Christine Slaughter
Broker Associate
Realty Executives Gulf Coast
Advantage Alabama!
With temperatures now reaching 70 degrees on most days, it seems like spring has already arrived, weeks ahead of the spring equinox which takes place on March 20, 2016 at 6:29 a.m. (EDT)! How’s that for precision?!
March is the time we begin to feel that transition in the air - from chilly mornings to glorious warm afternoons, when leaving the scarf or sweater at home becomes a very real option. The palm trees are perking up, boaters are rediscovering our beautiful waterways, and families are digging their toes in the warming sand and water - or serving some mean volleyballs.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are coming back to life. Not that they ever go dormant! Take, for example, our real estate market. In February alone, more than 90 condominiums and 30 single family homes sold, outpacing same-month sales in 2015. If you are looking to buy - or sell - now is a great time!
With all the natural beauty and activity buzzing around us, how can you not feel hopeful about the future of our beautiful beach communities? What’s even more encouraging is that community leaders are making real strides in planning for measured growth, in all facets of life (business, education, community development and environmental conservation) as part of a five-year strategic plan.
Launched in 2014 by the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber (located here in Gulf Shores), Advantage Coastal Alabama is a community-wide private-public partnership to drive development through 2020 in the following five areas:
Still in its infancy, the initiative is funded by both private and public investors, including Gulf Shores and Orange Beach who each contributed approximately $40,000 to the cause. Although both cities have launched their own respective strategic plans, Advantage Coastal Alabama aims to identify and support synergies with those plans. So, a win-win for all!
Here are just a few of the goals set forth under the initiative:
- Help expand the workforce for the local healthcare industry
- Support the expansion of the technology infrastructure in our area by hosting an annual technology summit conference.
- Advocate for the extension of the Beach Express to Interstate 65 and to the beach highway.
- Work with education partners to improve local schools and help prepare students for higher education.
- Partner with Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to implement a recycling program for businesses and condominiums.
To learn more about Advantage Coastal Alabama, visit www.mygulfcoastchamber.com.
It’s another beautiful day on Paradise Island. Are you ready for spring - and the next five years? I sure am!
If you (or a friend or family member) are in the market for a home or condo, or wish to sell your Gulf coast property, give me a call. I would love to put my expertise to work for you!
P.S. Watch for my flyer on home improvement tips in the mail. If you don't already receive my monthly flyer, just give me a call at 251-942-3141 to get your very own copy.
Source: Advantage Coastal Alabama Investing in Our Future 2015.
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Christine Slaughter is an associate real estate broker with Realty Executives of Gulf Shores, Alabama. Originally from Australia (she moved to Alabama’s stunning coast nearly 30 years ago), her love of the sand, sun and seafood are deeply-rooted in her soul.
If you are looking to buy or sell along the Alabama coast (or Florida), you can reach Christine directly at (251) 942-3141 or email her at Christine@ChristineSlaughter.com. Be sure to follow Christine online at ChristineSlaughter.com, on Twitter@ChristinesCoast or Facebook at ChristineSlaughterRealtor. Let Christine help you catch the real estate wave in 2016!
