Boat Show Energy, Buyer Market Timing: Why Now Is the Window
Every October, Fort Lauderdale becomes the center of the boating world when the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show comes to town. It’s fun, it’s glamorous, and it reminds everyone why South Florida is the yachting capital of the world.
But here’s what most people don’t talk about:
Right now — during and right after Boat Show — is one of the best times of the year to buy waterfront real estate in South Florida.The 90-Day Shift No One Mentions
Our market in South Florida moves in 90-day waves. Over the summer, we saw:
- Longer days on market
- Price reductions on overreaching listings
- Motivated sellers who already bought their next home or are carrying higher costs
- And yes — even some luxury waterfront sellers quietly adjusting expectations
That mini-correction created something we don’t often get:
Beautiful, updated, ocean-access homes available at prices we haven’t seen since before the 2021–2023 surge.
Why This Fall/Winter Is So Good for Buyers
From now through the end of the year, buyers get a rare combination:
- More inventory — especially renovated waterfront homes in Pompano Beach, Lighthouse Point, Deerfield Beach,and East Fort Lauderdale
- Sellers who are listening — many will consider realistic offers during Boat Show week
- Better values than mid-season — prices tend to firm up again once we roll into January/February
So, while everyone is looking at boats, the smart buyers are pairing the boat with the dock.
Because what’s the point of that new Intrepid, Viking, or Cobia — or your dream yacht — if you don’t have the perfect waterway behind your home to enjoy it?
What’s Actually Available Right Now
We’re seeing:
- Deepwater and wide-canal homes with quick ocean access to our incredible Gulfstream waters
- Fully updated single-story and new two-story homes with all the bells and whistles
- Homes walkable or golf-cart distance to the beach, dining, and marinas
- Sellers motivated to look at clean, strong offers during Boat Show week
- Turnkey furnished options with perks like street-legal, six-person golf carts — such as
2731 NE 5th St., Pompano Beach in Harbor Village — a beautifully updated, ocean-access home showcasing the best of coastal living.
This is especially good news for global and out-of-state buyers who were priced out during the COVID surge — many of those “impossible” prices have now come back to reality.
Why Act During Boat Show Week
During FLIBS, there’s a lot of attention on the water — and sellers know it. Some of my sellers offer short-term, event-timed flexibility because they know real buyers are in town that week.
That means if you’re pre-approved, cash, or doing a 1031 exchange, we can:
- Preview the best waterfront homes that match your boat draft and lifestyle
- Package a strong offer in your favor using an agent who’s a Certified Negotiation Expert
- Present your offer while the seller is actively in “I’m ready to move” mode
Those opportunities don’t always stay open once season kicks in.
My Role
I’ve been selling South Florida waterfront properties for over 23 years, and I watch this market in real time — not in quarterly reports. I know which sellers are truly motivated (not just testing the market) and which homes are genuinely worth your time.
For example:
3900 NE 23rd Terrace, Lighthouse Point recently saw a $500,000 price adjustment to move during Boat Show week — a standout opportunity in one of Lighthouse Point’s most desirable deepwater neighborhoods.
3900 NE 23rd Terrace, Lighthouse Point recently saw a $500,000 price adjustment to move during Boat Show week — a standout opportunity in one of Lighthouse Point’s most desirable deepwater neighborhoods.
Build or Remodel: Partner Spotlight
If you’re looking for a teardown to build your dream home, I partner with Z Construction and Remodeling — Ted and Beth Bohne & their talented team — who deliver some of the most incredible custom homes in South Florida.
They’re equally known for their transformative remodels, reimagining spaces with their in-house design team.
Showroom: 920 SW 2nd Place, Pompano Beach, FL 33069
Direct contact: 954-254-7675Being a local, I can also connect you with the most reputable service providers for every stage of your homeownership journey.
Let’s Match the Boat to the House
Boat Show is once a year.
Waterfront opportunities like this are not.
Waterfront opportunities like this are not.
If you’re coming to FLIBS — or you live locally and want to time the market — reach out today.
Heather Lefebvre | 954-254-7675
Heather Lefebvre
The Waterfront Whisperer of South Florida
From the high-stakes world of California loan processing to the glittering shores of Fort Lauderdale, Heather brings unmatched precision, polish, and power to every deal. As a top-tier Real Estate Broker-Associate at Adache Real Estate—a name as architecturally elite as it is locally rooted—she’s the go-to expert for waterfront estates, luxury condos, and second-home escapes.
Armed with a full suite of elite certifications (CLHMS, CNE, CRS, and International Property Specialist), Heather blends big-league negotiation skills with a concierge-level client experience. Her loyalty is unwavering, her integrity unimpeachable, and her results speak louder than any listing.