Strategy Over Speed: The Advisor’s Guide to the 2026 Reset

Strategy Over Speed: The Advisor’s Guide to the 2026 Reset

For the past few years, the North Florida real estate market felt like a whirlwind—fueled by rapid rate hikes, record-low inventory, and a "panic-buying" culture that left many families feeling rushed or uncertain.

As we cross the threshold into 2026, that whirlwind is finally calming. We are entering what we at The Mixon Group call The Great Housing Reset. This isn't just a shift in numbers; it’s a shift in philosophy. This year will be defined by Clarity and Stability. With mortgage rates projected to stabilize in the low 6% range and inventory levels finally reaching a healthy balance, the market is doing exactly what a mature market should: it is rewarding strategy over speed.

We are moving away from the reactive "Wild West" era and into a sophisticated environment where precision pricing and professional presentation are the only ways to win. To help you navigate this transition, we’ve developed the 2026 North Florida Playbook.

The 2026 Advisory Playbook: 3 Steps to Winning the Reset

In a market of equilibrium, you cannot rely on luck. You must rely on a process. Whether you are selling a lakefront estate or acquiring an investment asset, these three steps are your foundation for success this year:

Step 1: Audit Your Equity (The Wealth Check)

Before making a move, you must understand your baseline. Most homeowners have seen significant appreciation over the last five years, but few have audited how that equity can be redeployed.

• The Play: We start with an "Equity Audit"—looking at your current value, your mortgage structure, and your long-term goals. In 2026, the goal isn't just to "sell," it's to ensure your largest asset is working for you.

Step 2: Engineer the First 14 Days

In a balanced market, the "New Listing" smell wears off quickly. Buyers in 2026 have the breathing room to be selective, meaning your property must be the obvious choice from day one.

• The Play: We utilize Absorption Rate Analysis to price with precision, not hope. We pair this with high-fidelity "Signature Series" content and proactive marketing that targets buyers across our global network before the sign even hits the yard. If you don't win the first 14 days, you’re chasing the market.

Step 3: Solve for the "Payment," Not the "Price"

With rates stabilizing in the low 6% range, the conversation has shifted. Buyers are no longer waiting for 3% rates to return; they are looking for monthly affordability and lifestyle alignment.

• The Play: For sellers, we utilize "Seller Concessions" and "Rate Buydowns" as strategic marketing tools to lower a buyer's monthly payment without slashing your home's value. For buyers, we find the "Holes in the Market"—identifying well-positioned properties that offer long-term stability in a newly predictable environment.

Expertise. Authority. Advocacy.

The Mixon Group was built for this exact cycle. With over $120M in lifetime sales and hundreds of families served, we treat every transaction as the significant asset transfer it is.

This year, we’ve expanded to four partners and launched more advisor partnerships across the Americas to provide our clients with elite exposure and connection. We pair proactive, industry-leading marketing with a Consultative, White-Glove approach. Whether navigating complex market trends or serving as your lifelong community resource, we provide the best strategies for buying and selling in the North Florida corridor.

How Can We Work for You in 2026?

• Start Your Journey: If you have questions about the 2026 market, let’s talk strategy. Give us a call and we will start by answering the questions you have—and some you don't yet have.

• Refer a Friend: If you know someone who deserves a white-glove real estate experience, I would be honored to help. Follow us on our socials and send us a DM; we will ensure you referred the right Group!