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:
11102 Mobile Street, Gulf Shores

$3,895,000

↓ $55,000

11102 Mobile Street, Gulf Shores

6 Beds 7 Baths 3,352 SqFt Residential MLS® # 373222

Black Oak Company LLC

28891 Hopetown Lane, Elberta

$3,650,000

↓ $349,000

28891 Hopetown Lane, Elberta

4 Beds 5 Baths 4,085 SqFt Residential MLS® # 380712

ARK Real Estate, LLC AmyCuny@ARKRealEstateAL.com

533 E Beach Boulevard Unit 2503, Gulf Shores

$3,650,000

533 E Beach Boulevard Unit 2503, Gulf Shores

5 Beds 6 Baths 3,634 SqFt Residential MLS® # 383435

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

2282 W West Beach Boulevard, Gulf Shores

$3,649,000

↓ $150,000

2282 W West Beach Boulevard, Gulf Shores

4 Beds 4 Baths 4,132 SqFt Residential MLS® # 380618

White Shores Realty, LLC

22764 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach

$3,500,000

22764 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 383140

RE/MAX Paradise

New
6600 Sea Shell Drive, Gulf Shores

$3,497,000

6600 Sea Shell Drive, Gulf Shores

8 Beds 9 Baths 4,316 SqFt Residential MLS® # 386557

eXp Realty Southern Branch PHONE: 832-914-5012

649 W Fort Morgan Road, Gulf Shores

$3,480,000

649 W Fort Morgan Road, Gulf Shores

6 Beds 4 Baths 4,167 SqFt Residential MLS® # 382613

AHOY

26171 Fish Trap Road, Elberta

$3,462,000

26171 Fish Trap Road, Elberta

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 369880

Arcadia Property Group

New
27843 Canal Road, Orange Beach

$3,299,000

27843 Canal Road, Orange Beach

5 Beds 6 Baths 3,796 SqFt Residential MLS® # 380653

RE/MAX Paradise

1434 W Dune Drive, Gulf Shores

$3,250,000

1434 W Dune Drive, Gulf Shores

6 Beds 7 Baths 3,800 SqFt Residential MLS® # 383713

EXIT Realty Orange Beach

29040 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 7ae3, Orange Beach

$3,200,000

29040 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 7ae3, Orange Beach

5 Beds 6 Baths 3,148 SqFt Residential MLS® # 378782

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

29040 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 19aw1, Orange Beach

$3,175,000

29040 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 19aw1, Orange Beach

6 Beds 6 Baths 3,148 SqFt Residential MLS® # 378161

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

Meredith Amon Gulf CoastNew Construction Meredith Amon Gulf CoastNew Construction


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

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


The Six Northern Canals of Ono Island: A Waterfront Guide to Bayou St. John By Meredith Folger Amon — Licensed in Alabama and Florida


At first light, the northern edge of Ono Island — https://www.searchthegulf.com/ono-island/ glows soft and still. The mirror-like surface of Bayou St. John ripples only…

Aragon Park Homes: Timeless Southern Architecture in the Heart of Downtown Pensacola
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 14, 2025

Aragon Park Homes: Timeless Southern Architecture in the Heart of Downtown Pensacola

Orientation: Light, Breeze, and View — Living with the Elements on Ono Island
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 13, 2025

Orientation: Light, Breeze, and View — Living with the Elements on Ono Island

Valhalla V-37: The Orange Beach Boater’s Dream
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 13, 2025

Valhalla V-37: The Orange Beach Boater’s Dream

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