Financing Waterfront Dreams: Using a Fannie Mae HomeStyle Renovation Loan for Seawalls, Docks, Pools & More

Posted by Meredith Folger Amon on Thursday, April 24th, 2025  9:16am.



Financing Waterfront Dreams: Using a Fannie Mae HomeStyle Renovation Loan for Seawalls, Docks, Pools & More

By Meredith Amon, Expert Real Estate Advisor – Alabama & Florida

Renovation Loans

If you're exploring waterfront real estate along the Gulf Coast, from the scenic canals of Ono Island to the prized Intracoastal homes of Orange Beach and Perdido Key, the right financing can make all the difference.

The Fannie Mae HomeStyle Renovation Loan offers a unique opportunity: buyers and homeowners can combine the purchase of a property with the cost of custom improvements—including seawalls, boat docks, pools, and more—into one conventional mortgage.

This type of loan can transform a property with potential into a fully personalized coastal retreat.


Why the HomeStyle Loan is a Game-Changer for Gulf Coast Buyers

It’s not uncommon to find waterfront homes with the perfect location but missing essential or luxury features. Maybe there’s no seawall in place. Maybe the property lacks a dock or outdoor living space. With a HomeStyle Renovation Loan, you can finance both the home and the upgrades that matter most—before you've even moved in.

Contact Meredith Amon Gulf Coast Realtor



What Improvements Can Be Included?

The HomeStyle loan allows for a broad scope of both structural and luxury renovations, including:

These enhancements are financed based on the property's future appraised value—not just the current condition.


Eligible Property Types

The HomeStyle Renovation Loan can be used for:

Single-family homes, townhomes, and some condos may qualify, provided any necessary HOA approvals are in place for the renovations.


Key Benefits for Coastal Buyers


The HomeStyle Renovation Process

  1. Find a Property
    Choose a home that offers great location and long-term potential, even if it needs updates.

  2. Design Your Vision
    Work with a licensed contractor to create detailed plans and cost estimates for improvements like docks, seawalls, or pools.

  3. Appraisal
    A specialized appraiser will assess the property’s projected value after all renovations are completed.

  4. Loan Closing and Renovation
    You’ll close on the property, and renovation funds will be placed in escrow. As work is completed, funds are disbursed in draws.


Local Permitting & POA Requirements

Cities like Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and communities such as Ono Island often have specific permitting requirements for seawalls, docks, and waterfront structures. Working with a real estate advisor familiar with local zoning, POA guidelines, and permitting timelines can prevent costly delays.


LOCAL RECOMMENDATION FOR RENOVATION LOANS

Andy Wood

Titan Home Lending, LLC 

(727) 410.9663  awood@titanhl.com


Meredith Amon Gulf Coast Realtor

Final Thoughts

A HomeStyle Renovation Loan can open doors to properties that may not appear perfect at first glance but have the right location and potential. By financing improvements from the start, you can create a property that aligns with your lifestyle—whether that includes a boat lift, a poolside kitchen, or a newly fortified bulkhead.

If you're thinking about buying or renovating a waterfront home, I’d be happy to help you identify properties that are a great match for this type of loan and connect you with lenders who understand the nuances of Gulf Coast living.

Let’s bring your coastal vision to life.

Browse available listings and start your search here: www.searchthegulf.com

 

Search Coastal Alabama Waterfront Homes and Real Estate For Sale

Sort by:
27070 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1e, Orange Beach

$1,199,000

27070 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1e, Orange Beach

4 Beds 3 Baths 1,900 SqFt Residential MLS® # 385349

EXIT Realty Gulf Shores

25494 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2104, Orange Beach

$1,198,000

↓ $1,000

25494 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2104, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,770 SqFt Residential MLS® # 370080

SeaMitchell Realty & Gulf Beach Rentals PHONE: 251-979-5613

26688 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1703, Orange Beach

$1,195,000

26688 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1703, Orange Beach

2 Beds 3 Baths 1,496 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384811

Brett R/E Robinson Dev OB Main: 251-981-6180

527 E Beach Boulevard Unit 603, Gulf Shores

$1,195,000

↓ $30,000

527 E Beach Boulevard Unit 603, Gulf Shores

4 Beds 4 Baths 2,104 SqFt Residential MLS® # 381209

Brett R/E Robinson Dev OB Main: 251-981-6180

25494 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2005, Orange Beach

$1,195,000

↓ $55,000

25494 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2005, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,770 SqFt Residential MLS® # 378271

RE/MAX of Orange Beach CELL: 251-752-0497

25494 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2004, Orange Beach

$1,185,000

↓ $60,000

25494 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2004, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,770 SqFt Residential MLS® # 378136

Young's Suncoast Realty

2765 Straits Boulevard, Gulf Shores

$1,185,000

2765 Straits Boulevard, Gulf Shores

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,821 SqFt Residential MLS® # 380917

RE/MAX of Gulf Shores

1747 Laguna Court, Gulf Shores

$1,175,000

↓ $20,000

1747 Laguna Court, Gulf Shores

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,736 SqFt Residential MLS® # 381890

Real Broker, LLC

375 Beach Club Trail Unit A501, Gulf Shores

$1,175,000

375 Beach Club Trail Unit A501, Gulf Shores

4 Beds 4 Baths 2,231 SqFt Residential MLS® # 383895

Coastal Leaders Realty Group PHONE: 251-589-7815

3564 Bayou Road Unit C205, Orange Beach

$1,175,000

3564 Bayou Road Unit C205, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,953 SqFt Residential MLS® # 386318

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 251-533-6677

23450 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1405, Orange Beach

$1,150,000

23450 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1405, Orange Beach

3 Beds 4 Baths 1,958 SqFt Residential MLS® # 386028

Brett R/E Robinson Dev OB Main: 251-981-6180

375 Beach Club Trail Unit B-1901, Gulf Shores

$1,150,000

375 Beach Club Trail Unit B-1901, Gulf Shores

4 Beds 4 Baths 1,975 SqFt Residential MLS® # 381074

Spectrum Realty LLC of Alabama astehmeyer@spectrumrealtyal.com

Meredith Amon Gulf CoastNew Construction Meredith Amon Gulf CoastNew Construction


Orange Beach and Ono Island Real Estate Market Update with Meredith Folger
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 16, 2025

Orange Beach and Ono Island Real Estate Market Update with Meredith Folger


Orange Beach Real Estate Market Update
 
I’ve pulled together a quick, data-forward update using the latest inventory-to-sales ratios and recent municipal actions that affect our market. If you’re watching homes on Ono Island — https://www.searchthegulf.com/ono-island/ — or considering a move anywhere…

Beverly Hills Placeholder
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 16, 2025

Ono Island’s Newest Listings For Sale: A Local Advisor’s Take

Boater’s Field Manual to Ono Island Canals — Bayou St. John Access, Depths & Dock Design
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 15, 2025

Boater’s Field Manual to Ono Island Canals — Bayou St. John Access, Depths & Dock Design

Ono Island’s Six Canals — Bayou St. John Waterfront Guide (Orange Beach, AL)
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 15, 2025

Ono Island’s Six Canals — Bayou St. John Waterfront Guide (Orange Beach, AL)

Signup is free and takes only a few seconds

Ask A Question or Sign Up To See New Real Estate Listings Before Your Competition

When it comes to finding the home of your dreams in a fast-paced market, knowing about new listings as soon as they are available is part of our competitive advantage.Sign up to see new listings in an area or specific community. Contact Meredith with any questions you may have.

Provide a valid email address.
Newsletter consent


nn