TJ Martin on the Future of Real Estate in the Panhandle: Now is the Time to Build New Construction

In this episode of the Trace Water Homes podcast, host Matt speaks with TJ Martin, President of Abbott Martin Group, about the current state of the real estate market in the Florida Panhandle. TJ Martin, whose group represents Trace Water Homes across the entire Panhandle from Pensacola to Panama City, shares insights into new construction.Key discussion points include:The current market is showing "new synergy" with downward pressure on interest rates.An economist, Zel Charles (who is one of the top economists in the country in regards to real estate and is driven heavily in the new construction world), provided insight that the Panhandle is significantly underserved in new construction and lots being developed.New construction sales are expected to "continue to tick up".They discuss why now is the ideal time to buy, noting that if buyers "lock in on a contract now," they are paying 2025 prices for their home and getting 2026 rates when the home is completed.Matt mentions that their preferred lender, Chevlin Lachler of Acushure Mortgage, has construction perm programs with a current interest-only rate of 6.99% during the construction period.Trace Water Homes' product offerings, such as metal studs and specific finishes, help mitigate high insurance costs, lower utility bills, and address pain points like storms, hurricanes, and termites for homeowners in Florida.They explain the seamless process for engaging with the Trace Water Home sales team and the advantages of utilizing Trace Water's pre-designed plans over a full custom build, which saves time, money, and "brain damage".The hosts encourage listeners to be curious and reach out to the sales team. For pre-approval information, visit Chevlin Lachler's website at lockwithler.com. To connect with the Trace Water Homes sales team, visit tracewwaterhomes.com.