As a new investor in real estate, you might be wondering which types of assets would give the best value for your money. Well, it would depend on your lifestyle and investment goals.
Now, if you are someone who loves the beach and traveling, one of the best options that you can take is to buy condominiums for sale Orange Beach, Alabama has to offer today. Not only that condos are more affordable than landed homes, but they also offer access to amenities, such as swimming pools, gyms, and function rooms, which would attract more guests and generate rental income for you.
In this article, we will guide you on everything that you need to know about investing in condominiums in this lovely city.
Why Invest in Orange Beach, Alabama
There are many reasons why Orange Beach in Alabama is considered a haven for many real estate investors.
For starters, Orange Beach is situated on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, which offers a temperate climate all year long, making the city a perfect destination for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Because of this, there is a growing demand for rental units here, as more and more people are visiting for its natural beauty and laidback vibe.
Another good thing about Orange Beach is that its condo prices are still relatively low compared to other beach towns in the US. This presents a great opportunity for new investors who want to get their feet wet in the real estate market without breaking the bank.
So, if you are looking for an investment that would offer great returns in the future, real estate in Orange Beach AL should be at the top of your list.
Buying Orange Beach Condominiums: Important Factors to Consider
Like investing in houses for sale Orange Beach, Alabama has to offer, there are also a few factors that you need to take into consideration when making your purchase.
Location
You would want to choose a condo complex that is situated close to the beach and other attractions in the city. This would make it easier for you to attract guests and generate rental income.
Another thing to look into when choosing a location is the safety of the area. Make sure to check the crime rate in the neighborhood and if it has any security features, such as CCTV cameras and security guards.
In addition, it would be great if the property you buy has excellent road access. This would make it easier for your guests to come and go as they please.
Amenities
As we mentioned earlier, one of the main reasons why condominiums are a great investment is because of the amenities that they offer.
Some of the things that you should look for when choosing a condo are swimming pools, gyms, function rooms, and parking spaces. These facilities would not only make your unit more attractive to potential renters but also help increase its value in the future.
Capitalization Rate
Like buying a rental house for sale Orange Beach AL has to offer, it is important to pick a condominium that will generate positive cash flow from the start. To do this, you need to look at the capitalization rate (cap rate) of the property. This is simply the ratio of the annual rental income to the purchase price of the condominium.
To calculate the cap rate of an existing condominium unit, you can use this formula: Cap Rate = Annual Rental Income/Purchase Price.
So, for example, if a condominium unit has an annual rental income of $24,000 and is being sold for $300,000, then its cap rate would be $24,000/$300,000 = 0.08 or 8%. The higher the cap rate of a condominium unit is, the better. This means that it will generate more rental income relative to its purchase price.
Ideally, you should look for a property with a cap rate of at least 5%. This ensures that you will get a good return on your investment.
Type of Condo Unit
There are two main types of condominium units: apartments and townhouses.
Apartments are usually located in high-rise buildings and offer a wide range of amenities, such as swimming pools, gyms, and function rooms. They are also easier to manage since the condo association will take care of most of the maintenance tasks. However, they are also more expensive than townhouses.
Townhouses, on the other hand, are more affordable but offer fewer amenities. And, like the traditional rental homes in Orange Beach, Alabama, they are also not as easy to manage since you will be responsible for maintaining the property yourself.
So, your choice would basically depend on your budget and your preferences. If you want a low-maintenance investment, then an apartment would be the best option for you. But, if you are on a tight budget, then a townhouse would be a better choice.
Size of the Unit
The general rule of thumb is to go for condo units with the right sizes to accommodate the type of guests you are targeting.
For example, if you are planning to accommodate families and large groups, then you should look for condominiums with at least three bedrooms. But, if you are targeting solo travelers or couples, then a one-bedroom unit would suffice.
The size of the unit will also have an impact on its rental rate. So, if you want to maximize your rental income, then it would be best to go for the larger units.
Price
As a smart investor, you should have a budget in place before looking for condominiums for sale. This will help you narrow down your options and save you a lot of time in the long run.
So, how much do Orange Beach condominiums cost? Well, the price would depend on a number of factors, such as location, size, type of unit, and amenities. For example, a three-bedroom condominium unit in a prime location with top-notch amenities would definitely cost more than a one-bedroom unit in a less desirable area.
But to give you a general idea, the average list price for a condominium in Orange Beach is around $900,000.
The Easiest and Quickest Way to Look for Condominiums for Sale in Orange Beach
Now that you know why and how to buy condominiums for sale Orange Beach, Alabama has today, it is time to start your search.
The most convenient way to look for these properties is by using online Orange Beach real estate listings. With just a few clicks of a button, you will be able to see all the available condominiums in the area. And, to make your search even easier, you can use specific keywords to filter your results and only see the listings that match your criteria.
Also, these listings are run by successful investors who would be willing to give you advice and support as you go through the process of buying a condominium unit. So, if you are still undecided, then these listings can help you make up your mind and come up with a wise decision.
How a Real Estate Agent Can Help
If you are not familiar with the Orange Beach real market, it would be wise to seek help from someone who knows the city like the back of their hand. And, that someone would be a real estate agent.
By hiring a local real estate agent, you will have an expert by your side to guide you through the entire process of buying condominiums and provide you with insights into how to get the best deals on the market. Not to mention a good agent can also help you find the right financing options and connect you with other professionals who can help make your investment a success.
Furthermore, they can do all the legwork for you, from looking for condominiums to doing the paperwork, which will be pretty convenient especially when you are buying from out of state.
So, if you want to make the most out of your investment, then working with a real estate agent is a must.
Final Thoughts
Buying condominiums for sale Orange Beach, Alabama has today is surely a great way to invest your hard-earned money and achieve financial freedom. However, it is important to play it safe and do your homework first before making any decisions.
By following the tips mentioned in this guide, you can be sure that you will be able to find the best condominiums in Orange Beach that fit your lifestyle and investment goals.
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