The Story Behind The Locals Group: A Team of Female Realtors in Walton and Okaloosa County Who Built Something Different
- Kristie Barkauskus
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Whether you are here to buy or sell, stay or leave, The Locals Group believes real estate should be about more than simply handing over keys. It should be about helping people find where they truly belong.
Real estate is personal. Behind every transaction is a story. Families relocating across the country. Military members are searching for stability. Retirees are beginning a new chapter. Young couples are buying their first home. Or, investors building long-term dreams along the Emerald Coast.
Buying and selling a home can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The process is emotional, fast-moving, and filled with important decisions. That is why trust matters. Communication matters. Relationships matter. Community matters.
The Locals Group was built on those beliefs.
Created with a team of passionate female realtors along Florida’s Emerald Coast, The Locals Group provides a relationship-driven and community-centered approach to real estate. Their mission is simple: Deliver a high-touch experience rooted in local expertise, honest communication, top-tier service, and genuine connection.
As the team says:
“We are passionate about connecting our clients back into our local area. We offer a high-touch, community-centered experience. Our approach blends deep local knowledge, a flair for luxury service, and a passion for helping people find not just a home but a place they truly belong.
We are excited for what is ahead. We are building something meaningful, something that lasts longer than the closing date.”
-Kersten Bowman
Today, The Locals Group proudly serves clients throughout Walton County, Destin, Niceville (Okaloosa County), Miramar Beach, and the surrounding Emerald Coast communities.
Who Are The Female Realtors in Okaloosa and Walton County Behind The Locals Group?
The Locals Group is a team of women who bring different backgrounds, life experiences, strengths, and perspectives into every client relationship.
Some come from backgrounds in education and communication. Others from healthcare, relocation, and military life. Some grew up immersed in real estate, while others bring fresh energy and modern creativity to the industry.
Together, they share a common purpose. Helping clients feel supported, informed, and connected throughout the buying or selling process.
Because they live, work, volunteer, and raise families in these communities, they understand the Emerald Coast lifestyle on a personal level. From luxury waterfront homes to investment properties, family neighborhoods, and 30A beach communities, their local insight helps clients make confident decisions.
Meet The Women Behind The Locals Group
Kersten Bowman
Destin Market Manager and Broker Associate
Experience: Over 10 years in Emerald Coast real estate
“We are building something meaningful, something that lasts longer than the closing date.”
About Kersten
Kersten Bowman is a third-generation real estate professional with over a decade of proven success along Florida’s Emerald Coast. As a top luxury Broker Associate and Destin Market Manager with Christie’s International Real Estate Emerald Coast, she has built a reputation for exceptional client service, market expertise, and leadership within the luxury real estate space.
Kersten founded The Locals Group with a vision of creating a real estate team centered around relationships, community, and meaningful client experiences. She wanted to find other women who were passionate about connecting people back into our community with the people and businesses that make our area so special.
Her deep understanding of the Emerald Coast market, paired with her passion for helping others, has made her a trusted advisor for buyers, sellers, investors, and relocating families alike.
Why Real Estate?
For Kersten, real estate is about helping people build lives and memories within the community. She believes every client deserves personalized guidance and a trusted advocate throughout the process. And, she wants your life to feel as good as it looks!
Fun Fact
Kersten has won SIX Alabama State Volleyball Championships, four as a player and two as a coach.
Avery Thompson
Real Estate Advisor
“Helping clients feel at ease and cared for throughout the process is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.”
About Avery Thompson
Avery Thompson is a luxury real estate and relocation specialist serving Destin, Niceville, Miramar Beach, and the surrounding Emerald Coast communities.
As a former military wife and registered nurse, Avery understands the importance of adaptability, communication, care, and organization, qualities that naturally translate into exceptional client service.
Her background gives her unique insight into relocation challenges and life transitions, making her especially valuable to military families and clients navigating major moves.
Why Real Estate?
Avery loves helping clients feel comfortable and supported during what can often feel like a stressful process. Her calm approach and dedication to wellness and balance help create a positive client experience from start to finish.
Fun Fact
Avery has competed in bodybuilding competitions.
Avery Daniels
Real Estate Advisor
“Buying a home is often the start of a whole new chapter, and I love getting to be part of that experience.”
About Avery Daniels
A recent graduate of Mississippi State University, Avery Daniels brings fresh perspective, creativity, and enthusiasm to The Locals Group.
Beginning her real estate career along Florida’s Emerald Coast, Avery quickly connected with the team’s vision of blending professionalism with authentic relationships and local lifestyle connections.
Her positive energy and ability to connect with people make her a natural fit for buyers and sellers beginning exciting new chapters in their lives.
Why Real Estate?
Avery enjoys helping people navigate new adventures and loves introducing clients to the lifestyle and community that make the Emerald Coast so special.
Fun Fact
Avery can juggle.
Kristie Barkauskas
Real Estate Advisor
“I believe the best client relationships are built through communication, collaboration, and trust.”
About Kristie
Kristie Barkauskas is a luxury real estate advisor serving clients throughout the Emerald Coast.
With a background in education, communication, and investment property management, Kristie brings strong organizational skills, thoughtful communication, and a collaborative mindset to every client relationship.
She believes successful real estate experiences are built through trust, transparency, and open dialogue, not pressure or one-size-fits-all solutions.
Why Real Estate?
Kristie is passionate about building long-term relationships and helping clients feel empowered throughout the process. She believes every client deserves choices, guidance, and personalized strategies tailored to their goals.
Fun Fact
Kristie runs 30 miles every week.
How The Locals Group Was Formed
The idea for The Locals Group began with a shared belief: Real estate and the purchase of a home should feel more personal.
After years in the industry, Kersten recognized that many clients wanted more than market expertise alone. They wanted connection. What comes after the purchase to make your property feel like a home? Community!
She envisioned creating a collaborative team of women who love connecting people with the people and other businesses that make this area so special, where you can feel like a local.
As the team came together, each member brought unique strengths and life experiences that complemented one another. Leadership and luxury expertise. Relocation and healthcare experience. Communication and education backgrounds. Creativity and fresh perspective. Deep local knowledge and community connection.
What united them was their shared commitment to serving people well.
Rather than building a traditional sales-focused team, they built a relationship-focused brand centered on trust, communication, and community involvement.
That vision became The Locals Group.
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