Kay Johnson - Realtor - Destin, FL

10/20/2026

New Homes Cost Less in 1 in 3 Major Markets

Newly built homes now cost less than existing ones in about 1 in 3 major markets. How much less, exactly? Nationally, a newly built home typically sells for about $35,000 less. So, brand-new could be more budget-friendly than you think. Want to see how newly built and existing homes compare where you’re looking? Let’s tour one of each.



"Life is Short...Buy a Beach House!"

10/20/2026

🌅 Imagine This View Every Day! 🌊 This rare 5BR/4BA Gulf-front penthouse features 3,079 SF indoors & a 1,700 SF terrace. Your beachside escape is waiting! 🏖️ Schedule your tour today! https://kaysellsdestin.com/d8r5ykox

10/19/2026

🌊 Your Destin dream starts here! 🏖️ Canal views, private beach access, boat docking & a rare 1BR + 1.5BA layout make this condo worth a closer look. NEW HVAC, too! 🚤 Schedule a tour today! https://kaysellsdestin.com/d8r5ykoo

10/19/2026

Home sales may be slower than last year. But that doesn't mean buyers have disappeared.

At the current pace, almost 4 million homes are expected to sell this year. That's about 11,000 each day, 450 an hour, and nearly 8 every minute.

Why? Because even in this market, there are still buyers out there who have a reason to move.

People get new jobs, families grow, people retire, downsize, and move closer to the people they love. And those changes create buyers and sellers in every kind of market.

In fact, the latest report from NAR shows sales actually ticked up slightly in September, even though they're still below last year's pace.

So, don't let a headline convince you no one is buying. You don't need every buyer. You just need the right one – and a strategy that helps your house get their attention.

If you're thinking about selling, let's talk about how to make yours one of the homes that sells.



"Life is Short...Buy a Beach House!"

10/18/2026

Homes Are Still Selling – Even in a Slower Market

Don't let a headline about slowing home sales convince you no one is buying. Homes are still selling every minute of every day.

If you need or want to move, let's talk about what it'll take to make sure yours is one of them.



"Life is Short...Buy a Beach House!"

If you’ve seen headlines saying home sales are slowing down, you may be wondering: is this really a good time to sell?

10/17/2026

Why There are More Homes for Sale Right Now (and What It Means for You)

In many places right now, inventory is growing and homes are taking a bit longer to sell. And that’s information that should shape the strategy you use going in.

Whether you're buying or selling, let's look at how long homes are taking to sell in your neighborhood, so your offer, or your price, fits today's market.



"Life is Short...Buy a Beach House!"

Mortgage rates being back above 7% isn't exactly the news most people wanted. But it’s changing the market in ways that matter whether you’re buying or selling.

10/17/2026

🏖️ More Than a Beach Home! Discover spacious living, 5 bedrooms, 4 en-suite bathrooms, panoramic Gulf views & a private pool at this rare En Soleil penthouse. 🌴 Your next chapter starts here! 📲 Come tour it! https://kaysellsdestin.com/d8r5wf4d

10/16/2026

☀️ Imagine coffee by the canal and afternoons on the beach! 🌊 This furnished, updated Destin condo is ready for its next owner. 🏖️ Rare 1BR + 1.5BA and NEW HVAC! Come see it in person. https://kaysellsdestin.com/d8r5wfa2

10/16/2026

Hoping mortgage rates will come down soon? The latest inflation report just made that outlook a little more complicated.

Inflation climbed to 3.7% in September, higher than economists expected. And while rising gas prices were a big driver, costs increased across several other categories too.

Why does that matter for housing? Because stubborn inflation makes it harder for the Fed to justify lowering their Federal Funds Rate. It could even increase the chances of another hike.

Now, the Fed doesn't directly control mortgage rates. But inflation and Fed expectations influence them, which means there's no guarantee mortgage rates will move lower anytime soon.

If you're planning to buy or sell, don't let a hoped-for rate drop be the only thing driving your timeline.

Let's look at what today's market means for your move and build a plan around the numbers you can actually work with.



"Life is Short...Buy a Beach House!"

10/15/2026

Same time of year. 2 very different stories. And mortgage rates are a big reason why.

Last fall, mortgage rates came down and the number of homes for sale barely budged. This fall, rates have climbed above 7%. Some buyers have pulled back, homes are taking longer to sell, and instead of coming off the market, more listings are sticking around.

Since August, the number of homes for sale has grown by about 25,000. So, what does that mean for you?

Buying? You’ve got more homes to choose from and potentially more room to negotiate on price, repairs, or closing costs.
Selling? Buyers have more options, so you’ve got to give them a reason to choose your house. That means getting the price right from day one and making sure your house stands out from the competition.

Want to know what this shift looks like where you live? Drop a comment or send me a DM, and let’s look at the local numbers together.



"Life is Short...Buy a Beach House!"