numbers were based from the Gulf Shores and Orange

…

Local tourism officials expect the flights to boost the economy and none as much as the Alabama / Florida beaches along the Alabama Gulf Coast.  The trip to the beautiful white-sandy beaches of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Perdido Key, FL will be be much more accessible and from a variety of new locations with fewer lay overs for those flying in to the area.  The city of Pensacola is only 45 minutes East of Gulf Shores, closer still to Orange Beach and a mere 20 minutes to Perdido Key, Florida.  Mobile, AL is approximately an hour from Pensacola International Airport.  City officials from the beaches of Alabama are excited about the new option for people to reach their vacation destination.   Southwest is now offering twice-daily nonstop service…