Buying on the Gulf Coast

Buying on the Gulf Coast


Real Estate Wire Fraud Is on the Rise: How to Protect Your Closing Funds

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

Real estate wire fraud is one of the most devastating—and increasingly common—threats facing buyers and sellers today. Just this week, I was reminded of how real and close to home this risk is. An agent here on the Gulf Coast recently had a buyer fall victim to wire fraud. It wasn’t my transaction, but it deeply impacted their client, who lost over $130,000.

It happened when hackers intercepted email communication between the buyer and the title company. The buyer received what looked like a legitimate email with wiring instructions—only the…

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Gulf Highlands, Florida vs. Orange Beach, Alabama: A Gulf Coast Real Estate Comparison

Orange Beach Alabama Homes For Sale

Investors and second-home buyers are increasingly drawn to the laid-back charm and long-term potential of the Gulf Coast. Two standout locations—Gulf Highlands, Florida and Orange Beach, Alabama—offer very different experiences, both in terms of lifestyle and investment returns. This comparison breaks down the advantages, disadvantages, taxes, rental income potential, and overall character of each destination to help buyers determine the better fit for their goals.

Location & Lifestyle

Gulf Highlands, Florida is located just west of Panama City Beach and east of 30A. Known for its wide lot sizes and quieter atmosphere, it attracts buyers seeking…

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Why Orange Beach, Alabama Stands Out for Vacation Rental Investors


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

Orange Beach Alabama Rental Investor Guide

As a real estate advisor with experience in both the Florida Panhandle and the Alabama Gulf Coast, I often help buyers and sellers navigate markets like, Orange Beach, and Destin Florida. Each of these destinations offers something truly special—but from a purely investment-minded perspective, I see Orange Beach as uniquely advantageous.

Let me explain why—and offer a few insights about property management fees, taxes, and commissions that can directly impact your bottom line.

Vacation Rental Performance Comparison

Market …

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GULF FRONT CONDO MARKET UPDATE: ORANGE BEACH, GULF SHORES, AND FORT MORGAN 

By Meredith Amon

Expert Real Estate Advisor | SearchtheGulf.com

 Gulf Coast Alabama Ocean-Front Condos For Sale

As someone who lives and works along Alabama’s stunning Gulf Coast, I keep a close eye on market trends—especially when it comes to Gulf-front condos in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Fort Morgan. These properties are highly sought after for their direct beach access, vacation rental potential, and incredible views. Whether you’re an investor, second-home buyer, or considering selling, it’s important to understand how the market is evolving.

 

Here’s what the numbers are telling us.

Gulf-Front Condo Sales: What’s the Trend?

 

Looking at the data from 2018 to mid-2025, we can see some…

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Why Most Homes on Ono Island and in Orange Beach Are Wood-Framed — Not Concrete Block

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

Ono Island Orange Beach Alabama Home Construction Frame


As a real estate advisor specializing in luxury homes and new construction on Ono Island and across Orange Beach, one of the most frequent questions I hear from buyers relocating from Florida or other coastal markets is:
"Why are homes here wood-framed instead of built with cinder block?"

It’s a great question—and the answer lies in local building practices, engineering strategy, regional climate conditions, and cost-effective fortified construction. Here’s a breakdown of what’s behind the frame-first…

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Understanding Flood Zones on Ono Island and Orange Beach, Alabama: What Every Buyer and Homeowner Needs to Know 

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


Ono Island Flood Storm Surge Map

Flood Zones and Real Estate: What You Need to Know Living on the Coast

As a real estate advisor and homeowner on Ono Island, one of the most common—and important—questions I’m asked involves flood zones and how they affect property ownership, especially insurance rates. With years of experience selling luxury homes, including the complexities of coastal properties in Orange Beach and Ono Island, I’ve learned how vital it is to be informed about flood zones before buying, building, or refinancing a…

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Understanding Property Taxes and Monthly Costs on Ono Island: 4 Real-World Scenarios

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."
www.searchthegulf.com/ono-island/

Ono Island Homes Carrying Costs Orange Beach Alabama


One of the most common questions I get from buyers considering a home on Ono Island is: What are the true monthly costs of ownership? While Alabama’s property tax rates are among the lowest in the country, there are several variables—like construction type, waterfront location, and insurance status—that affect the total carrying cost.

Here are four real-world scenarios based on current market data to help illustrate what you can expect.

Scenario 1: Luxury Waterfront Estate on Old River

…

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Insulation in New Construction Homes on Ono Island: What I’m Seeing on Site Tours

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

Ono Island New Construction Homes Insulation Building

Lately, I’ve been touring a number of new construction homes with clients on Ono Island and in Orange Beach, Alabama, and one consistent topic that comes up is how these homes are insulated. As interest in energy efficiency and storm resilience grows, insulation is no longer an afterthought—it’s a key part of how high-end coastal homes are built.

Here are the insulation trends and techniques I’ve observed on recent job site visits.

Spray Foam in the Roof Deck

Many of the homes under construction…

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Baldwin County Alabama Construction Supplies & Equipment


Perfection Tile
  • 12990 Hunters Chase Foley  AL 36535
  • (251) 978-5970
Blanchard Construction Services, LLC
Blanchard Construction Services, LLC
  • 23950 Montrose Woods Drive Fairhope AL 36532
  • (251) 359-0434
Brown Concrete Placement
Brown Concrete Placement
  • 1206 Doyle Ave Mobile AL 36605
  • (251) 391-8199
Superior Contracting Services
Superior Contracting Services
  • 12405…

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How Property Taxes Are Determined in Orange Beach and Ono Island, Alabama

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

Ono Island Property Taxes Real Estate Orange Beach Alabama


When clients ask me about the long-term costs of owning property in Orange Beach or on Ono Island, one of the most important topics that comes up is property taxes. While Alabama is known for having some of the lowest property tax rates in the country, there are a few key things to understand—especially when buying waterfront, luxury, or investment property.

Let’s take a closer look at how property taxes are determined in Orange Beach and on Ono Island.

How Property Taxes Are Calculated in Alabama

In…

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