Gratitude + Market Shifts in the Emerald Coast You Should Know

Hello friends and clients, as we step into November, I want to take a moment to say thank you—from the bottom of my heart. Whether you’ve trusted me to help you buy or sell, referred a friend, taken my call, read this newsletter, or simply encouraged me along the way — your support means more than you know. Real estate is so much more than properties and contracts; it’s about people, relationships, homes, and dreams. And I’m grateful to walk this journey with you.

With that spirit of thanksgiving, I also want to pull back the curtain a little on what’s happening with the market here on the Emerald Coast — what’s shifting, what to watch, and how you might position yourself best.

Emerald Coast Market Snapshot — November 2025
Here’s a closer look at what we’re seeing locally — and what that means for you. (As always, if you’d like a breakdown specific to your neighbourhood or property type, I’d love to pull that together.)

Median Home Value:
We’re still seeing modest appreciation. Home values on the Emerald Coast have increased year-over-year (YoY) by roughly 3%–4%, depending on the area and property type. While not the double‐digit jumps of a few years ago, this is healthy and sustainable growth.

Days on Market (DOM):
Homes are staying on the market a little longer than at the peak activity period. In some of our beach-adjacent and high-demand areas the average DOM is around 45 days, up from closer to 30–35 days this time last year. What that means: pricing, presentation, and marketing matter even more.

Inventory / Listings:
Inventory has ticked up. More homes are coming to market compared with the same period last year. That gives buyers a bit more choice — and gives sellers a cue that it’s about smart strategy, not just launching and waiting.

Buyer Activity & Sentiment:
We still have motivated buyers, especially those relocating or upgrading/down-sizing in the Emerald Coast lifestyle market. But many buyers are more selective (thanks in part to borrowing costs). For sellers, that means the ideal offer and final terms will require someone ready and qualified.

Market Character:
Rather than a “seller’s frenzy,” we’re in a phase of normalizing. Equity is still strong for many sellers (especially those who bought 3-5 years ago). Buyers are gaining a little leverage. For both sides, timing and strategy matter.

Macro Lens: Interest Rates, the Federal Reserve & What It Means for You

This is one of the big stories that will influence the market heading into 2026 — and something I always encourage my clients to keep an eye on.

What’s going on with interest rates?
The Fed recently cut its benchmark fed-funds rate by 0.25 percentage points, bringing it into the 3.75%–4.00% range. 
Earlier in September 2025, the rate was in the 4.00%–4.25% range. 

It’s worth noting: while the Fed controls the short-term policy rate, mortgage rates (and longer-term financing) depend heavily on bond markets, treasury yields, and credit conditions. 

What does that mean for the real estate market?
Borrowing costs may gradually ease (good for buyers) — though the drop may not be immediate. Even a modest decline in mortgage rates can improve monthly payments, affordability, and buyer confidence. 

Refinancing opportunities may open up for homeowners who locked in higher rates. If you’re sitting on a mortgage from a few years ago at a higher rate, now may be a good time to explore.

Seller strategy: With possible rate improvements and better borrowing dynamics, more buyers could re-enter the market. For sellers who prepare and price well, now might be a smart window to act before competition increases.

Risk/nuance: The Fed itself cautions that further rate cuts are not guaranteed. The economy still has mixed signals — inflation isn’t fully tamed, and job market dynamics are uneven. 

What should you keep in mind?
If you’re a buyer, get your financing in order. Monitor rates, lock when things look favorable, and be ready to act when the right home appears.

If you’re a seller, now is a great time to polish your listing — curb appeal, professional photos, narrative around why your location/property is special. Because as inventory grows, presentation will make the difference.

If you’re a homeowner not planning to move immediately, refinancing or exploring cash-out opportunities might be worth a conversation. And for those considering future moves (2026 and beyond) — now is the time to start the strategy.

A Season to Reflect, Refocus, and Plan Ahead
November invites us to be grateful and also to plan. Whether your 2026 move is just a thought or already in motion, here are a few thoughts:

Start prepping your home: If you plan to sell early next year, consider a “market-ready” checklist now — small repairs, decluttering, staging ideas, photo upgrades.
Explore buying choices early: If you’re buying, take advantage of the quieter season to do your homework — neighborhoods, schools, future resale, local amenities.
Stay informed on the local market: I can pull a custom neighborhood report for you — average sale prices, DOM trends, neighborhood shifts on the Emerald Coast.
Think about lifestyle vs. investment: The Emerald Coast has that “live where others vacation” appeal. Are you looking for pure investment, primary residence, vacation/second home? The strategy shifts accordingly.
Let’s chat now: A lot of people wait until January to act — but the smart ones start before the rush. Let’s talk about what your next 12 months can look like.

Grateful to you
I’m continually thankful to work with you — not just as clients, but as people. To families finding their place, to veterans and first-time buyers, to those relocating, to those investing for their future. Each story means something to me. My husband, a firefighter, reminds me every day about service, community, and showing up when it counts. And my daughters (20 years apart!) remind me about differences, possibilities, and the joy of every season of life. This business, this area, YOU — these are my privilege.

So as you gather this month with friends or family, as you pause, reflect, share a meal or a laugh — know that I’m grateful for you. For the trust you place, for the relationships, for being part of the journey. Wishing you a cozy, joy-filled November, wrapped in warmth, good food, good company, and the comfort of home. 💛