Garage-to-Bedroom Conversions on the Gulf Coast: Pros, Cons, Codes, and Resale

Converting a Garage into a Bedroom or Living Area on the Gulf Coast: My Honest Take

I’m Meredith Folger Amon. I help homeowners in Orange Beach, Ono Island, and Gulf Shores make smart, value-forward updates. This topic is controversial, and in my experience, I lean against full garage-to-bedroom conversions on the Gulf Coast. Time and again, I see these homes sit on the market longer. Buyers sense what I do the moment we cross the threshold—window placement feels off, transitions reveal slab breaks, and the space often reads dark. Even when permitted, the room can feel like a retrofit rather than a masterfully blended part of the plan.

Is a Garage Conversion a Good Idea on the Gulf Coast?

Sometimes—but not always. On our shoreline, the…

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Orange Beach vs. Gulf Shores: What $350k–$500k Buys — Homes vs. Condos

Orange Beach vs. Gulf Shores, Alabama: What $350,000–$500,000 Buys — Homes vs. Condos

I work every day with buyers comparing Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, and the question I sometimes hear is simple: “In the $350,000–$500,000 range, should we buy a single-family home or a condo, and which city fits us best?” Here’s my straightforward, first-person guide using real-world examples and carrying-cost insights so you can decide with clarity.

At a Glance: How the Markets Feel Today

• Price Focus: $350,000–$500,000
• Orange Beach: Tighter single-family inventory at this level; stronger access to Gulf-front or near-Gulf condos with robust amenities.
• Gulf Shores: Better selection of single-family homes in this band; deep bench of…

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Lagoon-Front Home with Deeded Gulf Access | 2780 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores

2780 W Beach Blvd — Gulf Shores, Alabama

Featured Lagoon-Front Listing with Deeded Gulf Access

A Boats + Beach Address That Lives Larger

I’m proud to feature 2780 W Beach Blvd as a rare dual-water lifestyle on West Beach—Little Lagoon in the back yard for calm-water days and a deeded Gulf access directly across W Beach Blvd for seamless beach time. This extra-deep parcel lives bigger than typical lots, creating a private outdoor envelope with room to breathe and plan. A newer pier with a covered dock makes staging paddleboards and smaller bay boats straightforward, and the raised construction combined with a Gold Fortified roof supports practical, low-stress ownership and clearer insurance conversations.  Listing page —…

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Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Investor Market Update: Opportunities for Buyers and 1031 Exchange Investors

Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Investor Market Update: Opportunities for Buyers and 1031 Exchange Investors

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

Why Investors Are Watching Gulf Shores

As a Gulf Coast real estate advisor, I’m seeing more investors than ever evaluating Gulf Shores — https://www.searchthegulf.com/gulf-shores/ — for long-term wealth building. From buy-and-hold rental income to fix-and-flip renovations, this market offers an attractive blend of strong rental demand, mid-luxury pricing, and coastal lifestyle appeal.

One strategy that’s gaining momentum here is the 1031 tax-deferred exchange. Many investors who are selling…

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Stucco Homes on the Gulf Coast: Termite checks, maintenance, and prevention in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Ono Island.

STUCCO HOMES ON THE GULF COAST: KEY HIGHLIGHTS AND BULLET POINTS

By Meredith Folger Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

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

I help buyers and sellers evaluate stucco homes from Orange Beach to Gulf Shores and Ono Island. Here are the most important points I coach clients on when it comes to stucco performance, maintenance, and prevention on the coast.

Big Idea

• It’s not about “stucco vs. EIFS.” Performance comes down to installation and detailing: terminations at grade, flashing at roof-to-wall, window/door sealing, drainage paths, and ongoing maintenance.

Immediate Red Flags

• Stucco touching the ground (soil or mulch)…

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Understanding 1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges on the Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast

Understanding 1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges on the Alabama Gulf Coast

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

Disclaimer

I am not a tax attorney, nor do I provide tax or legal advice. This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a qualified tax attorney or CPA regarding your individual situation. Neither I, Meredith Folger Amon, nor Bellator Real Estate LLC, are responsible for decisions made based on the information provided here.

What is a 1031 Exchange?

A 1031 tax deferred exchange, named after Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, allows real estate investors to defer capital gains taxes when they…

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Windmill Ridge Road Homes & Waterfront Land for Sale | Gulf Shores, Alabama

Windmill Ridge Road Homes, Land, and Properties for Sale in Gulf Shores, Alabama

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

When buyers ask me where they can find the perfect balance of waterfront living, privacy, and proximity to the beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama, I often point them toward Windmill Ridge Road. This sought-after stretch of real estate offers a rare blend of natural beauty, accessibility, and investment potential, making it one of the most desirable locations on the Gulf Coast.

Why Windmill Ridge Road Stands Out

Waterfront Living on Little Lagoon

Windmill Ridge Road is uniquely positioned along Little Lagoon, a…

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2780 W Beach Boulevard Gulf Shores Alabama

Lagoon Front Living with Gulf Access: 2780 West Beach Boulevard, Gulf Shores, Alabama

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

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

A Rare Find on West Beach

I’m excited to share my newest listing at 2780 West Beach Boulevard in Gulf Shores, Alabama — a property that truly embodies the Gulf Coast lifestyle. Tucked directly on Little Lagoon, this raised beach cottage is positioned on one of the deepest lots in West Beach, offering over an acre of space with 117 feet of lagoon frontage.

What makes this property so special is its perfect balance of waterfront serenity and Gulf access. You’ll enjoy a brand-new pier with a covered boat dock, ideal for…

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Ultimate Guide to Building with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) on the Gulf Coast and Orange Beach

Your Ultimate Guide to Insulated Concrete Form Construction on the Gulf Coast and Orange Beach

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

If you’re thinking about building a new home on the Gulf Coast—whether in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Ono Island, Perdido Key, or anywhere along our beautiful stretch of coastline—there’s one construction method I consistently recommend for both luxury homes and high-performance builds: Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF).

As a real estate advisor who works closely with some of the most experienced ICF builders in the region, I’ve seen firsthand how ICF transforms the way we build along the coast. From storm…

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The Rise of Waterway Village: Gulf Shores’ Most Exciting Coastal Neighborhood

Waterway Village: The Future Heart of Gulf Shores

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

If you’ve been watching Gulf Shores evolve, you know there’s something special happening just north of the Intracoastal Waterway—and it’s called Waterway Village. What was once a sleepy corridor with a few hidden gems is quickly transforming into the vibrant, walkable waterfront district our area has been waiting for. And from what I’ve seen as a local real estate advisor, Waterway Village is on track to become one of the most sought-after communities along the Alabama Gulf Coast.

 What Is Waterway Village?

Inspired by the energy and charm of destinations…

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