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:
527 Beach Club Trail Unit D1504, Gulf Shores

$588,000

527 Beach Club Trail Unit D1504, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,038 SqFt Residential MLS® # 383033

Spectrum Realty LLC of Alabama astehmeyer@spectrumrealtyal.com

4610 White Avenue Unit 404, Orange Beach

$585,000

4610 White Avenue Unit 404, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 949 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384761

Coldwell Banker Coastal Realty

24230 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 3001, Orange Beach

$585,000

↓ $50,000

24230 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 3001, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,137 SqFt Residential MLS® # 378988

eXp Realty Southern Branch PHONE: 251-550-3730

527 Beach Club Trail Unit C804, Gulf Shores

$585,000

↓ $4,000

527 Beach Club Trail Unit C804, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,041 SqFt Residential MLS® # 376438

RE/MAX of Orange Beach CELL: 251-978-5989

12329 Reunion Place Unit Lot 38, Foley

$585,000

12329 Reunion Place Unit Lot 38, Foley

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,141 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384496

RE/MAX on the Coast

921 W Beach Boulevard Unit 1102, Gulf Shores

$585,000

↓ $9,900

921 W Beach Boulevard Unit 1102, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,056 SqFt Residential MLS® # 382014

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 251-979-9198

527 Beach Club Trail Unit D708, Gulf Shores

$580,000

↓ $40,000

527 Beach Club Trail Unit D708, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,038 SqFt Residential MLS® # 375787

RE/MAX Paradise

4610 White Avenue Unit 307, Orange Beach

$580,000

4610 White Avenue Unit 307, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 949 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384578

Keller Williams AGC Realty - Orange Beach

969 West Beach Boulevard Unit 1801, Gulf Shores

$580,000

969 West Beach Boulevard Unit 1801, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,049 SqFt Residential MLS® # 385351

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 251-981-2400

Harbour Drive, Orange Beach

$580,000

↓ $15,000

Harbour Drive, Orange Beach

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 376525

Signature Properties

26800 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 102, Orange Beach

$579,900

↓ $20,000

26800 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 102, Orange Beach

1 Bed 2 Baths 801 SqFt Residential MLS® # 370200

Dolphin Cove Realty LLC

24160 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2043, Orange Beach

$579,000

24160 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2043, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 910 SqFt Residential MLS® # 385194

Bellator Real Estate LLC Gulf PHONE: 251-747-1723

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