Buying on the Gulf Coast

Buying on the Gulf Coast


Allegiant Airlines Brings Six New Nonstop Routes to Gulf Shores in 2025

Gulf Shores Alabama Airport Commercial Airlines

As a real estate advisor and long-time resident of the Alabama Gulf Coast, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news that’s set to transform the Gulf Shores area. For the first time in our city’s history, Allegiant Airlines is introducing commercial air service from Gulf Shores International Airport, beginning in May 2025. This development brings six nonstop routes, connecting our beautiful beach community to major cities across the U.S.

New Nonstop Routes to Gulf Shores

Here’s a closer look at the destinations and launch dates:

  • Knoxville, Tennessee (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) via McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) – May 21, 2025
  • Cincinnati, Ohio via…

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Understanding Real Estate Closing Costs for Gulf Coast Homebuyers


Purchasing a home in the Orange Beach, Alabama area is an exciting journey, offering access to beautiful beaches and a serene coastal lifestyle. However, preparing for the financial aspects of your purchase, such as closing costs, is essential to avoid surprises. For homes with a $500,000 sales price, understanding the breakdown of potential expenses can help make the process smoother and more transparent.

CLOSING COSTS FOR GULF COAST HOME BUYING

What Are Closing Costs?

Closing costs refer to the various fees and charges required to finalize your real estate transaction. These typically include:

  • Lender Fees: Origination, underwriting, and processing fees.
  • Title Fees: Title insurance, title search, and…

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What is a Fortified Roof? The Ultimate Guide for Orange Beach and Ono Island Homeowners

Fortified Roofs Orange Beach Alabama Ono Island

In coastal areas like Orange Beach and Ono Island, where homes are often exposed to hurricanes, high winds, and severe storms, investing in a fortified roof is one of the smartest moves a homeowner can make. A fortified roof goes beyond standard roofing systems, providing enhanced protection against extreme weather and increasing your home's durability and value.

What is a Fortified Roof?

A fortified roof is a roofing system specifically engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions. Unlike typical roofs, a fortified roof involves extra reinforcement, enhanced fastening, and improved water barriers. These roofs are built under the guidelines of the …

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Why Orange Beach, Alabama is the Perfect Destination for Second Homes and Vacation Properties: A Buyer's Guide to Beachfront Investment

Orange Beach Alabama Home Guide to Buying Homes


Orange Beach, Alabama, has become one of the top destinations along the Gulf Coast for buyers looking to invest in a second home or vacation property. With its stunning beaches, family-friendly atmosphere, and unique local attractions, it’s no wonder Orange Beach is a favorite choice for those seeking a personal retreat or a profitable rental property. In this guide, you’ll discover why Orange Beach is ideal for a beachfront investment, and how Meredith Amon, an experienced real estate advisor and local expert, can guide you through the buying process to help you make the most of your investment.

Why Choose…

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The Importance of Due Diligence for Property Owners and Potential Buyers in Baldwin County, AlabamaNew Construction Homes Baldwin County Alabama

When purchasing or developing land in Baldwin County, Alabama, it's essential to understand that Alabama is a "Buyer Beware" state. This means that it’s the responsibility of property owners and potential buyers to conduct thorough research—or due diligence—before making any decisions about buying, building on, or subdividing land. Failing to do so could lead to unforeseen complications, significant financial burdens, and potential legal issues. Here’s a guide to some crucial factors to consider, as well as the local resources that can assist in this process.

Resource:  https://baldwincountyal.gov/departments/planning-zoning. 

1. Zoning

Each…

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Flood Insurance Policies in Orange Beach, Alabama: Requirements, Flood Zones, and Wind Coverage

Orange Beach, Alabama, with its beautiful coastal setting, faces unique risks related to flooding and high winds. Given the recent changes in flood zone maps and the increasing frequency of severe weather events, understanding flood insurance policies is essential for property owners here. This guide covers the requirements, flood zones, wind coverage, and tips for navigating flood insurance in Orange Beach.

Flood Insurance Requirements in Orange Beach

  1. Mandatory Flood Insurance for Certain Zones
    Properties located in high-risk flood areas, especially in designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), are often required to…

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How to Make a Winning Offer Without Overpaying in Orange Beach, Alabama

Orange Beach Alabama Real Estate Offers to Purchase

Buying a home in Orange Beach, Alabama, is an exciting step, but in a competitive market, it’s essential to craft an offer that stands out without exceeding your budget. With the support of Meredith Amon, a trusted real estate advisor in Orange Beach, you’ll have the guidance you need to make a winning offer in this desirable coastal area.

Here’s how to secure your dream home in Orange Beach without overpaying:

1. Know the Orange Beach Market

Understanding the local market is key to making a smart offer. In Orange Beach, where demand can be high, knowing if it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market will help shape your approach. In a seller’s market, offers close to or above…

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Understanding the Complexities of Financing a Condo on the Gulf Coast

Financing Beach Condos Contel

Purchasing a condo on the Gulf Coast, particularly in areas like Orange Beach, can be both exciting and challenging. As a real estate advisor specializing in this region, it's important to understand the complexities involved in financing a condo, especially since Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac no longer offer loans for many of these beachfront properties. The reason behind this shift is that many condos along the beach are classified as "condo-tels" (condo hotels) and are non-warrantable, making traditional financing much more difficult. Here’s why.

What is a Condo-tel?

A condo-tel is a condominium property that operates similarly to a hotel, allowing owners to rent out their…

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Protecting Your Home with Window Glazing: Ono Island and Orange Beach, Alabama

Ono Island Window Glazing

As a real estate expert and homeowner on the Gulf Coast, particularly in areas like Ono Island and Orange Beach, I understand the critical importance of safeguarding your property against severe weather conditions and other hazards. Living in a coastal community brings unique challenges, especially when it comes to protecting your home from hurricanes, high winds, and intense sun exposure. One key element to consider for fortifying your home is window protection.

Why Window Protection Matters

On the Alabama Gulf Coast, hurricane season is a reality that every homeowner must take seriously. Windows are one of the most vulnerable parts of any home. Without proper…

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The Makings of a Hard Market: Insights from an Ono Island and Orange Beach Homeowner


As both a homeowner on Ono Island and a real estate advisor in the Orange Beach, Alabama area, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the insurance market has evolved over recent years. Living in a coastal community has its undeniable beauty, but it also comes with unique challenges—one of the most pressing being the impact of the hardening insurance market. Whether you're a longtime resident or a new homeowner, understanding this shift is crucial in protecting your property.

1. 2016: Height of a Soft Market

  • Just a few years ago, in 2016, the insurance market was in what we call a "soft" phase. Premiums were low, and insurers were competing to offer the best deals.…

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