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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.
  • Doug and Stephanie Silva

    We couldn't have asked for a better advisor than John to guide us through purchasing our home in Lakewood Ranch. He goes far beyond just showing properties; he actively protects your investment by identifying hidden costs and negotiating fiercely on your behalf. His human-centric approach, deep market knowledge, and total transparency made the entire process incredibly smooth. Five stars all the way.
  • Kari R.

    Relocating to a new area on my own was a bit overwhelming, but John made the entire process completely seamless. Even though I wasn't looking for a coastal property, his deep knowledge of the greater Sarasota market helped me find the perfect single-family home on a beautiful, expansive lot. He operates as a true advisor—protecting my interests every step of the way and making me feel completely at home before I even closed. I couldn't have done this without his guidance.
  • Marie Radke

    John’s specialized waterfront knowledge made all the difference when purchasing our home on Sarasota Bay. He helped us find the perfect existing property with breathtaking water views and expertly guided us through the nuanced inspections and negotiations. He is a true waterfront professional who goes above and beyond.
  • Catherine Bond

    John went above and beyond in selling my canal-front property in Port Charlotte, achieving a sale price that exceeded the listing in record time. His specialized marketing for waterfront homes attracted the right buyers immediately. I was initially worried about coordinating my move, but John expertly negotiated an arrangement for me to stay in the home until my new residence was ready. He truly understands the nuances of coastal real estate and deserves a five-star rating across the board.
  • 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.
  • Lisa Rizzo

    John's expertise made buying and selling a breeze near the water. 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.
  • 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!
More