I think the first layout is fine. You might want to consider moving the door for the storage room of the master bedroom so that it opens into the hall. That way the kids can use it for overflow storage. Also, that hallway is big enough that I think it could hold a large armour, providing more closet space. (There's no need to sleep in the same room as your clothes, so long as they're not too far off.) Also, don't forget that while the drawing shows kids in double beds, this need not be the case, so there will be more room for furniture (dressers or whatever) in their rooms. Finally, that step to bedroom 4 will not be odd at all. I've seen it in other homes. It looks clumsy in the drawing but it isn't. What you'll see when you come up the stairs is a bedroom door on a slight diagonal. It's only an odd jagged step if you walk like a robot, in straight lines along the wall, which is what your eye is doing on the drawing but you won't do in real life.

Oh so cool you noticed that we're trying to achieve a french country/industrial look or did we write that somewhere? I've attached some other photos of a bedroom and the foyer (of those we've taken so far), but are absolutely open to suggestions on a "beachy" feel as well or instead of. Although because its a beach house we don't want to go over board on expense and hence keeping what we already have, and just adding personality to it, if you get what we mean. Kingsize Black upholstered headboard to come in that bedroom.

Low ceilings = flush lights. Before you purchase carpet get 5 or 6 agents round to value. Ask each for their opinion on what they think will appeal best. Ask them if you could get away with just laying underlay. For the wow factor make sure your budget is spent on items that you can take with you - think a huge 6fx3ft mirror, a bright modern art print, a mirrored console table etc. No need to splash out much just one item in a room or two to indicate wow. A patio table and chairs in the garden are also needed for the selling photos as they will help the buyer to see scale and the garden will appear more homely. A bowl of fruit in a chrome wire bowl in the kitchen will also add wow - stage with green apples and yellow lemons for example. So, to sum up the spend on 'wow' should be limited and only to what you take with you. As for the estate agents some of them do try very hard to give good sales advice so when you book them to value explain that the property is being flipped and you would welcome any ideas on how to present it. You may be surprised at what they suggest.

I agree with havingfun, thicken the supports and have something growing trailing up them. I didn't even notice there was a pergola until the close up. Right now it blends in too well with the house color, consider painting it a different color. I don't know your usda zone but classic climbers for a pergola include clematis, wisteria, grape https://www.houzz.com/photos/santa-ynez-valley-mediterranean-porch-santa-barbara-phvw-vp~2485412 or go for a modern look You can also hang string lights, planters or something from the beams. Also agree lighten the front door.