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

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 ready to sell your home in Miramar Beach, Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, or anywhere along this stretch of sandy paradise, you’ll want to make every inch count.

The good news? You don’t need a gut renovation or a fancy decorator to make your home pop. Just some smart updates and a bit of elbow grease can get you top dollar at the closing table.

Let’s break it down—real talk, neighbor to neighbor.

1. Spruce Up That Southern Welcome

Nothing says “come on in” like a fresh and welcoming entrance. Down here, a little effort on curb appeal can pay off big.

• Go for a bold front door color like Sherwin-Williams’ “Naval” or a rich Southern red—instant charm for under $100 in paint.
• Swap out dated house numbers and hardware for a sleek black or brushed brass finish. Buyers notice those details—and for less than $200, it’s a quick facelift.
• In beach communities, pressure-washing that front porch or adding a couple of Adirondack chairs can make buyers imagine their own sweet tea breaks right there.

Local tip: Outdoor showers are a big hit for beach homes—if you’ve got the space, adding one can be a game-changer.

2. Upgrade the Kitchen Where it Counts

Here on 30A, kitchens aren’t just for cooking—they’re for crab boils, Sunday suppers, and all the good stuff in between. But you don’t need to rip it out to boost your home’s value.

• Replace dated cabinet hardware with sleek pulls—$100–$300 can give your kitchen a fresh coastal feel.
• If your countertops have seen better days, consider swapping them for quartz. It’s low-maintenance and perfect for those beachy messes—plus, buyers love the bright, clean look.
• A new backsplash in classic white subway tile or a soft coastal blue can modernize your kitchen for a fraction of the cost of a full reno.

3. Knock Out the To-Do List

Those little fixes? They matter more than you think—especially for detail-focused buyers.

• Fix that leaky faucet—it’s a $50 fix that saves a buyer from worrying about water damage.
• Squeaky doors, loose hinges, and scuffed trim—spend a weekend getting those sorted. It’s the difference between “this home needs work” and “this home’s been loved.”
• On 30A, buyers are big on move-in ready. Don’t give them a reason to haggle over small repairs.

4. Lighten, Brighten, and Open Up

Natural light is like gold down here—every buyer wants it. Make it shine!

• Replace heavy drapes with breezy linen curtains—perfect for showing off those sunny beach views.
• Swap out dated light fixtures for modern coastal pendants or sleek ceiling fans. Think wicker, rattan, or brushed nickel.
• If your walls are dark, lighten them up. Soft neutrals like “Sea Salt” by Sherwin-Williams or a crisp white can make your home feel bigger and brighter for under $300.

5. Stage Like You’re Hosting Sunday Supper

Staging isn’t about making your home look like a magazine—it’s about helping buyers see themselves living their best 30A life.

• Declutter like you’re expecting company: clear off counters, pack up personal photos, and let the home’s best features shine.
• Add a few coastal touches: a woven basket by the entry, fresh flowers on the kitchen island, or a cozy throw on the porch rocker.
• Show off those beachy perks: if you’ve got a screened porch or an outdoor shower, highlight them—buyers on 30A love those lifestyle details.

Ready to See What Your Home Could Be Worth?

At The Kendall Hood Collection, we know what sells in this market because we live and breathe it every day. We’ve helped Southern neighbors just like you turn those simple fixes into bigger paydays—whether it’s getting top dollar for that Gulf-front view or turning a fixer-upper into a showstopper.

Curious what your neighbor’s home sold for? Or wondering which of these fixes makes the biggest difference for you?

Let’s chat—we’re always ready to share what we’re seeing, what’s working, and how we can help you get every penny your home’s worth.

Shoot us a text, give us a ring, or come sit a spell on the porch. We’re ready when you are.