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:
949 West Beach Boulevard Unit 2404, Gulf Shores

$540,000

949 West Beach Boulevard Unit 2404, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 2 Baths 920 SqFt Residential MLS® # 380873

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

24522 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 5617, Orange Beach

$539,900

↓ $10,000

24522 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 5617, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 951 SqFt Residential MLS® # 380578

McDaniel Realty Group buddybeachfront@gmail.com

27100 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1502, Orange Beach

$539,900

27100 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1502, Orange Beach

1 Bed 1 Bath 800 SqFt Residential MLS® # 383905

RE/MAX Paradise

965 West Beach Boulevard Unit 2702, Gulf Shores

$539,500

↓ $9,500

965 West Beach Boulevard Unit 2702, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 2 Baths 780 SqFt Residential MLS® # 378947

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

1051 West Beach Boulevard, Gulf Shores

$539,000

↓ $11,000

1051 West Beach Boulevard, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,000 SqFt Residential MLS® # 380654

Elite Real Estate Solutions, LLC CELL: 251-545-5215

23044 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 245, Orange Beach

$539,000

23044 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 245, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 808 SqFt Residential MLS® # 381187

Bellator RE LLC Orange Beach

23060 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 201, Orange Beach

$539,000

23060 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 201, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 780 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384968

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 251-424-5766

25300 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 307, Orange Beach

$539,000

↓ $10,000

25300 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 307, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 950 SqFt Residential MLS® # 375977

JPAR Gulf Coast - Orange Beach PHONE: 919-455-5933

29101 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 210, Orange Beach

$539,000

29101 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 210, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 887 SqFt Residential MLS® # 385550

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 985-691-7133

507 W Beach Boulevard Unit 504, Gulf Shores

$538,900

507 W Beach Boulevard Unit 504, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 2 Baths 987 SqFt Residential MLS® # 374964

MarMac Real Estate Coastal PHONE: 256-483-0434

24522 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 3103, Orange Beach

$535,000

24522 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 3103, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 960 SqFt Residential MLS® # 381138

Keller Williams AGC Realty - Orange Beach 251-504-1171

10088 Coleman Lane, Elberta

$535,000

↓ $14,000

10088 Coleman Lane, Elberta

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,934 SqFt Residential MLS® # 385302

Prestige Realty Experts

Meredith Amon Gulf CoastNew Construction Meredith Amon Gulf CoastNew Construction


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

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

The Heart of Gulf Coast Boating In Orange Beach — https://www.searchthegulf.com/orange-beach/, boating isn’t just a pastime; it’s the pulse of daily life. From early-morning anglers easing out of…

Homes and Waterfront Properties on Old River, Ono Island
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 18, 2025

Homes and Waterfront Properties on Old River, Ono Island

How to Build Equity with New Construction on the Gulf Coast
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 18, 2025

How to Build Equity with New Construction on the Gulf Coast

Lagoon-Front Home with Deeded Gulf Access | 2780 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 17, 2025

Lagoon-Front Home with Deeded Gulf Access | 2780 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores

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