Broker’s Corner – October 2025
By: Tanya Chappell, Broker/Owner – Secure Investments Realty & Management Corp.
Happy All Hallows’ Eve!
Caption: Getting in the Halloween spirit!
It’s that fun time of year when we all get a good excuse to dress up and act like kids again! I’m not one of those super-creative people who can whip up clever costume ideas or sew something amazing together at home. I usually end up ordering one online at the last minute. But that’s progress — considering I used to skip dressing up altogether!
These days, I have extra motivation since one of my friends has a Halloween birthday and throws a costume party every year. Last year I went as a Sexy SWAT Officer and this year I’ll be a skeleton! Both comfy onesies that require very little creativity — just how I like it!
While writing this article, I found myself wondering about the history of Halloween and decided to ask ChatGPT. Of course, Chat didn’t just answer — it followed up with questions like, “Would you like to know more about how pumpkin carving started?” or “Want to learn the origin of trick-or-treating?” And, of course, I said yes! I ended up learning more than I even knew I wanted to know.
Fort Walton Beach & the Fudpuckers Tournament ️
Last week we took a four-day trip to Fort Walton Beach to play in the Annual Fall Fudpuckers Volleyball Tournament. It’s a five-day event that starts with doubles on Wednesday and Thursday, then switches to four-person teams Friday through Sunday. I love this tournament for so many reasons.
In doubles, there’s no hiding. It’s you, your partner, and a whole lot of sand that seems determined to pull you down with every step. You’re constantly moving — covering every inch of court, reading the wind, chasing down shots, and diving for saves that test every muscle you’ve got. It’s raw, intense, and incredibly rewarding, but it leaves you breathless in every sense of the word.
Then you switch to fours, and suddenly the game opens up. There’s more coverage, more laughter, and a little more room to breathe. You can play smart, enjoy the teamwork, and still feel the thrill of competition without quite so much exhaustion — the same love of the game, just a gentler rhythm.
This year was extra special because it marked Duane’s and my two-year anniversary. We celebrated in style by renting a beautiful waterfront Airbnb big enough for all our volleyball friends, partners, and of course our chocolate Labs — Cutty and Pepper (appropriately named for volleyball activities!).
The house was perfect — right on the water, with a dock and swimming pool. We brought the boat, and after the tournament ended, Duane and I spent a quiet day exploring the famous Crab Island area, watching dolphins, and finishing the evening with a spontaneous dance-off on the lanai. It was an unforgettable and exhausting trip in the best way possible.
Back to Business — and Loving It
Even when I’m traveling, I never completely leave work behind. With everything digital these days, it’s easy to stay connected and keep things moving along while still enjoying some downtime.
We recently listed several properties for rent that had previously been on the sales market with other firms but didn’t sell in a timely manner. We’re often recommended by fellow Realtors who know that we can help their clients by finding qualified tenants and maintaining the property — preserving (and often improving) its value until the market supports the seller’s price goals.
This is one of my favorite parts of what I do — giving homeowners a financially smart option when selling isn’t ideal. We not only pay the referring Realtor a fee, but we also notify them when the owner is ready to sell. We don’t “steal” clients — we partner with agents to create win-win solutions for everyone involved.
Market Update
The sales market is still moving slowly, and we’re seeing an increase in price reductions across many listings. The Federal Reserve recently lowered rates again to a target range of 4.00%–4.25%, which is expected to give the fall housing market a small boost.
If you’re still struggling to sell, we’re happy to provide a free, no-pressure rental evaluation and market analysis. We’ll let you know what your property could rent for and whether any maintenance updates are recommended before listing it for rent.
Closing Message
Whether you’re on the sand or in the housing market — teamwork, timing, and adaptability make all the difference. From my family (and volleyball crew!) to yours — Happy Halloween!
