30A Real Estate Blog & Insights | The Kendall Hood Collection

Thanksgiving Week in Inlet Beach Has an Almost-Nightly Soundtrack, and It's a Walk Under Highway 98

11/5/26

Kendall Hood Collection Passes $100M in 2026 Sales on 30A

The Kendall Hood Collection
11/2/26

Seaside's Thanksgiving Week Starts and Ends on the Amphitheater Lawn

10/29/26

Thanksgiving Turkey at a reservation on 30A, Florida

Thanksgiving Dinner on 30A and the Emerald Coast: 2026 Guide

10/24/26

Your 2026 Thanksgiving dinner guide for 30A, Sandestin, and Destin: where to dine, what it costs, and which takeaway deadlines ...

Coastal lagoon at sunset, with homes along the banks and grasses in the foreground.

What Home Insurance Costs on the 30A Coast

The Kendall Hood Collection
07/17/26

What home insurance and flood coverage really cost on 30A in 2026, what drives the price, and how to run the numbers before you...

Modern white home with six adults standing along its rooftop balcony beneath a bright blue sky.

Top Real Estate Agents on 30A: Meet The Kendall Hood Collection

The Kendall Hood Collection
07/8/26

The Kendall Hood Collection | Inspection Report Guide

Home Inspection Report: What's a Dealbreaker and What Isn't?

The Kendall Hood Collection
09/5/26

People browse a food truck and colorful T-shirts beneath a red umbrella and large shade tree.

30A Fall Events 2026: Halloween to Thanksgiving Guide

The Kendall Hood Collection
10/2/26

Sandestin dining district with a storefront, a woman at a cafe, and an aerial view of shops.

Where to Eat at Grand Boulevard in Sandestin

The Kendall Hood Collection
09/13/26

Two women walk through an outdoor shopping center beside a “Be the Light” mural.

Living Off 30A: Why Locals Choose Grand Boulevard Area

The Kendall Hood Collection
10/8/26

Three women pose outside a coastal home beside a swimming pool.

30A Weather by Month: October to February Guide

The Kendall Hood Collection
10/2/26

Discover what 30A is really like from November through February — weather, crowds, what to do, and why this season is secretly ...

Living in Regatta Bay: Destin Without the Destin Traffic

The Kendall Hood Collection
10/23/26

Kaiya vs Alys Beach: Same Architecture, Different Way to Live

10/24/26

Dune Allen Beach Real Estate: The Quiet West End of 30A

The Kendall Hood Collection
07/17/26

A canoe drifting across the glassy tea-colored water of WaterColor's Western Lake framed by golden dune grasses on 30A, Florida

Why WaterColor Works So Well For Multi‑Generational Families

03/12/26

Wide sunset over a 30A coastal dune lake with silhouetted gulf-front homes near Seagrove Beach, Florida

Seagrove Beach vs. Seaside: Which Fits Full-Time Living?

02/26/26

Vibrant purple market-bakery building with a white columned arcade and beach bikes parked out front at Blue Mountain Beach on 30A, Florida

Blue Mountain Beach: Primary Home Or Rental First?

02/19/26

Brick-paver town-center street lined with colorful buildings, wrought-iron balconies and cruiser bikes in Rosemary Beach on 30A, Florida

Is Inlet Beach A Smart Short-Term Rental Market?

02/5/26

Bright white bedroom with tall windows and a built-in window seat; a woman stands beside the windows.

Florida Homestead Exemption 2026: Amount, Benefits and Requirements

01/13/26

After twenty years helping Florida and 30A homeowners navigate the buying process, we can tell you the same thing happens every...

Live-oak-shaded town-center patio with a 'Wine Bar at WaterColor' chalkboard, market umbrellas and rocking chairs on 30A, Florida

WaterColor vs. Rosemary Beach: Which Fits Your Lifestyle?

12/11/25

Golden-hour sun setting over a mirror-calm coastal dune lake with beach cottages on the far shore near Seagrove Beach on 30A, Florida

WaterSound Beach Ownership Costs: Club Membership, Assessments and HOA Fees

08/27/26

Seaside's iconic white postmodern beach pavilion arch framing a palm-lined walk toward the Gulf of Mexico on 30A, Florida

Gulf-Front vs. Gulf-View: What Buyers Should Know

11/21/25

Baytowne Wharf village at Sandestin with the zipline tower and colorful storefronts along a brick pedestrian lane in Miramar Beach, Florida

Short‑Term Rental Rules In Miramar Beach And Sandestin Explained

03/26/26

What is the Real Cost of Living in Destin, FL?

KENDALL HOOD
11/9/23

Desirable waterfront homes and beachfront properties drive up home prices and other costs.

Seaside Florida | Bud Dog Inflatable | Annual Halloweener Derby

Walton County Dog Beach Permit: How to Get One and Where to Go

KENDALL HOOD
10/11/24

Why Walton County Outshines Bay and Okaloosa Counties

Thanksgiving Morning, Rosemary Beach's Main Road Runs on the 5K Clock

10/22/26

Scout Sports Tavern’s white facade with a green S sign and patio umbrellas.

Scout Sports Tavern: The Newest Sports Bar in Watersound, FL

09/3/25

Discover Scout Sports Tavern, the chic new sports-bar-style restaurant near WaterColor, FL. Opened Aug 27, 2025 with chef Tory ...

Grayton's New Beach Access Has Zero Parking Spaces, and the Fall Tram Schedule Is Why That Works

10/8/26

Twin white Bermuda-style entry towers along a palm-lined avenue at dusk in Alys Beach on 30A, Florida

Indaco Adds an Afternoon Option to Alys Beach's Town Center

09/3/26

Coastal-style homes beneath mature oak trees, including a pink cottage and a two-story red-and-white house.

WaterColor’s Fall Events at Cerulean and Marina Parks

09/24/26

Pastel tower with a flag, framed by leafy trees and landscaped greenery.

What Destin Does With Itself Between Labor Day and the Rodeo

09/10/26

Woman climbing white exterior stairs beside a pool and palm tree.

Seagrove Beach Finally Has One Address For Morning Coffee And Evening Cocktails

08/20/26

Modern white coastal building with a palm-lined entrance opening toward the ocean.

At Kaiya Beach, the Brochure and the Website Don't Agree on the Hotel's Size

10/1/26

Seacrest Beach's Halloween Week Happens Next Door, Twice

10/15/26

Aerial view of a coastal community with a golf course, waterways, and the Gulf on the horizon.

Baytowne Wharf's Beer Fest Just Got Smaller. Somehow, That's the Upgrade.

09/17/26

Blue Mountain Beach Finally Has a Tram Heading West. It Stops Running Before Dinner.

08/13/26

United States map marked with white stars and a large SE symbol.

Kendall Hood Collection Inducted into Compass Sports & Entertainment Division

The Kendall Hood Collection
02/27/26

The Kendall Hood Collection has officially been inducted into the Compass Sports & Entertainment Division — a prestigious, invi...

White Moorish stucco archway framing a palm-lined paver promenade at golden hour in Gulf Place on 30A, Florida

Why Gulf Place Reads Differently From Every Other Town Center on 30A

08/6/26

Aerial of Sandestin golf fairways wrapping blue lagoons and luxury pool homes with Choctawhatchee Bay beyond in Miramar Beach, Florida

Life on the Bay vs. the Gulf: Docks, Insurance, Tradeoffs

The Kendall Hood Collection
09/25/26

What to Know Before You Buy a Lot on 30A (2026 Guide)

The Kendall Hood Collection
09/16/26

A woman in an orange top introduces Seaside in a three-panel collage.

Life in Seaside, FL: A Local's Guide to Living on 30A

The Kendall Hood Collection
08/13/26

Living in Seaside Florida Full-Time

The Kendall Hood Collection
08/26/26

Kendall Hood discusses 30A real estate inventory beside rising market charts.

30a Inventory What Six Months of Supply Means

08/20/26

Kendall Hood, Real Estate Advisory | What is it like to be on 30A in the fall?

What Is 30A Like in the Fall?

The Kendall Hood Collection
08/27/26

Owning A Home In WaterColor: Fees, Access And Expectations

06/4/26

Wide aerial from the emerald Gulf shoreline across the Sandestin golf course to Choctawhatchee Bay in Miramar Beach, Florida

Miramar Beach Or Sandestin: How To Choose Your Resort Base

06/18/26

Pristine sugar-white sand meeting the calm turquoise-to-emerald Gulf of Mexico at Blue Mountain Beach on 30A, Florida

A Slow Morning In Dune Allen: The West-End Loop Locals Actually Walk

08/6/26

Golden sunset over the Gulf of Mexico with beachgoers along sugar-white sand at Watersound Beach on 30A, Florida

Is Watersound Beach Right For Golf-Loving Buyers?

05/28/26

Three women meet around a table in a bright room with tall windows.

The Biggest Myths About Living on 30A

02/1/26

A local expert breaks down what is true, what is exaggerated and what life on 30A actually feels like day to day.

What It’s Like To Own A Second Home In Inlet Beach

07/23/26

Sun-washed mint-green coastal cottage with a coral door, white rocking chairs and a picket fence at Watersound on 30A, Florida

Carriage Houses In Rosemary Beach: Guest Space Or Rental?

07/16/26

Turning Sand into Cash: How to Buy a Rental Property on 30A

03/8/25

Thinking about buying a second home along 30A, Destin, or Miramar Beach? Here’s your no-fluff, all-facts guide to turning that ...

Navigating Florida's New HOA Laws: What Homeowners Need to Know

04/15/25

Ah, the joys of homeownership in Florida—sunshine, palm trees, and, for many, the ever-present Homeowners Association (HOA). Lo...

The Local's Guide to 30A: Coffee, Dining & Adventures

04/22/25

Discover the best coffee shops, elevated dining, and must-do adventures on Scenic 30A. This insider's guide is your starting po...

The One Investment That Won’t Destroy Your Sleep in 2025

04/29/25

Let’s not sugarcoat it — 2025’s economy feels like a car chase scene, and your retirement savings are riding shotgun. Between t...

How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent in Miramar Beach, Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, and 30A (Without All the Fuss)

05/30/25

Finding the right real estate agent along 30A doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. At The Kendall Hood Collection, we know it’s a...

5 Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value Before Selling on 30A

05/30/25

They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression—and that’s gospel truth down here on 30A. If you’re getting r...

Luxury Real Estate on 30A: Neighborhood Guide for Buyers & Investors

08/1/25

Discover 30A’s top luxury communities from Rosemary Beach to WaterColor. Explore price points, buyer profiles, and investment p...

Alys Beach's iconic white stepped-pyramid tower rising from a manicured green lawn against a clear blue sky on 30A, Florida

The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Homes and Properties

KENDALL HOOD
01/12/24

Discovering Elegance in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Green-railed dune boardwalk leading over sugar-white sand to the turquoise Gulf at a Seagrove Beach access on 30A, Florida

How to Buy a 30A Investment Property (Like a Pro)—From First Step to First Booking

08/15/25

A practical, researched guide to buying a short-term rental on Florida’s 30A. Learn the exact steps, real costs, required licen...

New Construction vs. Resale On 30A: Pros And Cons

12/4/25

Hurricane Season Guide: Protect Your Property and Investments

KENDALL HOOD
08/16/24

30A Beach Access Guide: Public and Private Beach Spots

KENDALL HOOD
06/17/24

The Ultimate 30A Relocation Checklist for 2026

12/23/25

Consider this your friendly, strategic checklist that helps you think through the move like a seasoned local and settle in like...

30A Vacation Itinerary

The Kendall Hood Collection
03/20/26

The Smart Way to Plan a Saturday-to-Saturday Stay

Condo vs. House: Which Is the Better Option in Destin, Miramar Beach, and 30A?

02/22/25

Thinking about buying in Destin, Miramar Beach, or 30A? The Kendall Hood Collection breaks down the pros and cons of condos vs....

Aerial of Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort showing emerald Gulf water, beachfront towers and a palm-lined golf course in Miramar Beach, Florida

Condo-Hotels In Destin: What Investors Need To Know

11/27/25

Should You Renovate Or Sell As‑Is In Destin’s Luxury Condo Market?

03/24/26

Boat Lover’s Guide To Buying On The Destin Harbor And Bay

06/11/26

Financing Inlet Beach Condos: Florida‑Specific Rules

11/6/25

What Bed Tax Trends Say About Inlet Beach Rentals

10/16/25

Sunlit all-white barrel-vaulted breezeway arch framing a palm-lined walkway in Alys Beach on 30A, Florida

Inlet Beach: Townhome Or Single-Family, Which Is Better?

01/22/26

Lush plant-framed entrance to the Pescado restaurant with hanging ferns and wood French doors in Rosemary Beach on 30A, Florida

Closing Costs in Inlet Beach: Doc Stamps and Intangibles

10/23/25

Selling a Home in Miramar Beach, FL

KENDALL HOOD
06/14/23

Set your home up for a successful sale with these tips from a top real estate expert.

HOA Fees And Condo Assessments In Miramar Beach

11/21/25

Sandestin: Where Coastal Luxury Meets Endless Adventure

KENDALL HOOD
02/23/24

Sandestin offers a resort experience like no other, promising unforgettable memories for every visitor.

Is Gulf Place Right For First-Time 30A Buyers?

01/8/26

What It’s Like To Live In Gulf Place Year-Round

02/12/26

Gulf Place Condos As Vacation Rentals: What Buyers Should Know

05/7/26

How To Estimate Rental Potential In Blue Mountain Beach

12/25/25

Coastal building with coral-red shutters, angled timber brackets and gooseneck lamps glowing at golden hour in Blue Mountain Beach on 30A, Florida

Preparing Your Blue Mountain Beach Home For A Standout Sale

05/14/26

Seagrove Beach: Build On A Lot Or Buy Move-In Ready?

01/15/26

Buying A Gulf-Front Home In Seagrove Beach

05/21/26

The white open-air 'Shrimp Shack' kiosk with a shrimp weathervane and chalkboard menus on a herringbone brick plaza in Seaside on 30A, Florida

How Seaside’s Design Code Impacts Home Buying And Renovations

04/9/26

Pale cottage-style Seaside restaurant with a white picket-railed porch and lime-green umbrellas in the town center on 30A, Florida

Second-Home Ownership In Seaside: Lifestyle And Logistics

07/2/26

Whimsical multicolored mosaic giraffe climbing the weathered-wood facade of The Zoo Gallery in Grayton Beach on 30A, Florida

GRAYTON BEACH: WHERE ECCENTRIC MEETS EXTRAORDINARY

KENDALL HOOD
12/22/23

Sun setting over a rare coastal dune lake meeting the Gulf at Grayton Beach on 30A, Florida (choose a dune-lake shot from the Grayton folder)

Coastal Dune Lakes: Grayton Beach’s Natural Wonder

11/14/25

Weathered white two-story cottage with wraparound porches and a silver metal roof at the sandy edge of Grayton Beach on 30A, Florida

Selling A Vintage Cottage In Grayton Beach

06/25/26

Visitors with beach-cruiser bikes gathered below pastel two-story cottages and red cafe umbrellas in Grayton Beach on 30A, Florida

Remote‑Work Life In Grayton Beach: Cafés, Connectivity And Calm

04/2/26

Sell Smarter In Rosemary Beach With Compass Concierge

12/18/25

Should You Sell Furnished In Rosemary Beach?

04/23/26

Alys Beach Buyer Advantage: Private Tours And Off-Market Access

01/1/26

Choosing Between Alys Beach Courtyard, Condo And Gulf-Front Homes

07/9/26

An Architecture Lover’s Guide To Homes In Alys Beach

04/16/26

Fourth of July on 30A: your 2026 fireworks and events guide

The Kendall Hood Collection
06/25/26

Grayton Beach street scene with a “Nice Dogs Strange People” sign and colorful artwork.

Why Grayton Beach Is 30A’s Most Underrated Community

The Kendall Hood Collection
03/2/26

An Interview With Kendall Hood

Mint-green Moke parked beneath trees on a sunlit neighborhood street.

Living the 30A Lifestyle: What to Love and What to Skip

The Kendall Hood Collection
05/29/26

Our 30A team on what to love about life here, from golf carts to Grayton Beach sunsets, and what to skip, like summer traffic ...

Collective by Luxury Presence branding beside a seated woman in a navy dress.

Collective by Luxury Presence Explained for 30A Clients

The Kendall Hood Collection
05/15/26

The Kendall Hood Collection team at Clay 30A garden center in Seagrove Beach, exploring plants, gifts, and outdoor furniture.

Clay 30A Garden Center Seagrove Beach FL – Plants, Gifts & Furniture

11/21/25

Discover Clay 30A in Seagrove Beach Fl: garden center, gift shop, florist and outdoor furniture destination loved by locals on ...

White coastal-style home with balconies, courtyard pool, raised spa, and patio fire pit at sunset.

Rare $7.5M Bayfront Estate in Miramar Beach Offers Private Resort-Style Living

The Kendall Hood Collection
04/30/26

Kendall Hood, founder and principal of The Kendall Hood Collection

About the founder

The Kendall Hood Collection at Compass

Luxury coastal real estate, 30A and the Emerald Coast

Kendall Hood is the founder and principal of The Kendall Hood Collection, a five-agent luxury real estate team at Compass serving 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, Seagrove Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Grayton Beach, WaterColor, Rosemary Beach, Inlet Beach, Miramar Beach, Sandestin and Destin. An Alabama native who grew up vacationing on this coastline, she began her career in hospitality at the Waldorf Astoria in New York, spent six years selling new construction at Emerald Grande in Destin, and has spent more than 20 years learning every pocket of the 30A to Destin corridor. A founding agent of Compass 30A, she lives on 30A with her husband, Jim, and their two children. The team has served the Emerald Coast since 2020.

Among the 52 RealTrends Verified teams on 30A, The Kendall Hood Collection ranks number one in four ways: top team in Seagrove Beach, top boutique Compass team of ten agents or fewer, most homes sold among teams averaging $1M to $2M a sale, and most Google reviews on 30A. RealTrends counted $85.16 million and 74 closed sales for the team in 2025.

In the team's own rolling 12 months ending June 30, 2026, it closed 82 transactions and $117 million in volume across five agents, an average of $23.4 million per agent, with a 97.6 percent list-to-sale price ratio. Repeat clients and referrals accounted for 59.2 percent of business. The team holds 103 five-star Google reviews, has represented more than 600 families and has closed more than $540 million in lifetime sales.

Meet the team | 2048 W County Hwy 30A, Suite 107, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 | (850) 974-4556
Rankings: The Closed List, 30A edition, from RealTrends Verified 2025 data.