Buying Near the Water: What Coastal Buyers Need to Know Before Making an Offer
Release Date: 01/28/2026
Buying Near the Water: What Coastal Buyers Need to Know Before Making an Offer
Quiet Waters Currents
In Episode 2 of Quiet Waters Currents, Sean McDonnell explains why buying near the water is fundamentally different from buying inland and why understanding those differences early can prevent costly mistakes. Before diving into specific coastal towns like Sneads Ferry, Sean focuses on the process of coastal buying and the factors that shape these decisions. The episode covers how salt air, moisture, and storms affect homes near the water, along with why coastal properties often require multiple insurance policies, including homeowners, wind and hail, and flood insurance. Sean provides a clear...
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Welcome to Coastal Life: What It’s Really Like Living Along the Carolina Coast
Quiet Waters Currents
In this inaugural episode of Quiet Waters Currents, Sean McDonnell, Founder and Broker of , introduces the mission behind the podcast and the team behind the brand. Sean shares his background as a Naval Academy graduate, former Marine Corps Infantry Officer, and real estate investor, explaining how his experience in both military service and real estate shaped Quiet Waters Realty Group. The episode focuses on what life along the Carolina Coast truly feels like beyond the highlight reels and drone shots. Sean walks listeners through the rhythm of daily coastal living, the realities of...
info_outlineIn Episode 2 of Quiet Waters Currents, Sean McDonnell explains why buying near the water is fundamentally different from buying inland and why understanding those differences early can prevent costly mistakes. Before diving into specific coastal towns like Sneads Ferry, Sean focuses on the process of coastal buying and the factors that shape these decisions.
The episode covers how salt air, moisture, and storms affect homes near the water, along with why coastal properties often require multiple insurance policies, including homeowners, wind and hail, and flood insurance. Sean provides a clear explanation of FEMA flood zones, including V, AE, 0.2 percent annual chance zones, and X zones, and explains how lenders evaluate risk based on maps rather than a home’s flood history.
Sean then highlights Sneads Ferry, exploring its fishing and shrimping roots, strong military presence near Camp Lejeune, and authentic coastal culture. He explains why Sneads Ferry stands out as a community that balances tradition, growth, and affordability while offering close access to North Topsail Beach.
The episode closes with an end of 2025 market recap for Surf City, North Topsail Beach, Sneads Ferry, Holly Ridge, Hampstead, and Topsail Beach. Sean breaks down how each area performed differently and why hyperlocal market analysis matters when making real estate decisions along the coast.
Key Takeaways
- Buying near the water is not harder than inland buying, but it does require more intention.
- Salt air, moisture, and storms significantly impact coastal home maintenance and longevity.
- Coastal properties often require multiple insurance policies beyond standard homeowners coverage.
- FEMA flood zones determine lender requirements regardless of a home’s flood history.
- Emotional attachment runs higher with coastal homes and must be balanced with clear analysis.
- Sneads Ferry offers an authentic coastal lifestyle shaped by fishing, military service, and community.
- Coastal markets behave differently by location and price point, making hyperlocal analysis essential.
Chapters
00:00 - Welcome back and episode framing
01:30 - Why coastal real estate is different
04:00 - Environmental factors salt moisture and storms
07:30 - Insurance layers and coastal inspections
10:30 - Emotional decision making in coastal homes
13:00 - Understanding flood zones V AE X and 0.2 percent
18:00 - Why flood zones matter to lenders
21:00 - Sneads Ferry community and history spotlight
26:30 - Growth culture and military influence in Sneads Ferry
30:30 - End of 2025 market recap six coastal towns
39:30 - What the data tells us going into 2026
42:30 - Final takeaways preparation creates confidence
45:00 - What’s next and outro
This podcast is produced by Content Supply.
https://www.contentsupply.com/