How Personal Experience Inspired a Relocation-Focused Real Estate Practice in St. Augustine

Written by:

Steve Marcinuk

Date:

28 Oct 2025

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The St. Augustine real estate market continues to attract relocating buyers from across the country, thanks to its blend of historic charm, coastal access, and year-round warmth. For professionals in this market, understanding the relocation experience is essential, a lesson Kim Devlin of Fiv Realty Co. learned firsthand.

From Wall Street to Real Estate

After leaving the fast pace of Wall Street and the constant buzz of New York City, Kim and her husband moved to New Hampshire in 2006—right in the middle of the housing market bubble. The purchase itself went off without a hitch, but the experience exposed something she hadn’t expected: how hard it is to relocate when you don’t know the area.

“I didn’t know New Hampshire at all,” Kim says. “Coming from New York, I needed help figuring out which area fit my lifestyle—someplace where I could go out to dinner and actually do things. It’s not just about the house; it’s about the location.”

That realization hit even harder over the next decade. “For 10 years I lived there, and honestly, I feel like I lost 10 years of my life because I was isolated,” she recalls. “My closest neighbor was a mile away. The only food options were pizza and Chinese. It just wasn’t me.”

That feeling of being out of place became the foundation for how she helps clients today. “That New Hampshire house never felt like home,” Kim reflects. “Because when the location isn’t right, the house never truly becomes a home.”

The St. Augustine Discovery

Kim Devlin’s love affair with St. Augustine began long before she called it home.

Years earlier, while working as boat crew, she and her husband would often stop in the historic coastal city during their travels between New Hampshire and South Florida. Every visit left a mark—but the first time they sailed into Camachee Cove, something clicked.

“The moment we pulled into Camachee Cove, it just felt like home,” Kim says. “There were restaurants, live music, festivals… always something happening. We bike everywhere and hit the beach all the time—it’s such an easy, active lifestyle.”

The contrast to her life in New Hampshire couldn’t have been clearer. What once felt isolating had transformed into connection, energy, and belonging. “To find a place where we didn’t have a built-in community or family nearby, and still fall completely in love with it—that’s something I want to help other people experience too.”

Understanding the Relocation Market

St. Augustine ranks as the third-largest suburban relocation destination nationally, according to industry data. Devlin’s clients reflect this trend, with most relocating buyers coming from New York, Chicago, and California. The typical demographic includes Gen X buyers in their 50s and 60s, many of whom are remote workers or nearing retirement.

“Most of them are working from home,” Devlin observes. “Commuting never really comes up as a factor for people relocating here.”

The relocation market has changed since the COVID-19 surge. While that period brought a wave of buyer activity, current conditions present different challenges. “We saw a huge influx of people come in during that time,” she notes, referencing her YouTube channel’s growth during the pandemic.

Current Market Dynamics

The St. Augustine market reflects national trends, with inventory levels creating a more balanced environment.

St. Johns County now sits at about 4.6 months of inventory, marking a clear shift from the intense seller’s market of the past few years.

“Houses are selling at roughly 95% of list price,” Kim Devlin explains. “We’re just not seeing many homes go for 100% anymore. Sellers need to be realistic and price their homes according to today’s market.”

Competition between new construction and resale homes continues to heat up, largely because builders are offering strong incentives to attract buyers. “I just got a buyer under contract in Trailmark with a 30-year fixed rate at 3.0%—that’s something we may never see again,” she says. “Right now, new construction has the upper hand when it comes to incentives.”

That dynamic can sting for those who bought in the wrong location during the frenzy. “This is where buyer’s remorse comes in,” Kim notes. “Some people bought where they didn’t really want to be, and now they’re losing money selling because they’re competing with builders offering better deals.”

Insurance Realities vs. Perceptions

Florida’s insurance market often gives buyers pause, but Kim Devlin says it’s rarely a deal-breaker. “I’ve actually never lost a deal over insurance,” she explains. “Sometimes it takes a little problem-solving between the buyer and seller, but it always works out.”

Her advice? Be proactive. “If the roof is too old and the insurance company won’t cover it, we work with the seller to get it replaced,” she says. “Buyers shouldn’t rule out homes with older roofs—most sellers will handle it, because if they don’t, they can’t sell. It’s that simple.”

Location-First Philosophy in Practice

Devlin’s approach puts lifestyle compatibility before property features. This philosophy goes beyond preferences, focusing on daily life and community fit.

“I always tell people, once we settle on location, we will always find a house. I will find you a house, but let’s settle on location first,” she emphasizes. “My motto is there’s no buyer’s remorse allowed because I had it, and I don’t want anybody to ever feel that way with their biggest asset.”

This method requires understanding the differences between St. Augustine neighborhoods. “If you pick a location out in World Golf Village and you love going to the beach every day, well that’s a 35 to 40-minute drive. So maybe that’s not the best location, even though the houses are new.”

Market Outlook

Looking ahead to 2025 and into 2026, Devlin expects ongoing market stabilization rather than significant shifts. “I don’t think we’re going back into a seller’s market because inventory is continuing to increase,” she predicts.

Interest rates may influence buyer activity. “I think rates probably are going to drop just below six, which will bring more buyers to the market, because buyer activity is extremely low right now.”

Market segmentation is also clear. “What I’m seeing is a lot of first-time buyers coming out, and then the luxury market’s doing well, but that middle segment, they’re just kind of sitting and waiting.”

Professional Insights for Relocation Markets

For real estate pros working relocation markets, Devlin’s experience is a reminder that you’re not just selling homes—you’re guiding life transitions.

Her “location-first” philosophy, born from her own relocation regrets, underscores how powerful empathy and strategy can be in building trust. “People aren’t just buying a house—they’re rebuilding their lifestyle,” she says.

As relocation continues to drive growth in markets like St. Augustine, agents who understand every stage—from research to settling in—will stand out. The key is helping clients not just move, but belong.