The Costin Team blog

Local markets, financing and property decisions for buyers, sellers and rental owners across the Florida Panhandle and coastal Alabama.

Practical answers for buyers, sellers and rental owners across the Florida Panhandle and coastal Alabama. We cover financing, local market conditions, ownership costs and the decisions behind a purchase or sale.

Two-story Victorian house with wraparound porches and palm trees in Pensacola North Hill
A house in the Pensacola North Hill Preservation District. This photograph is not a property in any transaction.
Updated September 12, 2026 What happens when a home appraisal comes in below the contract price? Who orders the appraisal, which comparable sales count, and what a low number does to your cash. Plus your free-copy right and how to ask for a reconsideration. Read the post →
Metal storm panel protecting a window on a Florida building
Archival FEMA photograph of storm protection; a photograph alone does not establish insurance-credit eligibility.
Updated September 9, 2026 Does Florida insurance relief mean a lower bill for your home? Read the actual 2026 insurance data, compare hurricane deductibles and check Citizens flood requirements before changing a Gulf Coast home or rental budget. Read the post →
Lavalle House in Pensacola with a red porch railing, shutters and a wood-shingle roof
The historic Lavalle House in Pensacola, Florida. Illustrative architecture, not a current listing or comparable sale.
Updated September 21, 2026 What does the September 2026 Fed rate hike mean for Gulf Coast homebuyers? The Fed raised its target range to 3.75% to 4.00% on September 16, 2026. What that changes for Gulf Coast buyers, rate locks, sellers and rental owners. Read the post →
Historic Pensacola customs house with brick and stone walls and striped awnings
Archival Pensacola architecture; this photograph does not identify the office handling your closing.
Updated September 9, 2026 What should Florida buyers budget for closing costs? Separate Florida taxes, lender fees, title costs and escrow deposits. Use a worked example and a local checklist to verify the cash needed before closing. Read the post →
Blue historic Pensacola house with a shaded front porch
Archival Pensacola architecture; not a current listing or a tax comparable.
Updated September 9, 2026 How should buyers estimate Escambia and Santa Rosa property taxes? Understand buyer reassessment, the 2026 homestead tiers, school and non-school taxes, and parcel-based estimates before budgeting an Escambia or Santa Rosa home. Read the post →
Marzoni House in Pensacola with green siding, a turret and two levels of porches
The Marzoni House in Pensacola, Florida. Illustrative architecture, not a current listing or a financed transaction.
Updated September 21, 2026 What moves mortgage rates, and what should you do about it? What moves mortgage rates, how the federal funds rate differs from your quote, and how Gulf Coast buyers and rental owners compare points, payments and rate locks. Read the post →

Military or PCSing?

Our military division covers PCS moves, BAH and VA financing for service members and their families.

Visit the Military Blog
Call Text Email

Find what you need

Search our guides, neighborhoods, schools and real estate articles.

Loading search...

Browse the resource library or search homes for sale.