Help and FAQ
Searching
How does search work?
Start on the search page and choose a location, such as a state, city or ZIP code. Then narrow results with filters like price, property type, beds, baths, type of water and waterfront relationship. You can view results as a list or on a map. Every map view has a matching list view.
You can also browse by state, by type of water, by lake, river and coast, or by category, such as waterfront land or waterfront rentals.
Does every listing on the site have water frontage?
Every listing is reported as waterfront in its MLS data, but not every listing owns its own shoreline. Each listing shows how it meets the water:
- Direct parcel frontage: the parcel being sold is represented as adjoining the water.
- Shared waterfront site: for example, a condo or a manufactured home on a leased lot in a community whose shared site is waterfront. The shoreline and docks are typically common property.
- Waterfront, relationship not specified: the listing is marked waterfront but does not say how.
Use the Direct frontage only filter to see only the first group. Read what counts as waterfront for the full rules.
Why don't I see a home I know is on the water?
There are a few common reasons:
- Waterfront Homes shows participating MyStateMLS listings authorized for internet display. That is not every waterfront property for sale, and it is not complete coverage from every local MLS.
- The listing's MLS data does not report it as waterfront. A water view or community water access is not enough on its own.
- The listing's data is unclear or contradicts itself, so it is held until a reviewer looks at it.
If you are working with an agent, ask them about other listings in the area.
Why are there so few results in my area?
We show only waterfront listings. When few are available, we do not add ordinary homes to fill the page. Try a wider area or fewer filters.
Can I filter by salt water, navigability, or boat size?
No. The listing data does not reliably report salt or fresh water, tidal or seasonal water, navigability, ocean access, bridge clearance, private or shared docks, slips, lifts, moorings or shoreline type, so we do not offer filters for them. Depth is shown only as the listing reports it, and we never compare it with a boat's draft. Ask the listing agent, and see our due-diligence checklist.
What does "not provided" mean?
It means the listing brokerage did not report that detail. It does not mean "no". For example, if dock details are not provided, the listing says nothing about a dock. That does not mean there is no dock. Ask the listing agent.
Can I see sold prices?
No. The MyStateMLS feed does not include closed sales, so the site does not show sold prices. A licensed agent can help you find recent comparable sales.
Can I book a vacation rental or apply for a rental?
No. Waterfront Homes shows long-term rentals where the listing data supports them, but it does not offer short-term bookings or take rental applications. Contact the listing agent about a rental.
Listing statuses
What do the statuses mean?
Statuses come directly from the MyStateMLS feed. In general:
- Active: On the market and available to show and make offers on.
- Coming Soon: Entered in the MLS but not fully on the market yet. Showing rules depend on the MLS.
- Active Under Contract: The seller has accepted an offer, but the listing is still shown. The seller may accept backup offers.
- Pending: The seller has accepted an offer and the sale is moving toward closing.
Exact definitions vary by MLS. Ask the listing agent what a status means for a specific home.
Listings that disappear
Why did a listing disappear?
A listing can leave the site when:
- The sale closed
- The seller withdrew or canceled the listing
- The listing agreement expired
- The listing moved to a status the feed does not publish
- The listing is no longer authorized for internet display
- The listing's waterfront information changed and it no longer qualifies, or it is waiting for review
If you saved a home that is no longer available, your Saved page tells you how many saved homes are no longer shown and lets you remove them from the list. We never mark a home as sold just because it left the site.
Why does a listing show a different status than what the agent told me?
Statuses update when agents update the MLS and the change reaches our database through the feed. There can be a short delay. The listing agent always has the most current information.
Saved homes, accounts and alerts
Do I need an account?
No. You can search, save homes and contact a listing agent without an account. Without an account, saved homes are kept in your browser on that device only.
A free account adds:
- Saved homes on all your devices
- Saved searches
- Email alerts
How do email alerts work?
Save a search with the filters you want, then choose what to hear about: new matching listings, price changes, status changes, and open houses when the listing data includes them. You can get alerts instantly, daily or weekly, or turn them off, in your account settings. Every alert email has an unsubscribe link.
We do not offer text message or push notifications.
How do I get a copy of my data or delete my account?
In your account settings, you can download a copy of your data or delete your account. Deleting your account removes your saved homes, saved searches and alerts.
Contacting agents
Who receives my message when I contact an agent?
Your message goes to the listing agent for that property, using the email address on file in the MyStateMLS roster. If no agent email is on file, it goes to the listing brokerage. If the brokerage has no email on file either, our team forwards your message to the listing brokerage. The form tells you who will receive it before you send it.
We never sell your inquiry or send it to other agents.
Can I ask about docks, frontage, or flood information?
Yes. On waterfront listings, you can tick questions about dock or slip rights, frontage, water access, or available flood information. They go to the listing agent or brokerage with your message. Waterfront Homes does not answer title, insurance, permitting or boat-access questions itself. The agent, a title company or real estate attorney, an insurer, and local permitting offices are the right sources.
Can I request a tour?
Yes. Choose "Request a tour" on the property page and suggest times. This is a request, not a booking. The agent will contact you to confirm a time.
Why can't I send a message on some listings?
When listing updates from MyStateMLS are delayed, we pause messages because we cannot confirm the property is still available. If the listing shows a phone number, you can call the agent.
Why hasn't the agent replied?
Response times vary. If you have not heard back, you can try again later or call the brokerage if a phone number is shown on the listing.
Addresses and maps
Why is the address hidden on some listings?
Some sellers ask that their street address not be displayed publicly, and the MLS passes that preference along. In those cases, we show the general area instead of the exact location. Some land listings also have no street address. Contact the listing agent for location details.
Why is a map pin in the wrong place?
Map locations are based on the coordinates or address in the listing data. Rural and shoreline properties, and new subdivisions, are sometimes placed approximately. A map pin does not show where a property line or the shoreline is. Confirm the location with the listing agent.
Reporting a problem
How do I report a wrong waterfront label?
Every property page has a Report a waterfront classification issue link. Tell us what looks wrong and, if you can, how you know. A reviewer will look at it. See what counts as waterfront for how reviews work.
How do I report an error in a listing?
Listing details come from the listing brokerage, so the fastest fix is usually to contact the listing agent. You can also use our report form. Include what looks wrong.
How do I report a problem with the site or an article?
Use the contact page. For articles, include the title and what needs correcting. See our editorial policy for how we handle corrections.
How do I report an accessibility barrier?
Use the contact page and describe the page and what you were trying to do. See our accessibility statement.