Hurricane Ivan vs. Hurricane Sally: Gulf Coast Real Estate, Insurance & Resilience Guide

Insurance, Hurricanes, and Gulf Coast Real Estate: Lessons from Ivan and Sally

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

After Hurricanes Ivan (2004) and Sally (2020), many Gulf Coast homeowners began asking the same questions about insurance coverage, premiums, and building standards. While the storms brought challenges, they also pushed our communities toward smarter building and better protection. Here are some of the most common questions I hear from homeowners and buyers in Orange Beach, Ono Island, Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, and Dauphin Island.

Common Questions About Insurance After Ivan and Sally

Q: Did Ivan and Sally change how insurance…

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The Truth About Flood Zones and Insurance on Ono Island. Meredith Amon

THE TRUTH ABOUT FLOOD ZONES AND INSURANCE ON ONO ISLAND

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

When I talk with buyers about Ono Island, one of the first questions I often hear is, “What about flood insurance?” It’s a fair question — after all, this is a private island surrounded by the Intracoastal Waterway, Bayou St. John, and Old River. Living here is about embracing the water, but it also means understanding how flood zones and insurance play into the picture.

Flood Zones: What Buyers Need to Know

Every property on Ono Island falls into a flood zone, but not all zones are created equal. Some homes sit higher, on interior streets with added elevation, while others back right onto canals or the bay. The difference…

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Ono Island Home Insurance: What You Need to Know in 2025

Ono Island Home Insurance: What You Need to Know in 2025

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

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

Ono Island is one of the most beautiful and exclusive waterfront communities along Alabama’s Gulf Coast—but insuring a home here comes with unique considerations. As a homeowner on Ono Island myself and a trusted local real estate advisor, I’m often asked about current insurance trends, recommended providers, and what new homeowners should expect when purchasing a property on this private, gated island.

Why Insurance on Ono Island Requires Extra Attention

Because Ono Island is classified as a barrier island, insurance options are more limited…

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Unlocking the Coastal Lifestyle: Your Guide to Real Estate in Orange Beach, Alabama

Unlocking the Coastal Lifestyle: Your Guide to Real Estate in Orange Beach, Alabama

As a real estate advisor specializing in Orange Beach and Ono Island, Alabama, I often receive a variety of questions from clients eager to understand the local market. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions, along with my personal insights and experiences to help you navigate the Orange Beach real estate landscape.

1. What Are the Benefits of Investing in Orange Beach Real Estate?

Orange Beach offers a unique blend of coastal beauty, recreational activities, and a strong sense of community. The area's popularity as a vacation destination ensures a steady demand for rental properties, making it an attractive option for investors.…

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

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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Navigating Home Insurance for Single-Family Homes, Condos, Vacant Land, and New Construction on the Gulf Coast

Navigating Home Insurance for Single-Family Homes, Condos, Vacant Land, and New Construction on the Gulf Coast

Living on the Gulf Coast offers incredible views and a vibrant coastal lifestyle, but it also requires navigating the complexities of home insurance. Whether you own a single-family home, condo, vacant land, or are embarking on a new construction project, understanding the key factors affecting insurance coverage is essential. Here's what homeowners and prospective buyers need to know about protecting their investments in this unique environment.

1. The Importance of Roof Age and Material

When it comes to securing home insurance, roof condition is a crucial factor. Insurance companies are particularly focused on roof age, with newer…

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Navigating Property Insurance and Taxes on the Gulf Coast: What You Need to Know About FORTIFIED™ Homes

Mastering Gulf Coast Property Insurance and Taxes: Key Insights on Fortified™ Homes and Roofs You Should Know

Buying or selling a home along the Gulf Coast requires careful consideration of property insurance and taxes. As a real estate expert licensed in both Alabama and Florida, I frequently guide clients through these complex factors, especially in areas like Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Perdido Key. While property taxes and insurance costs vary between these regions, other factors like flood zones, building codes, and Fortified Home™ construction standards can have a significant impact on both insurance premiums and overall costs. Here’s an updated guide to understanding these important elements and how they affect property ownership…

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Single Family Homes vs. Condos in Orange Beach, Alabama: Making Informed Investment Decisions

Single Family Homes vs. Condos in Orange Beach, Alabama & along the gulf coast: Making Informed Investment Decisions

Choosing between a single-family home and a condo in Orange Beach, Alabama, involves evaluating various key factors such as maintenance responsibilities, privacy levels, rental regulations, and particularly insurance requirements—both in the context of property damages and in compliance with recent regulation changes. It is critical that these decisions are backed by guidance from experienced local real estate advisors who understand the local property nuances and stipulations.

Maintenance

Single Family Homes
Owners are fully responsible for the upkeep of their property. While this allows for greater control over maintenance…

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Mastering the Market: Investing in Older Beach Condos in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Perdido Key

Mastering the Market: Investing in Older Beach Condos in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Perdido Key

Investing in an older beach condo can be an appealing option due to its character, potential cost savings, and often prime location. However, there are several complexities, particularly related to financing and insurance, that you need to navigate. Understanding these challenges can help you make a more informed decision and prepare accordingly.

1. **Financing Challenges with Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae**

One of the first hurdles when purchasing an older beach condo is securing financing. Condominiums, especially older units by the beach, often do not qualify for loans typically backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac due to their stricter…

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Breaking Down the Expenses of Owning a Home on Ono Island

Breaking Down the Expenses of Owning a Home on Ono Island

Imagine waking up to the serene sounds of the Gulf Coast, with the sun glistening off the waters surrounding Ono Island in Orange Beach, Alabama. Owning a home in this exclusive enclave is a dream for many, but it comes with a range of expenses that must be carefully considered. From city utilities to HOA fees, every aspect of homeownership on Ono Island has its own financial implications. In this article, we will break down the expenses associated with owning a home on this picturesque island, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect. Let's delve into the costs of city utilities, HOA fees, amenities and services, as well as capital assessments and transfer fees, so…

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