Insulated Concrete Form Home Construction Gulf Coast Orange Beach Ono Island Alabama

Built to Endure: Why I Recommend ICF Construction on the Gulf Coast

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

When I walk into an ICF-built home, I immediately notice the difference—not just in the structure, but in the silence, the coolness, and the solid feel of the walls. Along the Gulf Coast—especially in high-wind zones like Ono Island, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores—ICF construction is one of the most forward-thinking choices a homeowner or builder can make.

Having represented countless homes over the years, including many on Ono Island, I’ve learned that not all walls are created equal. ICF walls are stacked, interlocking foam forms filled…

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Summer Sunset on Ono Island | Why I Love Living on the Gulf Coast

Golden Hour on Ono Island: Why Summer on the Gulf Coast Captivates My Heart

By Meredith Amon, Licensed In Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

Last night, I took a moment to step back, breathe deeply, and just appreciate the view from my home on Ono Island. I snapped this photo from the north side of the island, looking out across the calm water as the July sun dipped below the horizon. The golden glow reflected across the bay like a ribbon of light, while the boats rested quietly at the dock, their reflections gently swaying with the current.

It was one of those warm summer evenings where everything slows down. The breeze softens. The sky turns to art. And the entire island…

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Top Activities in Orange Beach & Gulf Shores | Local Guide by Meredith Amon

The Best Things to Do in Orange Beach & Gulf Shores, Alabama

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

Living and working along the Gulf Coast allows me to explore some of the most unique experiences our region has to offer—and I love sharing those with you. Whether you’re visiting for the weekend, searching for your next coastal property, or simply craving adventure, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores offer something special at every turn. Here’s my personal list of must-see places and things to do—some local favorites, some hidden gems, and all close to home.

Take in the Views with a Helicopter Tour

There’s something breathtaking about seeing the…

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July 2025 Market Update | Orange Beach Real Estate with Meredith Amon

July 2025 Real Estate Update: Is Now a Good Time to Buy or Sell in Orange Beach?

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

The summer sun is high, the boats are moving up and down Cotton Bayou and Terry Cove, and real estate activity in Orange Beach is heating up—just like the temps. If you're asking, “Is now a good time to buy or sell?” you're not alone. As someone who lives and works in Orange Beach every day, I can tell you this: July 2025 is revealing some surprising trends that both buyers and sellers should know.

What I’m Seeing on the Ground

The July market has seen a notable uptick in showing activity—especially for new construction…

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ICF Construction in New Homes on Ono Island | Benefits & Cost Analysis

BUILT TO ENDURE: WHY I RECOMMEND ICF CONSTRUCTION FOR NEW HOMES ON ONO ISLAND

By Meredith Amon, Expert Real Estate Advisor

As a seasoned real estate advisor with over two decades of experience, I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of homebuilding techniques. Among the most impressive innovations in new construction along the Gulf Coast—especially on Ono Island—is Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction. This building method is more than just a trend; it's a long-term solution for creating homes that are not only stunning but built to last, even in the toughest coastal conditions.

What is ICF Construction?

ICF construction involves stacking interlocking foam blocks that are then filled with reinforced concrete, creating walls…

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Build Your Dream Home on the Gulf Coast — Without the Stress

Build Your Dream Home on the Gulf Coast — Without the Stress

New Construction Made Easy with Meredith Amon and Trusted Builder Partners

If you’ve been dreaming of a beautiful new home on Ono Island or in Orange Beach, but you’re overwhelmed by where to begin—I’m here to make it simple.

With over 20 years of experience in luxury real estate and long-standing relationships with some of the best builders on the Gulf Coast, I help buyers like you build stunning homes—without the stress. Whether you want full design control or prefer a turnkey solution, I offer options that fit your goals.

Your Easy, Guided New Construction Journey

Here’s what to expect when we build your new home together:

Step 1: Select the Perfect Lot

I’ll help…

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Villas on Peninsula Marsh: Gulf Shores' Alabama New Construction Opportunity | Fort Morgan

Discover the Villas on Peninsula Marsh: Gulf Shores' Golf Course New Construction Opportunity

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

There’s something truly special about standing on a quiet cul-de-sac surrounded by towering pines, golf course views, and coastal breezes. That’s exactly what you’ll find at the Villas on Peninsula Marsh—a private, luxury enclave tucked within the prestigious Peninsula Golf Course community in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

This is the final opportunity for new construction within The Peninsula, and I’m excited to share with you what makes this development unlike anything else on the Gulf Coast.

A Collection of 34…

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Top 3+ Bedroom Vacation Homes in Orange Beach Near the Beach (2025 Guide)

BEST 3+ BEDROOM VACATION RENTALS NEAR THE BEACH IN ORANGE BEACH, ALABAMA 

Orange Beach, Alabama offers a variety of condos, townhomes, and single-family “cottage” homes that meet the criteria of being close to the beach (within a block or two or a short walk to beach access), having at least 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, and falling in the $400K–$750K price range. Below we organize the options by property type, highlighting key communities, HOA details, rental readiness, parking/golf cart policies, and notable features like beach access and amenities. All the examples listed allow short-term vacation rentals, making them suitable for rental investment or family getaways.

Condos Near the Beach (3+ Bedrooms)

Beach-access condos in this range…

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Construction Terms & Definitions for Building in Orange Beach and Ono Island | Meredith Amon

Essential Construction Terms You Need to Know When Building in Orange Beach and Ono Island

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon

When you're building a home in Orange Beach or on Ono Island, you quickly realize just how important it is to understand the language used by local builders, surveyors, and especially the Architectural Control Committee (ACC). After helping homeowners, friends, and neighbors navigate the Gulf Coast construction process for over 20 years, I've come to rely on these definitions as part of my daily vocabulary. Whether you're designing your dream home or reviewing a site plan with your builder, knowing the terms below can…

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Investing in Commercial Property in Elberta and Foley, AL – Meredith Amon Real Estate

Why I Recommend Adding Commercial Property in Elberta and Foley, Alabama to Your Investment Portfolio

Licensed in Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

When investors ask me where they should look beyond beachfront condos or vacation homes, I often steer the conversation toward an underappreciated opportunity: commercial property in Elberta and Foley, Alabama. These two towns are strategically located in Baldwin County—just minutes from the beaches, yet grounded in year-round economic activity and long-term growth.

As a real estate advisor who lives and works on the Gulf Coast, I’ve come to truly believe that smart commercial real estate in our inland towns is one of the most…

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