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.

This episode of the Tracewater Homes podcast features a discussion with Jeannie, the VP of design, about design and structural options available for home buyers. The conversation, hosted by Brent, moves beyond technical specifications and building products to focus on the aesthetic and customizable aspects of a home, such as tiles, flooring, and countertops.

Key topics include:

• Design Trends for the New Year: Discussion of 2026 trends, including warmer colors, moody tones, accent walls, and the shift from gray and white neutrals to cream and beige.
• Cabinetry and Wood Tones: A look at the timelessness of shaker cabinets, the popularity of painted white cabinets on the coast, and the option for stained or different-colored island cabinets.
• Selections Process: Jeanne explains how Tracewater Homes simplifies the overwhelming process of selecting finishes by creating curated collections, such as tile collections with pre-paired grouts.
• Transparency and Technology: The speakers highlight the use of the "Builder Trend" online portal, which provides transparent pricing and allows clients to make and track selections.
• Structural Options: The conversation shifts to customization beyond finishes, covering options like the third car garage, insulation, epoxy flooring, and a pre-wire for an electric car charger.
• Outdoor Living: Options discussed include rear porch extensions, covered and screened patios, and a full outdoor kitchen, with a focus on materials like HDPE and granite suitable for Florida's climate.
• Multigenerational and Family-Focused Design: The speakers emphasize that the homes are designed with families in mind, discussing features like two-story options and the "Personal Touch Selection," which allows families to leave their mark on the home during construction.

This episode is a full-circle moment for Tracewater Homes. Jeanne and Matt share the story of one of the very first homes they ever renovated—an 1880s farmhouse that was moved 13 miles and rebuilt from the inside out while they were young parents starting their journey in construction and real estate.

Fast forward nearly three decades: the family who bought that home—Dan and Tammy—join the podcast for the very first time. They reveal the chapters written inside those walls over 28 years: renovations, additions, yard transformations, family milestones, foster care, adoption, and the memories that made the house far more than just a structure.

And the moment that reconnects everyone? A hidden time capsule discovered during a 2020 home project—complete with photos, renovation notes, and 1996 prices—sparked a message that eventually brought these two families together. It’s a conversation about legacy, craftsmanship, family, and the unexpected ways a home can keep people connected across generations.

If you’ve ever believed a home holds a story—this one proves it.

If you want, tell me the episode number and whether you want the guest names in the title (like we’ve been doing), and I’ll lock in the final “official” title format for your channel.