Condo Fees and Owner Costs: Orange Beach and Gulf Shores

Posted by Rachel Kelly on Monday, January 21st, 2019 at 5:35pm.

Gulf Shores condo fees

Based in Orange Beach, Alabama, CondoInvestment.com is the number #1 real estate site and resource for Gulf Coast condos whether it's for a future purchase or upcoming beach vacation. Helpful information on our site includes current sales listings, brief description for each condo development, interior/exterior photos (including aerial imagery), amenity lists, maps, rental revenue projections, and SOLD prices of recently closed condos. The busiest time of the year for condo sales is early spring. The majority of these buyers are closing the deal before peak season to maximize their condo's rental income. As the busy season nears, we receive many inquiries regarding HOA dues and other expenses associated with owning a condo. To help out first-time buyers, we've written the following post explaining the typical ownership costs for Gulf Coast condos. 

For the majority of Gulf Coast condos, the homeowners association fee is paid on a monthly basis. Association costs can vary depending on the complex and size of the unit. In Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, monthly HOA fees can range from $300 to $2,000+ per month.

Phoenix West Pool

What's typically included in the HOA dues?

  • Management Fee
  • Insurance - Building Exterior & Common Areas 
  • Taxes - Common Area
  • Maintenance - Building & Common Areas
  • Pest Control
  • Reserve Funds
  • Security (Most High-Density Buildings)
  • Water/Sewer
  • Trash Removal
  • Cable/Internet Service

What's NOT included in HOA fee?

  • Electric Bill
  • Liability of Contents/HO-6 Insurance 

Power is not included in the HOA dues of most condominiums. You are responsible for contents insurance or renters insurance which will protect your personal belongings (furniture/decor) in your condo from damage or theft. This is especially important if you plan to put your unit into a rental program. Make sure your realtor obtain minutes from annual or quarterly meetings to review the condominium's current financial reserves and any upcoming remediation projects or other special assessments. 

Property Taxes

Owners pay property taxes for their unit every year. Common area taxes are covered in the HOA fee.

Rental Management Companies

This option is most popular for condo owners who do not live locally or prefer to have someone else oversee bookings, housekeeping, and general maintenance. The management fee varies depending on the services needed but typically ranges from 16% to 22% of the gross rental income. Each month's profits are sent to the owner by check or money wiring. Feel free to contact us for more information on rates or to receive our recommendations for local property management companies. 

Self-Managed Condo Rentals

There are a number of sites for owners to manage and advertise their vacation rentals. VRBO.com is one of the largest rental networks and charges a flat subscription fee of $499 per year for its services. AirBnB is also popular and deducts a small percentage from the subtotal of each booking.

  • VRBO/HomeAway
  • AirBnB

For questions or information on a specific building or unit, please reach out to your realtor or contact us at info@condoinvestment.comto work with Mike Cranston, the "Condo Specialist" for the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area. Mike currently owns and manages several beach condos himself and is happy to provide firsthand local knowledge, recommendations, and cash flow statements for his clients. 


  

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