GULF SHORES, ALABAMA

Gulf Shores Alabama

Buying or selling a home or condo in Gulf Shores, Alabama is a unique experience, and I always tell my clients that understanding the nuances of this coastal market is the key to making confident decisions. Whether you're looking for a Gulf-front condo with strong rental potential or a quiet bayfront home with deep-water access, each property type comes with its own considerations. I've worked with buyers who fell in love with the views at Lighthouse Condominiums but didn’t initially realize how high rental competition could impact their income strategy. On the other hand, sellers who list in sought-after areas like West Beach or Fort Morgan are often surprised at how quickly well-priced properties move—especially when marketed strategically with high-quality photography, video tours, and an experienced local advisor like myself to guide them.

For sellers, pricing and timing are crucial. The market here fluctuates with the seasons, and while summer is the peak tourist season, I’ve found that serious buyers—especially those looking for second homes or investment properties—start searching in the winter months, preparing to buy before the busy rental season begins. I always advise my sellers to declutter, stage appropriately, and highlight features that matter in coastal living, such as hurricane-rated windows, boat slips, and proximity to key attractions like The Hangout and the Gulf State Park Pier. Buyers, on the other hand, should take the time to understand HOA fees, rental restrictions, and insurance requirements, as these factors can significantly impact long-term costs. I’ve had buyers fall in love with a beachfront condo only to realize later that HOA assessments or rental caps didn’t align with their financial goals—that’s why working with someone who knows the details of this market makes all the difference. If you're considering buying or selling in Gulf Shores, I'd love to help you navigate the process with expertise and local insight.

The Advantages of a Metal Roof on the Gulf Coast

 

Why I Love a Metal Roof on the Gulf Coast

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—especially here in Orange Beach and Ono Island—means understanding how our environment shapes not only our lifestyle, but also the smart decisions we make as homeowners. One of the best decisions I see more and more Gulf Coast homeowners making? Choosing a metal roof.

Aesthetic Appeal Meets Sound Design

Metal roofs offer a sleek, architectural look that complements everything from a classic coastal cottage to a modern beach retreat. The color selections are stunning—from soft…

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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 to Spot a Rip Current in Orange Beach, Alabama

Orange Beach Safety Guide for Coastal Homeowners and Visitors
By Meredith Amon,  Gulf Coast Real Estate Advisor
www.searchthegulf.com

Orange Beach Alabama Rip Currents

As a real estate advisor living in Orange Beach, Alabama,, I not only help buyers find the perfect waterfront or beach-access home—I also believe in sharing valuable insights about what it means to live safely and confidently on the Alabama Gulf Coast. One of the most important coastal safety lessons every homeowner, guest, or visitor should understand is how to spot a rip current.

It’s not just about being cautious; it’s about being informed. Here’s what I share with my clients, neighbors, and anyone enjoying the water in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, or …

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Gulf Shores Takes Flight: What New Commercial Air Service Means for Gulf Coast Real Estate

By Meredith Amon, Gulf Coast Real Estate Advisor
Licensed in Alabama & Florida 

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

GUlf Shores Alabama Airport Commercial Flights

For decades, Gulf Shores has been one of the Gulf Coast’s best-kept secrets—accessible mostly by car or private aircraft, cherished by those who made the extra effort to reach our pristine beaches, quiet canals, and authentic coastal lifestyle. As someone who lives here on Ono Island and works daily with buyers and sellers throughout Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Perdido Key, I’ve seen firsthand how this seclusion added to our charm, while also presenting some logistical limitations for those…

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Why Shoalwater Drive Is One of the Best Boater-Friendly Streets on Ono Island

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

When I walk or drive down Shoalwater Drive on Ono Island, I’m always reminded why it’s one of the most sought-after streets for boaters on the entire Gulf Coast. As both a homeowner and a real estate advisor here, I know firsthand how rare it is to find a location that checks every box—wide canal frontage, deep water, quick access to big water, and gorgeous natural surroundings. Shoalwater has it all.

Shoalwater Drive Ono Island


Boating Perfection: Wide Canal, Deep Water, and No Bridges

Shoalwater Drive sits on an exceptionally wide 60-foot canal that’s been dredged to a depth of approximately 6 feet, providing generous clearance for…

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Navigating No-Wake Zones in Orange Beach, Alabama

No Wake Zones Orange Beach Alabama


Where to Buy the Best Homes and Condos with Boating Access
By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

I know firsthand how important it is to understand where no-wake zones are in Orange Beach. Whether you're headed offshore or just taking a quiet cruise around the back bays, the no-wake areas play a huge role in how quickly and easily you can access open water. For boaters, choosing the right home or condo with boating amenities means finding that balance between convenience, protection, and location.

What Is a No-Wake Zone?

A no-wake zone is a designated stretch of water where vessels must operate at idle speed to prevent producing a wake. These zones are typically enforced…

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What to Look for in a Marina or Boat-Friendly Community


Boat-Friendly Communities on Gulf Coast


Tips for finding homes with boat lifts, deep water access, and protected docking
By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Living on the water isn't just about the view—it’s about access, convenience, and lifestyle. As someone who lives and works in one of the most boating-centric areas of the country, I’ve had countless conversations with homeowners and neighbors who’ve shared their firsthand experiences navigating the Gulf, the back bays, and canal systems. If you’re looking for a home with direct water access, here’s what I suggest you keep top of mind when searching for a marina or boat-friendly community.

1. Water Depth and Tidal Impact

Not all waterfront…

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Just Listed: Homes & Condos Across Orange Beach and Gulf Shores

By Meredith Amon | SearchTheGulf.com

From sun-splashed balconies to private docks on Old River and Little Lagoon, the latest listings in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores capture the essence of coastal Alabama living. Whether you're looking for a Gulf-front condo, a boater’s paradise, or a custom-built beach house, this market is buzzing with opportunity.

Orange Beach and Gulf Shores

Let’s dive into some of the most exciting new and active listings on the market:

Beachfront Condos with Resort Amenities

Phoenix Condominiums (V, VII, III, IV & Gulf Tower Phase II)
From $625,000 to over $2.1M, these beloved Gulf-front towers offer two- to four-bedroom units with strong rental income potential. Units like…

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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.

Orange Beach Alabama Yacht Sportsfishing Boats Homemade

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

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.

Buyer Checklist Home Remodel

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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