Selling Real Estate In the Destin Area - Should I Renovate Or Sell My Home “As Is”?

With Florida’s real estate market evolving, many homeowners are asking the same question: Should I renovate my home—or sell it “AS IS”?

If you are considering selling real estate in Destin, Crystal Beach, Miramar Beach or 30A, this decision can significantly impact your financial return. Rising construction costs, increasing buyer expectations, and shifting market conditions all play a role in determining which path brings the best outcome.

This guide breaks down the pros, cons, and financial considerations to help sellers make the best decision for their property.

Top Considerations for Sellers to renovate or sell “as is”

To determine whether renovating or selling is right for you, assess:

• Current real estate market conditions
• Current market value of your home
• Neighborhood trends
• Buyer demand in your specific community
• Estimated renovation costs
• Expected post-renovation value
• Your personal timeline
• Consider what buyers want most

Current Market Conditions in Northwest Florida

Florida remains one of the nation’s most desirable locations, especially the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast, where demand for primary homes, vacation homes, and investment properties remains strong.

According to the Emerald Coast Association Realtors (ECAR) statistics, sellers should be prepared for their property to be listed for an average of 91-114 days before achieving closing.  If your home is dated—but in a high-demand location—making specific, high-value updates may give you a stronger return.

Key trends to consider:

• Inventory remains limited in many neighborhoods from Destin to 30A.
• Buyers prefer move-in-ready homes, especially out-of-state buyers.
• Renovation costs have increased 8–12% due to labor and materials.
• Homes with modern updates sell faster and for higher prices.

Financial Comparison: Renovate vs. Sell

Here’s a simplified formula for decision-making based on ROI:

• If renovation cost > 15% of your home’s value → Consider selling.
• If minor updates < 5% of home value → Renovating likely boosts ROI.

For example: a $750,000 home in Miramar Beach:

• Minor cosmetic updates ($15K–$25K) could add $40K–$70K in resale value.
• Major renovations ($100K+) often do not return full value in the market.

Consider your time frame for selling

• If you’re planning to stay in your home for 1–3 more years, consider Consider making upgrades now and enjoying the benefits for yourself and from the future appreciation. When making upgrades, follow current/future interior design trends in order to compete with newer home sales in the area. In coastal markets such as Destin, consider modern finishes and open, bright interiors.
• If you’re planning to relocate or want to sell your property fast, consider selling “AS IS,” especially if your renovation list is extensive or structural. Major renovations come with higher costs and longer waiting times. If you’re planning to relocate, downsize, or cash out quickly, a well-priced home in the Emerald Coast region can still sell fast—even without major upgrades. Bonus: If your home is in a high demand area, buyers may overlook dated finishes if the location is exceptional. In addition, selling “as is” allows sellers to save the frustration of longer timelines, cost overruns and contractor delays.

Consider What Buyers Want Most

Across the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast, buyers are prioritizing items that provide convenience and improved quality of life, including:

• Move-in ready interiors
• Light coastal finishes
• Energy efficiency
• Updated kitchens and baths
• Low-maintenance flooring
• Outdoor living enhancements
• Fresh paint and curb appeal

Renovation ROI

If you decide that renovating is the best option, especially if your home needs only cosmetic updates, consider these top renovations that can greatly increase the selling price:

• Update interior paint
• Update lighting, fixtures, and hardware
• Refinish/Paint cabinets
• Install new flooring
• Kitchen refresh (counters, appliances, lighting, etc.)
• Bathroom updates (modern tile, colors, finishes, etc.)
• Update exterior paint
• Landscaping (improve curb appeal)

Selling Real Estate in Destin

The experts at Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc. can help you make a confident, profitable decision. Our real estate market experts will run the numbers and help present options to determine what will yield the biggest financial return. With an understanding of neighborhood trends, buyer expectations, renovation ROI, and how to position your home for the highest possible return along Florida’s Emerald Coast, our team of the top real estate agents in the Destin – 30A area brings decades of experience in coordinating high-value real estate sales and successful closings in Northwest Florida. Read more Tips for Sellers here.

Contact our Real Estate Team today for complimentary market analysis and personalized guidance at 850-837-1071 or email [email protected] or visit  www.DestinSales.com to get started.

Published on Friday, December 12, 2025