Dustin Ray Shannon, Real Estate Salesperson, Dalton Wade & HomeSmart Legacy

02/23/2026

Here is a sneak peek inside Huntsville's new IKEA today! 👀 👀 The store, located at 6125 University Drive NW, will open Wednesday, Feb. 25. (And yes, the in-store Swedish Bistro will open as well!)

02/10/2026

I am deeply grateful to KWCH 12 for featuring my published works about Joyland and for recognizing me as a Kansas historian. My journey began in 2007 when I started researching the history of the home where I grew up. That curiosity soon expanded into a passion for documenting extinct places, which ultimately led me, in 2015, to begin writing about Joyland. Although the park closed in 2006 and can no longer be visited, its legacy lives on through my books—including my upcoming title, A Day of Joy at Joyland Park. Kansans will never forget Joyland, and preserving its memory has been my mission.

I also want to thank KWCH 12 for including my dear friend Anita in the story. She has been my rock and confidant over the years, hosting several of my book signings and offering unwavering support. I truly could not have reached this point without her.

This summer marks two complete decades since the once proud theme park in Wichita hosted its final ride.

02/03/2026

📘 Now Available! 🌊

Towns and Beaches of America: Cosey Beach, Connecticut is officially available to purchase!

This beautifully illustrated book explores the rich history of Cosey Beach—from its early days as a beloved seaside resort with trolley lines, hotels, and attractions, to its evolution into the close-knit residential shoreline community it is today. Filled with historic photographs, postcards, and carefully researched narratives, it’s a tribute to a place shaped by resilience, memory, and the Long Island Sound.

🟦 Available formats & pricing:
• Softcover: $35.91
• Hardcover (ImageWrap): $47.91

🛒 Order directly here:
👉 https://www.shannonpublishing.info/towns-and-beaches-of-america-cosey-beach-connecticut.html

Perfect for local history lovers, Connecticut natives, beach communities, and anyone who cherishes coastal heritage. Thank you to everyone who has supported this project—Cosey Beach’s story is now ready to be shared.

01/26/2026

🏡🧱 My House Before LEGO vs. After LEGO At first:
✔️ Clean
✔️ Organized
✔️ “We have plenty of space!”

Then LEGO happened… Suddenly that “extra room” becomes a build room, storage fills up, and you realize:
👉 Homes don’t shrink—our hobbies grow.

If your house is starting to feel like the right side of this photo, it might be time to upgrade to a place with a bonus room, flex space, or dedicated LEGO studio (yes, those are real things 😄).

Need a home that fits real life? Let’s find one that works—bricks and all.

01/26/2026

Statement on the Death of Alex Pretti

For 18 years, as a historian, I have followed the facts wherever they lead. In my historical investigation and research, I do not shape evidence to suit politics or convenience. Wherever the facts lead, I believe the information I have gathered.

What happened yesterday to Alex Pretti was beyond tragic. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and loved ones who lost him. Alex was an ICU nurse with the VA — someone who devoted his life to caring for others. His death should never have occurred.

I have tried to stay away from politics, but I could not remain silent about this. Based on what I have seen, ICE agents took Alex’s gun and then killed him, firing multiple rounds into his body. From the evidence available to me, Alex appeared peaceful. The agents did not.

The current administration has claimed Alex was a threat because he possessed a registered firearm. That was his constitutional right — the right to bear arms. We all have that right. Owning a legally registered gun does not justify ex*****on.

I call on both Republicans and Democrats to ease the tension in this country. But history teaches us that violence escalates when leaders thrive on division. This moment did not arise in a vacuum.

We have seen the double standard before. Kyle Rittenhouse brought a gun to a protest and killed protesters, yet was defended and praised by many of the same voices now excusing Alex Pretti’s death. That contradiction matters. History will remember it.

I am going to take a few words from Mon Mothma’s speech, because sometimes fiction names the truth before power will:

This administration’s hold on the truth was finally lost when officers killed Alex. What took place yesterday — WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY IN MINNEAPOLIS — was murder. And the monster screaming the loudest? The monster American voters who voted Trump for a second term helped create? The monster who will come for all of us soon enough is President Trump. What happened yesterday is only the terrible beginning.

History does not absolve silence. It does not excuse denial. And it never forgets when the truth was visible — and ignored.

01/25/2026

📘 Coming February 13, 2026 📘

I’m excited to announce the upcoming release of my newest book:
Towns and Beaches of America: Cosey Beach, Connecticut 🌊

Nestled along the shores of East Haven, Cosey Beach has a rich story shaped by resilience, beauty, and change. From the days of trolleys, carousels, hotels, and bustling seaside life to its evolution into a close-knit residential beach community, this book captures the history, memories, and spirit of a shoreline that has endured.

Through historic photographs, postcards, and carefully researched narratives, this book tells the story of a place that adapted, survived, and continues to matter deeply to those who call it home.

📅 Release Date: February 13, 2026
📖 Paperback: $28.91
📘 Hardback: $40.91

Whether you love coastal history, vintage beach towns, or Cosey Beach itself, this book is a tribute to a shoreline that still whispers its past with every wave.

More details coming soon—thank you for supporting local history and preservation.

01/25/2026

This is one of the reasons I donate to the Greater Huntsville Humane Society (GHHS). These kitties and pups need loving homes, too!

01/20/2026

🏜️😂 Every buyer’s journey be like…

Water: ¼ mile away
LEGO Store: 21 miles away
Me: “Well… guess I’m heading toward the LEGO.”

Just like in real estate—sometimes logic says one thing, but passion says another. Whether it’s chasing the perfect home, the right neighborhood, or the nearest LEGO aisle… we all know which direction feels right.

If your dream home needs space for LEGO, hobbies, collections, or just your sanity—I can help you find it. 🏡🧱

01/16/2026

😅 Relationship advice… but make it real estate.

Is the market frustrating you?
Interest rates? Inventory? Multiple offers?

You might not fix everything overnight—but you can make a smart move with the right strategy (and the right agent).

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just trying to keep your sanity in today’s market, having a solid plan makes all the difference.

She might still be mad…
But at least now you’ve got a better deal 😏🏡

—
Dustin Ray Shannon
Real Estate Salesperson
Dalton Wade Real Estate

📲 Let’s build a strategy that actually works—no instruction manual required.

01/16/2026

📊 Huntsville Market Update | ZIP 35806 – December 2025

The numbers are in, and Huntsville’s 35806 market is leaning toward a Seller’s Market—but with signs of balance ahead.

🏡 Key Highlights:
• 3.69 months of inventory
• Homes selling at 96.8% of list price
• 45 median days on market
• Median sold price: $480,000

What does this mean? Sellers still have an advantage, but buyers are gaining breathing room with slightly longer days on market and more negotiation opportunities.

Whether you’re thinking about selling, buying, or just keeping an eye on the market, understanding these trends is key to making smart real estate decisions.

—
Dustin Ray Shannon
Real Estate Salesperson
Dalton Wade Real Estate

📩 Message me if you’d like a personalized breakdown of what these numbers mean for your home or buying plans.

01/07/2026

🏡📉 Let’s Talk Housing Affordability

A recent report highlights just how stretched affordability has become. To return to “normal” affordability levels, one major shift would need to happen:

• Mortgage rates near 2.65%
• Household incomes rising 56%
• Home prices dropping 35%

None of these changes happen overnight—and that’s why today’s buyers and sellers need realistic strategies, not headlines or wishful thinking.

What this means right now:
✔️ Buyers need smart financing, patience, and local guidance
✔️ Sellers must price accurately and understand buyer limits
✔️ Waiting for the “perfect” market often means missing real opportunities

Real estate decisions are personal and local. If you’re wondering how these national trends affect your situation, I’m always happy to talk it through.

📩 Message me anytime—no pressure, just honest insight.

01/01/2026

✨ New Year. New Focus. New Direction. ✨

As we step into 2026, I’m making several important and intentional changes to my real estate business.

After much consideration, I’ve decided to step away from Florida and will no longer be practicing there, allowing me to better focus my time, energy, and resources on the states where I continue to work—Alabama, Georgia, and Kansas.

The past year brought valuable lessons and clarity. Moving forward, my priority is operating in a way that emphasizes professionalism, client safety, quality representation, and long-term sustainability. These changes will allow me to better align my business with my values and provide a higher level of service to my clients.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. I’m looking ahead to 2026 with focus and optimism and embracing what comes next. ✨

— Dustin Ray Shannon
Real Estate Salesperson
Alabama • Georgia • Kansas