Building a Boathouse on Ono Island: A Guide for Waterfront Property Owners on Bayou St. John & Old River

Building a Boathouse on Ono Island: A Guide for Waterfront Property Owners on Bayou St. John & Old River

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

When it comes to building a boathouse on Ono Island, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach—especially along the big water lots of Bayou St. John and Old River. As a homeowner and local real estate advisor who specializes in waterfront and boater-friendly properties, I’m often asked: What exactly is allowed when constructing a pier or boathouse?

Whether you’re dreaming of sunset cruises, weekend fishing trips, or housing a custom offshore boat, here’s everything you need to know before you…

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Understanding Title Insurance When Buying or Selling on Ono Island

Understanding Title Insurance When Buying or Selling on 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 buying or selling property on Ono Island in Orange Beach, Alabama, one of the most important—but often overlooked—parts of the transaction is title insurance. I work with both buyers and sellers on the island, and one of the most common questions I receive is: What exactly is title insurance, and why do I need it?

In this guide, I’ll explain how title insurance works, what a title commitment includes, and how to review an ALTA Commitment for Title Insurance—so you can approach your closing with confidence.

What Is Title…

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Utilities on Ono Island: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Utilities on Ono Island: What Every Homeowner Should Know

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

As a full-time resident and real estate advisor specializing in Ono Island properties, I’m often asked what kind of utilities are available on the island—and how they differ from mainland neighborhoods in Orange Beach. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering buying, building, or investing in this one-of-a-kind private island community.

Underground Utilities

Ono Island is thoughtfully developed with underground utilities throughout the neighborhood. This preserves the natural beauty of the area, protects utility lines from storm damage, and enhances the…

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What You Need to Know About Alabama Withholding Taxes for Nonresidents When Buying or Selling on Ono Island and Orange Beach

What You Need to Know About Alabama Withholding Taxes for Nonresidents When Buying or Selling on Ono Island and Orange Beach

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

As a homeowner and real estate advisor specializing in Ono Island and Orange Beach, I often work with buyers and sellers who live out of state. One topic that comes up frequently—and sometimes catches people off guard—is Alabama’s nonresident withholding requirement during a real estate sale.

Whether you’re selling a vacation home, investment property, or even a piece of land, understanding how Alabama handles state income tax withholding for nonresidents is critical to avoiding…

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A Boater’s Guide to Building a Boathouse on Ono Island Canals

A Boater’s Guide to Building a Boathouse on Ono Island Canals

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

As a homeowner and real estate advisor on Ono Island, one of the most common questions I receive from clients purchasing canal-front property is: Can I build a boathouse? The answer is yes—with careful planning, the right design, and an understanding of the specific rules that apply to canal lots on Ono Island.

The Ono Island Architectural Control Committee (ACC) has developed a thoughtful set of guidelines to preserve our canal systems while allowing for private enjoyment of waterfront living. If you’re looking to build a pier or boathouse on the…

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Understanding 1031 Tax-Deferred Exchanges on Ono Island

Understanding 1031 Tax-Deferred Exchanges on Ono Island

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

As a real estate advisor and homeowner on Ono Island, I frequently work with buyers and sellers exploring ways to strategically manage capital gains when transitioning from one investment property to another. One of the most effective tools in real estate investment is the Section 1031 exchange, also known as a tax-deferred exchange. This guide is designed to help you understand how a 1031 exchange works—particularly if you're considering buying or selling investment property on Ono Island.

That said, I am not a tax advisor or CPA, and I strongly encourage…

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Understanding As-Built Surveys on Ono Island: What They Are and Why They Matter

Understanding As-Built Surveys on Ono Island: What They Are and Why They Matter 

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

As a homeowner and real estate advisor on Ono Island, I often get detailed questions from out-of-state buyers who are new to building along the Gulf Coast. One that comes up frequently is:
“What is an as-built survey, and how is it different from a regular survey?”

Whether you’re building a new home, adding a pool, or constructing a pier and boathouse, understanding the purpose of an as-built survey is essential to closing out your project and staying compliant with the Ono Island Architectural Control Committee (ACC).

Let me…

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The Ultimate Guide to Building and Construction on Ono Island

The Ultimate Guide to Building and Construction on Ono Island

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

Whether you’re building a custom home, adding a pool, or constructing a pier and boathouse, there’s a unique process for doing so on Ono Island—and it’s different from other neighborhoods along the Gulf Coast. As a homeowner and real estate advisor here, I’ve had firsthand experience navigating the island’s architectural standards and permitting process. This guide is designed to help you do the same—step-by-step.

Let’s walk through what you need to know, from permitting and pre-construction planning to erosion control, surveys, inspections, and…

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A Buyer’s Guide to Ono Island POA Rules & Regulations

A Buyer’s Guide to Ono Island POA Rules & Regulations

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

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

As a homeowner on Ono Island and a Gulf Coast real estate advisor, I often guide new buyers through the nuances of living on one of Alabama’s most prestigious private islands. The Ono Island Property Owners Association (POA) and Architectural Control Committee (ACC) have a robust set of rules that protect the island’s natural beauty, waterfront access, and overall aesthetic. These guidelines aren’t meant to intimidate—they’re part of what makes Ono Island so serene, secure, and desirable.

If you're considering purchasing a home or building new construction…

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Ono Island Canal Living: Water Depths, Boat Size, and Dock Placement Explained

ONO ISLAND CANAL LIVING: WATER DEPTHS, BOAT SIZE, AND DOCK PLACEMENT EXPLAINED 

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

Not all waterfront is created equal. Let’s talk about what type of boat fits your dock—and your dreams.

As a homeowner and real estate advisor on Ono Island, one of the most common questions I hear from waterfront buyers is: Can my boat fit here? Whether you’re navigating a 35’ center console, a bay boat, or a shallow-draft skiff, understanding Ono Island’s canal system is key to protecting your investment—and ensuring stress-free boating days.

Let’s break down the essentials when it comes to water depths, dock placement, boat…

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