Looking to master the 30A real estate market in 2026? Discover how to navigate shifting interest rates, avoid costly custom home building mistakes, and secure “win-win” investment opportunities with local real estate expert Wayne West and Chris Fox of Fox Construction.
In this episode of the Fox Construction – Tailored Custom Homes podcast, Chris Fox sits down with veteran local realtor Wayne West to break down the current state of the 30A real estate market. Whether you are a primary resident, a “half-timer” looking to offset costs with rentals, or a dedicated investor, this deep dive offers the essential strategies you need for success in Florida’s Walton County.
Key topics discussed in this episode:
𝙏𝙝𝙚 2026 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙩 𝙊𝙪𝙩𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠: Why the market is “warming up” for the spring and summer months as interest rates begin to level out.
𝘼𝙫𝙤𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙋𝙞𝙩𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙨: The danger of assuming building costs are the same everywhere and why 30A’s “hyper-local” market requires expert guidance.
𝙌𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨: How construction and renovation quality directly impact resale value and rental reviews in a market filled with savvy, detail-oriented buyers.
𝙎𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙖𝙡𝙚: Why you should always include a bathtub (even if you don’t use it) and plan spaces for the “proverbial 400-pound guy” to ensure a successful exit strategy.
𝘾𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜: How to use owner financing and “subject to” deals to make the numbers work when traditional loans don’t.
Expert Advice for Investors:
Wayne West’s #1 tip for those looking at 30A? “Get started.” Stop waiting for the “perfect” time and start looking for the opportunities that exist in every market cycle.
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒖𝒔:
Host: Chris Fox, Fox Construction – Tailored Custom Homes
Guest: Wayne West, Realtor at Keller Williams
Skip Around for the Info You’re Looking for:
00:00 Intro
00:40 2026 Real Estate Market Update for Panama City Beach, 30A, and Destin
02:06 The Biggest Financial Mistakes Buyers Make when Building a Custom Home
03:14 The Balance Between Real Estate Investments and Lifestyle for Custom Builds in 30A Florida
04:48 The Effects of Construction Quality and Design in Real Estate Resale for Custom Homes
08:40 Advice for People Looking to Invest in Real Estate and Custom Builds on 30A and Santa Rosa Beach
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