We Protect Your Waterfront Investment

Buying on the water carries unique, expensive risks. Here is how we eliminate the hidden costs before you ever make an offer.
John Ferguson John Ferguson, REALTOR® | Founder, Sarasota Waterfront Group | License ID: 3423440
Certified Waterfront Specialist
certificate SRES
ABR

We Know Waterfront

Founder of Sarasota Waterfront Group, brokered with HomeSmart. I focus exclusively on waterfront properties — canals, bayfront, gulf, and river — across Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Casey Key, Bird Key, Venice, and surrounding areas. I tell you what nobody else will.

Recent Waterfront Wins (Proof It Works)

1
BEFORE_After The Hidden Liability

The $45K Seawall Save

Saved buyer $45K. Identified seawall damage the listing agent missed and negotiated a full repair credit.

2
BEFORE_ The Hidden Opportunity (5)

The Off-Market Catch

Located an undervalued property using advanced data tools before it ever hit the public MLS. Buyer closed in 21 days.

3
Deep Water Match

The Deep-Draft Defense 

Prevented a costly mistake. Identified that a buyer's deep-draft boat wouldn't clear local canal widths before they made an offer.

NO HIDDEN COSTS
Transparent Representation Fees

Our mission is to eliminate the "hidden costs" of real estate. We operate on a clear, performance-based sliding scale that drops as your investment grows. I cover my exact percentages and how I negotiate to have the seller cover them in the first five minutes of our initial consultation—before you ever sign a piece of paper.

Client Success Stories: Securing the Right Waterfront Investment

Buying coastal real estate requires looking past the scenic views to find true value and avoid hidden liabilities. Watch how we secured deep-water canal access on Snead Island for Bob, and how we leveraged our local network to find Joe his ideal waterview home before it ever hit the public market.

Waterfront Intelligence Bundle

Skip the expensive learning curve. Download our exclusive Sarasota Boaters Relocation Guide and Waterfront Inspection Guide to confidently navigate canal depths, bridge clearances, and hidden seawall liabilities before you ever make an offer. This combined intelligence will help you secure your physical investment and your boating lifestyle. Enter your name and email below to have both guides delivered straight to your inbox.

Name*
Siesta Key - Beach Photo

Siesta Key: Renowned for powdery quartz sand and vibrant village life. Secure a protected deep-water canal home with immediate Gulf access and prime waterfront equity.

Casey Key

Casey Key: The pinnacle of privacy. An ultra-exclusive barrier island offering sprawling gulf-to-bay estates with private beaches and deep-water, protected yacht dockage.

Osprey & Nokomis

Osprey & Nokomis: Tranquil waterways along the Intracoastal. Discover mainland estates and hidden waterfront enclaves providing immediate, deep-water Gulf access without the congestion.

Longboat & Lido Keys

Longboat & Lido Keys: Refined coastal luxury. Explore sprawling gulf-to-bay estates and protected canal properties designed for the avid boater demanding elegance and open-water navigation.

Venice Island

Venice: Historic coastal charm with authentic Italian architecture. Uncover luxury properties featuring direct deep-water navigation to the Gulf along private, safe canals.

Manatee River

Bradenton & Palmetto: The boater's playground on the Manatee River. Unparalleled deep-water access for vessels of all sizes, featuring large mainland estates and modern marinas.

Sarasota

Sarasota: The cultural heart of the Suncoast. From downtown bayfront condos with private slips to sprawling mainland estates along sheltered coves with deep-water navigation.

Real Coastal Client Experiences

  • Robert Jevin

    Buying and selling on the canals requires a highly specialized level of expertise, which is exactly why I have used John for three separate waterfront transactions. He protects your investment from every angle, knows exactly what to look for, and ensures a seamless process from start to finish. If you are looking for a true advisor for coastal real estate, look no further.
  • David Simpson

    Finding a home on Siesta Key in 2020 was a seamless and unforgettable experience, all thanks to John. His deep knowledge of the area, dedication, and keen negotiation skills ensured I secured the perfect Florida retreat. Couldn't be happier with picking John as my Realtor.
  • George Wiedmyer

    Working with John to secure my St. Pete condo was a fantastic experience. He understood exactly what we were looking for and found us the perfect walk-out unit with an unbeatable waterfront view. If you want an advisor who truly knows coastal real estate and protects your interests, John is your guy.
More