We were lucky to catch up with Kim Devlin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kim , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

I actually launched my real estate career back in New Hampshire, where I learned the ropes in a very different climate! But my business truly found its soul when I moved to St. Augustine and Palm Coast. If I could go back, I wouldn’t change the timing, because my journey from the North to the South is exactly what allows me to connect so deeply with my relocation clients today.

Where was I?
When I moved here, I was at a point where I wanted my career to reflect the lifestyle I was living. I didn’t just want to sell houses; I wanted to showcase the hidden gems of Florida living. That’s when I started my YouTube channel.

Why the timing was perfect:
If I had started sooner, I might not have leaned into video and social technology the way I do now. By starting when I did, I was able to build a platform that doesn’t just list homes—it tells the story of the community. Whether I’m filming a tour of a historic St. Augustine street or a sunset in Palm Coast, my business became about connecting people to a lifestyle, not just a zip code.

What would have changed?
If I’d stayed in NH or started here too late, I might have missed the chance to be a pioneer in ‘Video-First’ real estate for this area. Starting when I did allowed me to bridge the gap between being a seasoned pro and a modern digital creator. Now, when someone finds me on YouTube, they already feel like we’ve grabbed a coffee together. I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be: helping people swap their snow shovels for sand shovels!”

Kim , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve been a REALTOR® for over 15 years, but my career as a relocation specialist actually began with my own personal journey. I have moved across state lines multiple times, so I have lived through the stress of navigating a new city without a roadmap. I founded The Kim Devlin Team specifically to be the guide I wish I had—someone who provides local context, not just a property listing.

“What problems do you solve for your clients, and what sets you apart?”

Relocating to St. Augustine or Palm Coast involves more than just finding a house; it’s about solving the “coastal puzzle.” I help my clients navigate technical hurdles that are unique to Florida, such as:

Environmental Logic: Analyzing flood zones and how salt air affects different types of home construction.

Financial Strategy: Explaining Florida-specific property tax structures and homestead exemptions.

Niche Markets: Matching buyers with specialized lifestyles, from 55+ active adult communities to waterfront estates.

What truly sets my brand apart is that I live the coastal lifestyle I sell. I actually live on a sailboat! This isn’t just a fun fact; it means I have a literal, daily understanding of the coastal lifestyle in Northeast Florida.

“What are you most proud of and what do you want people to know about your work?”

I am most proud of the culture of transparency we’ve built. Because I have been in my clients’ shoes, my approach is rooted in empathy and data. I want people to know that when they work with my team, they are getting an advocate who prioritizes their long-term success in the community over a quick transaction. I’m not just selling a home; I’m helping you successfully transition your life to the coast.

Have you ever had to pivot?

My biggest career pivot happened when I moved from New Hampshire to St. Augustine. I went from a market I knew like the back of my hand to starting completely over in a new state. It was intimidating, but it ended up being the best thing that ever happened to my business.

Why I Pivoted
When I arrived, I realized that most people moving to St. Johns and Flagler County weren’t just looking for a house—they were looking for a lifestyle change, just like I was. I saw a massive gap in how local information was being shared. People wanted to know about the best waterfront spots, the vibe of different neighborhoods, and what it’s actually like to live here.

Finding My Voice on YouTube
Instead of traditional cold-calling, I decided to educate my way into the market. I started blogging and launched my YouTube channel to pull back the curtain on the St. Augustine and Palm Coast area.

The Goal: To be the ‘boots on the ground’ guide for anyone sitting in a snowy living room up north, dreaming of Florida.

The Result: I stopped being just another realtor and became a relocation resource.

Connecting Through Content
This pivot allowed me to connect with people on a personal level before we even met. By sharing my genuine love for this area—from the historic brick streets to the hidden coastal trails—I built a community of followers who trust my local expertise. Today, my business is built on those authentic connections, and I wouldn’t trade that ‘starting over’ moment for anything. It taught me that in real estate, community connection beats a cold call every single time.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I’ve always believed that in real estate, you should treat every client like they are family. When you’re moving to a new area like St. Augustine or Palm Coast, you aren’t just looking for a house; you’re looking for a home where your life will happen. My reputation is built on radical honesty and transparency—the same kind I’d give my own brother or sister.

The ‘Devil’s Advocate’ Approach
One thing that sets me apart is that I’m never afraid to play devil’s advocate. If I walk into a home and see a red flag—whether it’s a concern with a roof, a tricky flood zone in St Augustine, or a location that won’t hold its value—I’m going to tell you. I’d much rather ‘lose’ a sale today than have a client end up with buyer’s remorse tomorrow.

Family-First Service

Education over Sales: Through my YouTube channel and blog, I focus on educating people about the Florida lifestyle so they can make the best decision for their future.

Total Transparency: My clients know they are getting the full picture, not just the highlights. I treat your hard-earned equity as if it were my own.

Relocation Heart: Having moved here from NH myself, I know the stress of the unknown. I’m here to be that steady, honest voice you can lean on.

At the end of the day, I want my clients to be my neighbors and friends long after the keys are handed over. By putting honesty and family values at the center of my business, I’ve been able to build a community of happy homeowners across St. Johns and Flagler County who know I always have their back.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yourkeytostaugustine.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourkeytostaugustine/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YourKeyToStAugustine
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yourkeytostaugustine/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@yourkeytostaugustine
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kim-devlin-team-st-augustine-realtor-st-augustine-3

Image Credits

Image of me and my partner
Image of me and my partner and photographer at a listing shoot
Image of me and a client on closing day, we rolled out red carpet
Image of me and my partner at a client even local icecream shop.