New Construction Tour at Cypress Village of Orange Beach

Cypress Village Of Orange Beach

On August 8, 2014, Lorraine and I were given a very special personal tour of the new single-family homes being constructed in Cypress Village of Orange Beach, Alabama. As we previewed the floor plans and got a first-hand look at the activity, we learned that Cypress Village is set to be the first Gold Level Fortified residential development in all of Baldwin County, Alabama. This means these new homes will comply with the 2010 Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety’s highest building standards to withstand high winds, wind-driven rain and hail, and other storm damage. These standards were compiled based on two decades of testing and investigation following major storms. With Gold Level being the top level on…

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Key Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Condo

Condo Buying Tips

If you're planning to buy a condo in Orange Beach or Gulf Shores, Alabama, there are certainly many fantastic options to choose from! Each building will have a different combination of recreational amenities and features, its own unique views, and various degrees of waterfront and beach access. If you are downsizing or retiring, or maybe buying a condo as a rental investment property, here are a few important things to know and review as a smart condo buyer! 

1. The most important thing when buying a condo is to read and understand the condo association by-laws, covenants, restrictions, and regulations. You will be provided a copy of the "condo docs" to review as a buyer. These are the be-all and end-all when it comes to life in a…

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2013: A Record-Setting Year for Gulf Coast Real Estate

Despite a very cold winter, I am happy to report that 2013 was a great year for our beautiful island! The local business community is enjoying yet another year of record sales as more and more people discover our beautiful Gulf Coast.

2013 Highlights

• Meyer Real Estate and other management companies reporting 10% + growth in rental income for the 3rd year in a row
• RE/MAX Sales increased 40% in 2013
• Average buyer spending $350,000 vs. $250,000 in 2012
• Average property appreciation was 3% vs. 2.6% in 2012 – Some developments are seeing much higher appreciation
• New Construction is popping up all over the Island in the form of Single Family Beach Homes, Condo Developments, Restaurants, and Shops
• Record Sales to Permanent Residents 30%…

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Ono Island in Orange Beach: Your Island in the Sun

Ono Island in Orange Beach

Ono Island is a barrier island in southern Orange Beach, Alabama, situated at the mouth of Perdido Bay on the northern Gulf of Mexico.  It is bordered by Bay St. John to the north and Old River to the south.  Ono is populated by sand dunes, live oak trees, and many natural grasses and plant species. This gated community on the Alabama Gulf Coast is accessible via a private bridge, and for boaters, this provides quick access to the Gulf of Mexico. The island was discovered in the 15th century by the Spanish, who named it Orinoco, which means "a place to paddle," and Ono still has the charm and beauty that attracted Spanish explorers. 

Boating Paradise

There are more than seven hundred homes on the island, many of…

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