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.
·  Flood & Insurance realities
·  Seawall and Dock structural assessments
·  Market Data & Off-Market Deals
·  Boat & Canal Access Assessment
openart-a-premium-highly-detailed-3d-icon-of-a-modern-luxury-waterfront-home-proteground-8k-resolution-rendered-in-unreal-engine-clean-architectural-design_ETU_f_gO_upscaled

Flood & Insurance

I give you real flood zone and insurance cost estimates before you ever make an offer — no surprises after closing.

openart-a-premium-highly-detailed-3d-icon-showing-a-cross-section-of-a-sturdy-newlin-the-background-8k-resolution-rendered-in-unreal-engine-highly-polished_602AXoPA_upscaled

Seawall and Dock

I identify the structural issues most buyers miss --- the $50K suprise that only shows up after you've signed.

openart-a-premium-highly-detailed-3d-icon-of-an-elegant-upward-trending-data-chartin-the-background-with-a-a-filter-shading-it-out-just-enough-to-be-visual_IM2HVyrd_upscaled

Market Data & Off-Market Deals

I track waterfront inventory daily and use tools like property onion to find undervalued deals before they hit the public market.

openart-a-premium-highly-detailed-3d-icon-of-a-luxury-center-console-boat-smoothlykground-8k-resolution-rendered-in-unreal-engine-clean-and-highly-polished_dCdePNoS_upscaled

Boat & Canal Access Assessment

Relocating with a boat? I evaluate every property for real-world boat access -- canal depth, bridge clearance, dock configuration, and slip availability -- so you know your vessel has a home before you close on yours.

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

The $45K Seawall Save

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

2

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

The Deep-Draft Defense 

Prevented a costly mistake. Identified that a buyer's deep-draft boat wouldn't clear local canal widths and bridge heights 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 Stories in Their Own Words

Real Florida waterfront buyers share their experiences. From uncovering hidden flood insurance costs to verifying real-world canal clearances and bridge heights, see how specialized local guidance protects your investment.

Siesta Key - Beach Photo

Siesta Key – World-Class Beaches

Renowned for its powdery quartz sand and vibrant island village, Siesta Key offers the pinnacle of Florida coastal living. Whether you are searching for a protected deep-water canal home with immediate Gulf access or a sprawling beachfront estate, explore the most exclusive properties on the island and discover the real-world boating access each neighborhood provides.

Casey Key

Casey Key – Ultra-Exclusive Gulf to Bay

Discover the pinnacle of privacy and prestige. This narrow, ultra-exclusive barrier island is renowned for its sprawling gulf-to-bay estates, offering private, pristine beaches on one side and deep-water, protected yacht dockage on the other. Casey Key is a rare haven for the elite boater seeking ultimate seclusion without sacrificing immediate open-water access.

Osprey & Nokomis

Osprey & Nokomis – Serene Southern Passages

Escape to the tranquil waterways of the Suncoast. Nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway, these hidden gems offer a more relaxed, natural coastal lifestyle without sacrificing luxury. Discover sprawling mainland estates and hidden waterfront enclaves that provide immediate, deep-water access to the Gulf of Mexico. This is the perfect destination for the boater seeking serenity, privacy, and unspoiled navigable passages.

Longboat & Lido Keys

Longboat & Lido Keys – Island Elegance

Experience the ultimate in refined coastal living. From the sophisticated dining of St. Armands Circle to the private, deep-water dockage of Sarasota Bay, these sister keys offer unparalleled luxury. Explore sprawling gulf-to-bay estates and protected canal properties designed for the avid boater who demands both elegance and immediate open-water access.

Venice Island

Venice – Historic Coastal Charm

Step into a world of historic elegance. Renowned for its northern Italian architecture and beautiful tree-lined avenues, Venice offers a unique and charming coastal life. Explore luxury properties with direct deep-water navigation to the Gulf, situated along private, safe canals. This is the perfect retreat for the boater looking for authentic character and real-world protected dockage.

Manatee River

Bradenton & Palmetto – Manatee River Living

Discover the ultimate blend of accessibility and tranquility on the "Cultural Coastline." The Manatee River is a boater's playground, and its communities provide unparalleled, deep-water access for vessels of all sizes. From large mainland estates in established neighborhoods to modern, protected marinas, explore properties that offer authentic, easy navigation to the Gulf without the congestion.

Sarasota

Sarasota – The Cultural Coastline

Immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of the Suncoast. Sarasota seamlessly blends world-class arts, dining, and entertainment with unparalleled access to the expansive waters of Sarasota Bay. From luxury downtown bayfront condominiums with private marina slips to sprawling mainland estates along sheltered coves, explore properties that offer both sophisticated city living and immediate, deep-water navigation.

Featured Listings

 

More Listings
REVIEWS FROM PAST CLIENTS
  • Catherine Bond
    John went above and beyond in selling my property, achieving a sale price that exceeded the listing in record time. I was initially worried about coordinating the move and sale, but John arranged for me to stay in the home until my new residence was ready, offering great peace of mind. I’m immensely grateful for his detailed efforts and wholeheartedly recommend his services. He truly deserves a five-star rating across the board.
  • Robert Jevin
    Over the years, I've acquired numerous properties and consistently found John to be an astute negotiator and an absolute pleasure to work with. Five stars for John—he's my top-choice realtor, and I highly recommend him.
  • George Wiedmyer
    John came highly recommended by friends who had worked with him in the past. With his background and certifications in New Home Construction and Sales he was able to save us a lot of money when dealing with builders and their agents. Five stars all the way.
  • Lisa Rizzo
    John's expertise made buying and selling a breeze. I trusted him with multiple properties, including a new single-family home for investment, and he delivered exceptional results every time. His professionalism and dedication are unmatched—five stars all the way.
  • D Radatz
    Working with John has been an absolute pleasure. His expertise and dedication made the process smooth and stress-free. Whether buying or selling, he consistently goes above and beyond to ensure exceptional results. Highly recommend John.
  • David Simpson
    Finding a home on Siesta Key in 2019 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.
  • Thomas R
    John made selling my house a breeze. As a former neighbor, I knew I could trust him, and he delivered beyond expectations. Highly recommend his services—top-notch all the way!