Coastal Luxury on the Water: A Closer Look at “Homemade” in Orange Beach, Alabama

Coastal Luxury on the Water: A Closer Look at “Homemade” in Orange Beach, Alabama

By Meredith Amon | SearchTheGulf.com

There's something unforgettable about spotting a custom-built sportfishing yacht gliding through the pass in Orange Beach. And on this particular day, "Homemade" turned heads for all the right reasons.

This stunning vessel, captured as it cruised out of Perdido Pass, represents everything we love about life on the Gulf Coast—freedom, craftsmanship, and the call of open water.

Built for Adventure—and Admiration

From her polished lines to the commanding tuna tower, “Homemade” exudes the kind of tailored precision that boaters and sportfishing enthusiasts instantly recognize. These aren’t just weekend cruisers—they’re…

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How to Tell If a Home Has Been Updated Well — A Complete Buyer’s Guide For Remodels

How to Tell If a Home Has Been Updated Well — A Complete Buyer’s Guide

Over the years, I’ve guided clients through Gulf Coast properties—some truly well-renovated, others... less so. Just because a home looks shiny and staged doesn’t mean the work behind the walls is sound. So when a home is labeled as "updated," I encourage my clients to look closer.

Below is my personal checklist of what I look for to determine whether a home has been updated thoughtfully, safely, and to last.

Electrical Panel: Function Before Finish

Start in the place most buyers overlook: the electrical panel. A modern home update begins with safety and functionality.

Look for:

• Breakers, not fuses

• At least 200-amp capacity in larger homes

…

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Can I Remove a Live Oak Tree on My Property in Ono Island? Here’s What You Need to Know

Can I Remove a Live Oak Tree on My Property in Ono Island? Here’s What You Need to Know

As a local real estate advisor familiar with the unique characteristics of Ono Island, I often get asked: Can I cut down a live oak tree on my property? The answer is: yes, but only with the proper approvals. Tree removal—especially of native species like the Southern live oak—on Ono Island is carefully regulated to preserve the island’s natural beauty and ecological integrity.

Here’s what you need to know before reaching for the chainsaw.

Understanding Local Tree Regulations on Ono Island

Ono Island is part of unincorporated Baldwin County, Alabama, which means it follows county-wide zoning laws in addition to the private community standards set by…

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Investing in Vacant Land with 20+ Acres in Baldwin County, Alabama

Investing in Vacant Land with 20+ Acres in Baldwin County, Alabama

If you're considering investing in vacant land with 20 acres or more in Baldwin County, Alabama, you're looking at a region that's not only rich in natural beauty but also experiencing significant growth. As of 2020, Baldwin County became the fourth-largest county in Alabama and has been recognized as the fastest-growing county in the state since 2010, with over 88% population growth since 2000 .

Why Invest in Large Acreage in Baldwin County?

Baldwin County offers a diverse range of opportunities for land investment. Whether you're interested in agricultural pursuits, recreational activities, or long-term development, the county's varied landscapes and strategic…

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Gulf Shores Condo Market Report: March–May 2025

Gulf Shores Condo Market Report: March–May 2025

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Market Snapshot (Last 90 Days)

Sold Listings

• Total Sales: 295 condos

• Price Range: $177,250 – $1,400,000

• Average Sales Price: $460,122

• Median Sales Price: $404,900

• Average Price per Sq Ft: Varies from $128.39 to $894.23, depending on location, size, and water frontage

• Average Days on Market (DOM): ~125 days (ranged from 1 to over 500 days)

Active Listings

• Total Inventory: 549 condos

• List Price Range: $179,000 – $2,720,000

• Average List Price: $497,008

• Median List Price: $427,000

Key Market Trends

1. Strong Mid-Market Activity

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Orange Beach Condo Market Report – Last 90 Days

Orange Beach Condo Market Report – Last 90 Days

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Market Overview: March – May 2025

Active Listings

• Total: 623 condo listings currently active in Orange Beach

• List Price Range: $195,000 to $4,750,000

• Average List Price: $878,563

• Median List Price: $739,000

Sold Listings (Past 90 Days)

• Sales Price Range: $230,000 to $3,350,000

• Average Sales Price: $860,527

• Median Sales Price: $702,500

• Average Days on Market: ~89 days

Price Per Square Foot (PPSF):

• High-end Sales: $800–$860/sq ft (Phoenix OB II, Turquoise Place, and Tidewater units)

• Mid-range Units: $450–$600/sq ft (Phoenix V, Seachase,…

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Ono Island Homes and Lots for Sale on the Big Water – May 2025 Market Update

Ono Island Homes and Lots for Sale on the Big Water – May 2025 Market Update 

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Ono Island’s north shore, which borders Bayou St. John, the Intracoastal Waterway, and Arnica Bay, is home to some of the most spectacular big water properties on the Alabama Gulf Coast. These properties offer wide waterfrontage, deep-water access, sweeping views, and luxury custom homes with features designed for boating, entertaining, and Gulf Coast living at its finest.

Big Water Market Snapshot – May 2025

• Average Price per Square Foot (Closed Sales): $738.36

• Average Active Listing Price: $2,674,599

• Average Active Price per Sq Ft: $789.32

  …

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Gulf Coast Real Estate Trends in 2025

Gulf Coast Real Estate Trends in 2025

By Meredith Amon. Real Estate Advisor. Licensed in Alabama and Florida.

From Florida’s Panhandle to the Texas shoreline, the Gulf Coast real estate market in 2025 is being shaped by resilient buyer demand, demographic shifts, and evolving development priorities. Here's a curated look at the most impactful trends:

Price Growth & Affordability

• Stable Home Price Appreciation: Home values across the Gulf Coast are experiencing modest growth, generally in the 2%–4% range year-over-year. Markets such as Pensacola, Mobile, and parts of the Mississippi Gulf Coast remain accessible compared to national averages, attracting both retirees and remote workers.

• Mortgage Rate Pressure: With…

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Gulf Coast Real Estate Investment Trends 2025: Key Opportunities Across Residential, Commercial & Industrial Markets

Gulf Coast Real Estate Investment Trends 2025: Key Opportunities Across Residential, Commercial & Industrial Markets

By Meredith Amon. Licensed in Alabama and Florida

 Residential Real Estate: Navigating Market Corrections and Luxury Demand

Florida's Gulf Coast
The post-pandemic housing surge in Florida has receded, with median home prices statewide declining by 1.7% year-over-year as of March 2025. Factors such as elevated mortgage rates, rising insurance costs, and stricter condominium regulations have contributed to this downturn. Notably, cities like Jacksonville experienced sharper declines, with a 3.8% drop in median home prices. (New York Post)

Alabama's Coastal Market
In contrast, Alabama's Gulf Coast exhibits signs of…

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Seaspray West Condos: The Best of Both Worlds on Perdido Key

Seaspray West Condos: The Best of Both Worlds on Perdido Key

Seaspray West Condos in Perdido Key, Florida offer the perfect combination of Gulf-front condo living and easy access to full boating facilities just across the street on Ole River. Whether you're looking for a second home or an income-generating property, Seaspray provides residents with the best of both worlds.

Prime Location on Perdido Key

Nestled along the scenic coastline of Perdido Key, Seaspray West provides stunning Gulf views from the comfort of your own condo. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore and enjoying your morning coffee while overlooking the sugary white sands and crystal-clear waters.

But it doesn't stop at the beach. …

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