Selling a waterfront home in Fort Myers while you are out of state does not have to be stressful. With the right local team and a clear plan, you can prepare, market, and close from wherever you are. In this guide, you will learn exactly what documents to gather, how to present your property online, and which remote closing options work in Lee County. Let’s dive in.
What makes Fort Myers waterfront sales different
Waterfront features add value, but they also add paperwork. Florida now requires a statutory flood disclosure for residential sales that must be delivered at or before contract signing. The disclosure asks about flood history and related assistance, so plan to complete it early and share it with buyers. You can review the statute text at the Florida Senate’s site at F.S. §689.302.
Docks, lifts, and seawalls matter to buyers and underwriters. Permits, as-built drawings, and service records for marine structures should be collected and shared up front. Clear documentation helps buyers understand access, maintenance, and insurability, which supports smoother negotiations.
Step 1: Gather must-have documents remotely
Start your prep by building a simple digital data room. Your listing agent can organize this so buyers, lenders, and insurers get answers quickly.
- Parcel ID, legal description, and prior deed. You can locate parcel data with the Lee County Property Appraiser and recorded instruments through the clerk once you list.
- Completed Florida flood disclosure form (F.S. §689.302), plus any flood-damage claim or assistance documentation. See the statute at the Florida Senate.
- Flood maps and elevation. Pull your FEMA flood zone from the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. If you have an Elevation Certificate, include it.
- Dock, lift, and seawall records. Add any permits, plans, photos, and recent maintenance invoices. A condition report from a marine or seawall inspector is a plus.
- Recent inspections that matter to buyers. Think general home, roof, HVAC, pest, and a marine/seawall inspection.
- HOA documents, community rules, and any rental history or permits if the home has been a vacation rental.
Pro tip: Ask your agent to label each file clearly. A tidy data room saves time when an offer arrives and helps remote buyers act with confidence.
Step 2: Build your local team
Selling from afar is smooth when your team is aligned early. At minimum, you will want these roles in place:
- A Florida-licensed listing agent with waterfront experience who can coordinate vendors, manage showings, and host virtual tours.
- A title company that supports remote closings. Many Florida firms can combine Remote Online Notarization, mobile notary, or courier mail-away workflows. Review options with a local provider’s overview, such as this remote closing FAQ, then confirm the plan in writing with your chosen title company.
- A property manager or trusted handyman for access, light maintenance, and buyer-requested visits.
- A marine contractor or seawall inspector for condition reports and quotes if repairs are needed.
- Licensed trades for tune-ups and quick fixes. Always verify Florida licenses and any disciplinary history using MyFloridaLicense (DBPR).
Step 3: Prepare and present the home digitally
Start with a virtual consultation. Your agent can walk the home over video, create a prioritized repair list, and plan staging. Professional cleaning and simple curb appeal upgrades go a long way.
Invest in strong visuals. High-quality photography, floor plans, and a 3D tour reduce unnecessary showings and attract out-of-area buyers. For example, platforms like Matterport’s 3D tour guidance can help you understand what today’s buyers expect.
Add aerials where allowed. Drone photos and short clips are powerful for waterfront listings because they show canal or river orientation, bridge clearances, and proximity to open water. If you hire a drone operator, require proof of a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and insurance. You can read more about pilot credentialing in the FAA’s guidance on commercial drone operations.
Market to out-of-area buyers
A remote-friendly listing package helps buyers visualize the property from anywhere:
- High-impact photography that highlights water views, outdoor living, and dock details
- A 3D or interactive tour and a measured floor plan
- A 30 to 90 second video walkthrough and a short drone clip
- A single-property landing page and full MLS syndication
- A clean, labeled data room that includes your flood disclosure, permits, and inspections
Ask your agent to host live virtual open houses or one-on-one video tours for qualified buyers. Pair those with the 3D tour so shoppers can revisit the property on their own schedule.
Screen and schedule showings with intention
Protect your time and your tenants, if applicable. Have your agent request pre-qualification letters before in-person showings. Require a brief virtual consultation first to confirm fit and to answer basic questions about seawall condition, boat lift capacity, and access to open water.
Manage offers and negotiate from afar
You can receive and sign offers electronically. Review contingencies carefully, including inspection windows, appraisal, financing, and any clauses about specialized marine inspections. Ask your agent to maintain a clear communication plan that includes daily updates and a shared checklist so you can track progress from your phone.
If your property is tenant-occupied, coordinate access through your property manager and put agreed access times in writing. A well-structured schedule reduces missed appointments and buyer frustration.
Close from anywhere: your options
Florida supports several remote closing paths. The right choice depends on whether a lender is involved and your title underwriter’s policies.
Remote Online Notarization (RON). Florida authorizes RON, which allows you to sign some documents online with a registered notary. Confirm early that the title company and any lender accept RON for your file. See the state overview for RON rules at the Florida Department of State.
Mobile notary or courier mail-away. If a fully online signing is not available, your title company can ship documents to you, arrange a mobile notary, and manage return shipping. Build in extra time for delivery and quality control.
Power of Attorney (POA). A POA can be used in Florida, but it requires strict formalities and advance acceptance by the title underwriter and any lender. If you plan to use a POA, get written approval for the specific document well before closing.
After closing, the Lee County Clerk can e-record deeds through approved vendors, which helps speed up finalization for remote sellers. Learn about e-recording and e-certified copies at the Lee County Clerk of Court.
Note for foreign sellers: If you are a non-U.S. person, federal FIRPTA rules may require withholding a portion of proceeds unless you qualify for an exception. Review the IRS overview of FIRPTA withholding and consult a tax professional early.
A sample remote timeline
Every sale is different, but this conservative outline works well for absentee owners:
- Weeks −6 to −3: Hire your listing agent. Build your data room with deed, survey, flood disclosure, elevation certificate, permits, and inspections. Line up photography, 3D tour, and drone.
- Weeks −3 to −1: Complete light repairs and staging. Finalize media, write listing copy, and load documents for buyers.
- Week 0: Launch on the MLS and all portals your brokerage uses. Run targeted marketing and host a virtual open house.
- Offer to close: Once under contract, confirm your remote signing method 10 business days before closing. If using a POA, secure written approval from title and any lender early. Arrange payoff statements and utilities transfers, and plan for e-recording with the title team.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Waiting to complete the statutory flood disclosure. Buyers and underwriters expect it early. Share it at or before contract signing as required by F.S. §689.302.
- Skipping seawall or dock documentation. Missing permits or unclear maintenance history can stall underwriting and reduce buyer confidence.
- Hiring unvetted vendors. Confirm licenses through MyFloridaLicense (DBPR) and ask for insurance certificates.
- Assuming all lenders allow RON. Many do, but some do not. Confirm acceptance with the title company and lender, then lock in your signing plan with the state’s RON framework in mind.
Ready to sell from afar?
If you want a clear plan, a polished digital presentation, and local hands to manage every detail, our team is here to help. We pair deep canal and gulf-access expertise with modern marketing and remote-friendly workflows so you can sell confidently from anywhere. Connect with Pelican Vista Realty to get your tailored selling plan.
FAQs
What flood disclosures do I need when selling a Fort Myers waterfront home remotely?
- Florida requires a statutory flood disclosure delivered at or before contract signing. Complete it early and include any flood-claim or assistance records.
Can I complete a Fort Myers home sale while I am overseas?
- Often yes. Florida allows Remote Online Notarization and Lee County supports e-recording. Confirm your title company’s workflow and any lender requirements early.
Are drone photos allowed for my Fort Myers waterfront listing?
- Yes, if the drone operator is Part 107 certified and follows FAA rules and local restrictions. Ask for proof of certification and insurance before hiring.
What dock and seawall information should I provide to buyers?
- Share permits, plans, and maintenance records for any dock, lift, or seawall. A recent marine or seawall inspection report helps buyers and underwriters assess condition.
How do I vet contractors from out of state for pre-listing repairs?
- Use Florida’s DBPR (MyFloridaLicense) to verify active licenses and review disciplinary history. Also ask for proof of insurance and local references.
