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:

  • Seawall Installation or Repair
    Essential for erosion control and often required for waterfront parcels across the Gulf Coast.

  • Boat Dock and Lift Construction
    Design a dock that suits your vessel and lifestyle—whether you're a weekend angler or an offshore boater.

  • Swimming Pool and Spa
    Luxury features like tanning ledges, infinity edges, and integrated spas are eligible, along with outdoor kitchens and patio pavilions.

  • Bulkhead Replacement or Repair
    An important upgrade to stabilize your shoreline and increase long-term property value.

  • Elevated Decks and Outdoor Living Areas
    Capture views of Bayou St. John, Cotton Bayou, or the Gulf with beautifully designed outdoor spaces.

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:

  • Primary residences

  • Second homes

  • Investment properties

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

  • Low down payment – As little as 3% down for primary residences

  • One-time closing – Combines both the home purchase and renovation financing into one mortgage

  • Increased borrowing power – Loan amount based on post-renovation value

  • Conventional terms – Competitive interest rates and no construction loan complications


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

  • All Listings
Sort by:
26800 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 507, Orange Beach

$558,000

↓ $10,000

26800 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 507, Orange Beach

1 Bed 1 Bath 800 SqFt Residential MLS® # 375600

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

327 E Beach Boulevard Unit 3a, Gulf Shores

$550,000

327 E Beach Boulevard Unit 3a, Gulf Shores

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,528 SqFt Residential MLS® # 382586

eXp Realty, LLC Gulf Shores Br ricky_carruth@yahoo.com

River Road, Orange Beach

$550,000

River Road, Orange Beach

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 378637

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

1524 W Beach Boulevard Unit 1405, Gulf Shores

$550,000

↓ $59,900

1524 W Beach Boulevard Unit 1405, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 3 Baths 1,236 SqFt Residential MLS® # 370913

World Impact Real Estate

26495 Martinique Drive Unit 2, Orange Beach

$550,000

26495 Martinique Drive Unit 2, Orange Beach

2 Beds 3 Baths 1,216 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384448

RE/MAX on the Coast

25773 Canal Road Unit 10, Orange Beach

$550,000

↓ $10,000

25773 Canal Road Unit 10, Orange Beach

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,611 SqFt Residential MLS® # 370950

Vicki Lynn Real Estate

29101 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 307, Orange Beach

$550,000

29101 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 307, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 887 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384872

Blue Heron Realty

1010 W Beach Boulevard Unit 209, Gulf Shores

$549,900

1010 W Beach Boulevard Unit 209, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,203 SqFt Residential MLS® # 379562

World Impact Real Estate

28783 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 512n, Orange Beach

$549,900

↓ $20,000

28783 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 512n, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,060 SqFt Residential MLS® # 379347

RE/MAX of Orange Beach 251-240-5287

4610 White Avenue Unit 205, Orange Beach

$549,900

4610 White Avenue Unit 205, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 949 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384474

World Impact Real Estate

527 Beach Club Trail Unit 1006, Gulf Shores

$549,599

527 Beach Club Trail Unit 1006, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 2 Baths 986 SqFt Residential MLS® # 386308

Keller Williams - Mobile

1010 W West Beach Boulevard Unit 1102, Gulf Shores

$549,000

↓ $26,000

1010 W West Beach Boulevard Unit 1102, Gulf Shores

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,042 SqFt Residential MLS® # 376622

Century 21 J Carter & Company CELL: 251-504-6604

Meredith Amon Gulf CoastNew Construction Meredith Amon Gulf CoastNew Construction


Ono Island Boathouses, Docks, and Piers — Permits, Design Tips, and Buyer Guidance
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 19, 2025

Ono Island Boathouses, Docks, and Piers — Permits, Design Tips, and Buyer Guidance

Boathouses, Docks, and Piers on Ono Island: A Practical Owner’s Guide

Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Folger Amon.
By sunset, Old River turns to gold and the silhouettes of boathouses and piers say everything about how we live on Ono Island. I’m often asked how…

Orange Beach vs. Gulf Shores: What $350k–$500k Buys — Homes vs. Condos
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 19, 2025

Orange Beach vs. Gulf Shores: What $350k–$500k Buys — Homes vs. Condos

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

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

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



Posted by Meredith Folger Amon on

Tags

Email Send a link to post via Email

Leave A Comment

e.g. yourwebsitename.com
Please note that your email address is kept private upon posting.