Veteran Florida Builder Sees Luxury Homes Rewarding Quality Over Speed

As mortgage rates rise, builders who scaled aggressively during the pandemic housing boom are facing consequences, while those with a more conservative approach are finding success.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:06pm

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A minimalist studio still life featuring premium construction materials and tools, including a polished trowel, reinforced roofing tiles, and a weathered blueprint, arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background to convey the craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines Coastal Homes' approach to luxury homebuilding.A veteran builder's focus on quality construction materials and techniques is paying off in Florida's selective luxury home market.Marco Island Today

Kent Pecoy, General Manager of Coastal Homes of Marco Island, has navigated multiple housing cycles over his 45-year career in residential construction. He believes that builders who maintained discipline and quality during the recent boom are now being rewarded, as the luxury home market in coastal Southwest Florida becomes more selective. Buyers are increasingly focused on construction quality, climate resilience, and transparent project management, favoring experienced builders with strong reputations over those who rushed to chase the market.

Why it matters

The shift in the Florida luxury home market highlights how the post-pandemic housing surge has created winners and losers among builders. Firms that scaled aggressively to meet demand are now facing the consequences, while those with a more conservative, quality-focused approach are finding success as buyers become more discerning. This dynamic is reshaping the competitive landscape in high-end coastal markets like Marco Island.

The details

As mortgage rates have risen from historic lows, the Florida residential market has undergone a recalibration. While high-end coastal markets like Naples, Marco Island, and Sarasota have remained relatively resilient, the character of demand has changed. Buyers are now more deliberate, focused on construction quality and how a home will perform over time given intensifying climate considerations. Insurance availability has become a critical factor, with storm-rated windows, reinforced roofing, and elevated foundations becoming prerequisites for many transactions.

  • Pecoy has navigated multiple housing cycles over his 45-year career in residential construction.
  • The post-pandemic housing surge occurred between 2020 and 2022, when population inflows, remote work flexibility, and favorable tax treatment drove demand in Florida.
  • The recalibration in the Florida residential market has been underway since mortgage rates began rising from historic lows.

The players

Kent Pecoy

The General Manager of Coastal Homes of Marco Island, a luxury residential builder serving Southwest Florida. Pecoy has more than 45 years of experience in residential construction across New England and Southwest Florida, and is recognized for his commitment to craftsmanship, innovative design, and reliable project management.

Coastal Homes of Marco Island

A luxury residential builder serving Southwest Florida, with a focus on high-quality construction and climate-resilient design.

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What they’re saying

“Housing never moves in one direction forever. It always corrects. The only question is whether you've built your business and your homes to survive the correction.”

— Kent Pecoy, General Manager, Coastal Homes of Marco Island

What’s next

As the Florida luxury home market continues to evolve, builders who have maintained a focus on quality and climate resilience are expected to be well-positioned to capitalize on the changing buyer preferences. Coastal Homes of Marco Island plans to continue its commitment to craftsmanship and transparent project management, aiming to meet the growing demand for homes that can withstand the challenges of Florida's coastal environment.

The takeaway

The shift in the Florida luxury home market highlights the importance of building a sustainable, quality-focused business model that can weather market cycles. Builders who scaled aggressively during the pandemic-driven boom are now facing the consequences, while those with a more conservative, long-term approach are being rewarded by discerning buyers who prioritize construction quality, climate resilience, and transparent project management.