5 Smart Moves 30A Sellers Are Making Right Now (Even When the Market Feels Slow)

Facing the Shift with Strategy

"Is it even possible to sell my home right now?"

"I feel like I missed the peak — is there still a way to come out ahead?"

"With so many homes sitting, how do I make mine stand out?"

These are questions I hear every week from homeowners up and down 30A, from Rosemary Beach to Dune Allen Beach. The real estate market in 2021 and 2022 moved at breakneck speed. Homes sold in days, often with multiple offers. Today, things have shifted. The pace is slower, and it’s tempting to think the window of opportunity has closed.

But here’s the truth: smart sellers aren’t waiting for things to pick back up. They’re leveraging this quieter season to sell strategically. In fact, those who know how to price, prepare, and position their homes are walking away with strong results — often ahead of the competition.

If you’re thinking about selling a home on 30A, here are the 5 most strategic moves sellers are making right now to succeed in today’s market.

1. Recognizing This Is Still a Great Time to Sell (If You Play It Right)

Many sellers believe the market has shut down. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. The 30A market hasn’t stopped — it’s just normalized. That means fewer bidding wars, more discerning buyers, and slightly longer days on market. But it also means:

• More serious buyers: Casual browsers are gone. The ones left are motivated. Most of the "lookey lous" have moved on.

• Significant equity opportunities: If you bought your home 5+ years ago, you're likely sitting on substantial gains.

For example, a home purchased in Seagrove Beach for $850,000 in 2018 could easily be worth $1.4M+ today, depending on condition and upgrades. Even if we’re not at the peak pricing of mid-2022, you haven’t missed your opportunity. You've gained.

Remember, real estate is a long game. While you may feel as though you missed an opportunity by not selling in 2022, the reality is, you're still way ahead if you purchased your home prior to 2020. Don't reflect on "what could have been." Instead, look at the current picture and realize you're still in a great position.

2. Understanding What’s Actually Selling in Today’s Market

Not every home on 30A is selling quickly — but a select few are. So, what’s the difference?

Homes that are moving today tend to share a few key traits:

• Turnkey presentation: Move-in ready homes that feel fresh and clean are winning.

• Reasonable pricing: Not low, but aligned with what buyers are willing to pay right now.

• Rental-ready setups: For investment buyers, a proven rental history or $100K+ projected income can be a huge draw.

• Location wins: Proximity to beach access, community pools, and walkability to places like Seaside or Alys Beach still carries weight.

Here’s a real-world example: A 3-bedroom triplex A-unit in Prominence that was priced right and conveyed fully furnished recently went under contract within two weeks. Meanwhile, a similar unit down the street has been sitting for over 90 days — largely due to overpricing and lackluster presentation.

Buyers haven’t disappeared — but they are more selective. That means positioning your home to match what’s selling (not just what you think it’s worth) makes all the difference.

3. Pricing Based on Strategy, Not Sentiment

One of the most difficult parts of selling right now is adjusting expectations. It’s tempting to price based on what the neighbor got in 2022 or what you hope to get. But today’s buyers are savvy, patient, and value-conscious.

Here’s what strategic sellers are doing instead:

• Using hyper-local data from the past 90 days (not 2021-22 peaks).

• Pricing slightly below stale competitors to create urgency.

• Considering buyer psychology — homes that sit over 30 days often face price cuts, which weakens perception.

Think of it this way: if you price your Seagrove Beach home at $1.875M but it sits while others move at $1.775M, you’re costing yourself time and leverage. Buyers begin to wonder: "What’s wrong with it?" instead of "How fast do we need to act?"

Strategic pricing creates momentum, energy, and leverage in negotiations. And the best part? You still walk away with strong gains if you've owned for several years.

4. Making Selective Upgrades That Move the Needle

In a market where buyers are slower to act, presentation matters more than ever. But don’t worry — this isn’t about massive renovations. It’s about knowing what small, smart improvements make your home feel worth every dollar.

Top updates that help 30A homes sell faster:

• Interior paint: Fresh white or light coastal tones instantly brighten and modernize.

• Lighting upgrades: Swapping dated fixtures for modern coastal styles can elevate the entire feel.

• Minor kitchen refresh: New cabinet pulls, faucet upgrades, and quartz countertops go a long way.

• Decluttering and staging: Less is more. Create space so buyers can envision their life here.

• Exterior pressure wash + landscaping touch-ups: First impressions matter.

You don’t need a $50K overhaul. I walk every client through a custom prep plan focused on ROI. Sometimes a $3K investment returns $15K+ in final sale price.

5. Marketing Like It’s 2025 — Not 2015

It’s not enough to just be on the MLS anymore. To get noticed in today’s market, your property needs to be marketed like a product — with emotion, lifestyle, and strategy behind it.

Here’s what smart marketing looks like today:

• High-end photography & drone footage: Buyers shop online first. Visuals matter.

• Short-form video tours: Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikToks get thousands of views.

• YouTube home tour: A full walk-through with voiceover or on-camera presence builds buyer trust.

• Email campaigns to active buyers: Including my private database of 2,700+ leads.

• Off-market sneak peeks: Early interest = early leverage.

• Social ads with retargeting: Facebook, Instagram, and Google — all dialed into ideal buyer profiles.

Your property isn’t just a house — it’s a dream. A lifestyle. And that’s what we sell.

If your home blends in online, it’s overlooked. If it stands out, it sells.

Here's an example of the Home Tours I create for my YouTube Channel...

Final Thoughts: Be the One Who’s Ready

The majority of sellers are waiting for the market to improve. But those who prepare, price smart, and market boldly are the ones succeeding right now — even in this slower season.

You don’t need to time the market perfectly. You need to approach it strategically.

If you’re considering selling your 30A property — whether it’s a vacation rental in Prominence, a family home in WaterColor, or a Gulf-front stunner in Rosemary — let’s talk. I’ll help you assess your position, run the numbers, and create a plan that works for you.

Schedule a Free Seller Strategy Session

Let’s make sure your next move is a smart one.