Coastal Realty Services, a staple in the local real estate market since 1974, continues to evolve while maintaining its commitment to personalized service and community involvement. 

• As the company celebrates its 50th anniversary, it’s also preparing for a leadership transition that promises to carry its legacy of excellence into the future.

Founded by Robert and Edna Hudgens, the company has grown from humble beginnings to become a significant player in the Emerald Coast real estate scene. Tyler Capelotti, Director of Property Management and Sales Agent at Coastal Realty Services, shared insights into the company’s history and future in a recent interview.

“Since 1974, it was Robert and Edna Hudgens, husband and wife. He was a military fighter pilot, and they settled here at the end of his career,” Capelotti explained. From 1974 to 1984, it was just Robert (known as “Big Bob”) and Edna running the business. Their son, also named Bob, joined in 1984, followed by daughter Denise in 1994.

• The company’s growth has been substantial over the years. “In 1974, Coastal Realty was managing 30-40 houses, which was a big number,” Capelotti noted. “Now we’ve got about 650 doors throughout the local area.”

This growth has been facilitated by technological advancements. Capelotti highlighted the stark contrast between the company’s early days and its current operations: “Everything used to be done manually by paper, and CB radios in the cars to communicate back to the office. Now we have self-showings and automated scheduling, maintenance coordination programs and software.”

The company has also expanded its team to meet growing demands. “We have a marketing director now, which was never heard of before,” Capelotti said. “We’ve got a staff of seven with about 200 years of experience combined.”

Coastal Realty Services prides itself on its lean, experienced staff. The company specializes in serving what Capelotti calls “accidental landlords” – often military personnel who purchased homes locally but were reassigned elsewhere. 

• “We’re grateful that we have the trust of those owners to manage that investment and keep eyes on it while they’re away,” he explained.

Community involvement has been a cornerstone of Coastal Realty Services’ philosophy since its inception. This commitment spans generations and continues to be a priority for the company.

The Hudgens family has long been active in local and national real estate organizations. Bob Hudgens has held leadership positions in the Florida Association of REALTORS and the National Association of Realtors. Denise Bavarian continues this tradition with her involvement in various realtor associations.

• Others are following suit. Joe Capelotti, COO, recently served as President of the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, while Tyler Capelotti served on the board of directors from 2018 to 2022.

“Serving on these boards isn’t just about industry involvement,” Capelotti explained. “It’s about staying connected to our community and ensuring we’re always in a position to serve it better.”

Beyond industry involvement, Coastal Realty Services actively supports local sports teams, schools, and charitable events like Relay for Life. This multi-faceted approach to community involvement demonstrates the company’s commitment to the Emerald Coast community, a core value that continues to bridge the past, present, and future of this family-owned business.

The company’s family-owned nature and local roots contribute significantly to its community focus. “This is homegrown. It’s not some big national brokerage,” Capelotti explained. “It started with a mom and a dad and a vision and went to a brother and sister and now to a son.”

• As Coastal Realty Services prepares for its next chapter, a new generation is stepping into leadership roles. Ty Whaley, son of Denise Hudgens Bavarian, is now the new CEO. This transition represents a continuation of the family legacy that has defined the company for five decades.

Looking ahead, Capelotti is optimistic about the local real estate market. He anticipates a more balanced market as interest rates stabilize. “I think we’re going to see some buyers that are on the fence get off the fence and start buying,” he predicted. “So you’ll probably see an uptick in buyers, which will help this kind of oversaturated inventory that we have.”

Capelotti doesn’t expect a return to the frenzied market of 2021 and 2022, where multiple offers were common and properties sold rapidly. Instead, he foresees a more balanced environment. “Things aren’t going to be flying off the market in 24 hours, but they’re not going to be sitting for 30 or 40 days. It should be a nice median,” he explained.

The company’s local knowledge is a significant asset in serving clients, especially those relocating to the area. “We can help from A-to-Z with establishing a place to either live by buying or renting,” Capelotti said. This assistance extends beyond just finding a property. “Helping a family get set up with everything that they need for that home, whether it be all of their utilities, telling them the school zones that their kids are in, where the closest shopping places are for food, what the cool things to do are.”

But their knowledge also extends beyond real estate to encompass the area’s natural attractions, particularly its water-related activities. This expertise allows the company to provide valuable insights to clients about the unique lifestyle the Emerald Coast offers.

• Capelotti enthusiastically spoke about the region’s outdoor appeal: “This is where you want to be if you love the outdoors. We have the largest private fishing fleet in North America right here in Destin. From deep-sea fishing to enjoying our beautiful beaches, the water-based activities are endless.”

He added, “When we’re working with clients, especially those relocating here, we often find ourselves not just talking about properties, but also about the incredible natural amenities that make this area so special. It’s part of what makes living here a unique experience.”

Giveaway!

As part of their ongoing commitment to community engagement, Coastal Realty Services is launching an exciting giveaway to celebrate their 50th anniversary and give back to the community that has supported them for half a century.

• From now until October 25th, community members have the chance to win a basket packed with over $700 in amazing prizes.

The prize basket includes a variety of local experiences and goods, showcasing the company’s dedication to supporting area businesses. Winners will receive:

• Sunset Cruise for Two with Cruisin’ Tikis
• $300 Gift Certificate to A Day Away Massage and Spa
• Gift certificates to local eateries Sax Grille and Thick Cookie Co.
• 30oz Stanley Tumbler
• Free yard service from Dolphin Home Services valued at $200.
• The basket also includes Coastal Realty Services branded items.

To enter, participants need to follow Coastal Realty Services on Instagram (@coastalrealtyservices) and like their Facebook page. They can gain additional entries by tagging friends they’d bring on the Sunset Cruise, liking and sharing the post, filling out a contact form, or leaving a review on Google if they’ve used Coastal Realty Services before.

This giveaway not only celebrates Coastal Realty Services’ anniversary but also reflects their ongoing commitment to the local community and businesses. It’s a fitting way for the company to mark 50 years of service while looking forward to many more years of being an integral part of the Emerald Coast’s growth and development.