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:
29101 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 305, Orange Beach

$719,900

29101 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 305, Orange Beach

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,125 SqFt Residential MLS® # 382895

Bayside Real Estate Group

375 Beach Club Trail Unit B808, Gulf Shores

$719,000

↓ $6,000

375 Beach Club Trail Unit B808, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,251 SqFt Residential MLS® # 377903

Keller Williams AGC Realty - Orange Beach PHONE: 251-269-8864

24132 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1081, Orange Beach

$719,000

24132 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1081, Orange Beach

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,340 SqFt Residential MLS® # 380605

Classic Realty LLC

375 Beach Club Trail Unit A1710, Gulf Shores

$719,000

↓ $13,000

375 Beach Club Trail Unit A1710, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 4 Baths 1,321 SqFt Residential MLS® # 380539

RE/MAX on the Coast

27501 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 404, Orange Beach

$718,500

↓ $6,400

27501 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 404, Orange Beach

2 Beds 3 Baths 1,500 SqFt Residential MLS® # 368305

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

375 Beach Club Trail Unit A-1608, Gulf Shores

$717,000

375 Beach Club Trail Unit A-1608, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 4 Baths 1,315 SqFt Residential MLS® # 379473

Spectrum Realty LLC of Alabama astehmeyer@spectrumrealtyal.com

24770 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 402, Orange Beach

$715,000

↓ $15,000

24770 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 402, Orange Beach

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,260 SqFt Residential MLS® # 379144

Coastal Living Properties, LLC CELL: 251-458-9958

24400 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 017, Orange Beach

$715,000

24400 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 017, Orange Beach

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,411 SqFt Residential MLS® # 385420

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

25240 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 602c, Orange Beach

$712,500

↓ $7,000

25240 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 602c, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,341 SqFt Residential MLS® # 385803

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 251-504-1121

27284 Gulf Road Unit 603, Orange Beach

$705,000

27284 Gulf Road Unit 603, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,245 SqFt Residential MLS® # 380385

Bellator RE LLC Orange Beach PHONE: 251-550-0250

401 E Beach Boulevard Unit 1704, Gulf Shores

$700,000

401 E Beach Boulevard Unit 1704, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,237 SqFt Residential MLS® # 385977

RE/MAX on the Coast

New
27770 Canal Road Unit 2503, Orange Beach

$699,999

27770 Canal Road Unit 2503, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,088 SqFt Residential MLS® # 386607

RE/MAX Realty Professionals

Meredith Amon Gulf CoastNew Construction Meredith Amon Gulf CoastNew Construction


Ono Island Permitting & Road and Bridge Impact Fees | Meredith Amon
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 19, 2025

Ono Island Permitting & Road and Bridge Impact Fees | Meredith Amon

Ono Island Permitting & Bridge Impact Fees: What I Tell My Buyers and Sellers


As a homeowner on Ono Island — https://www.searchthegulf.com/ono-island/ and a real estate advisor focused on Orange Beach — https://www.searchthegulf.com/orange-beach/ and the surrounding waterways, I guide owners through the…

Top 5 Waterfront Restaurants to Boat To in Orange Beach, Alabama
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 19, 2025

Top 5 Waterfront Restaurants to Boat To in Orange Beach, Alabama

Boating the Gulf Corridor: Orange Beach, Perdido Key & Ono Island
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 19, 2025

Boating the Gulf Corridor: Orange Beach, Perdido Key & Ono Island

Boating in Orange Beach, Alabama: A Complete Guide to Depths, Navigation, and Vessel Compatibility
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 19, 2025

Boating in Orange Beach, Alabama: A Complete Guide to Depths, Navigation, and Vessel Compatibility

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