A Homebuyer’s Guide To Earnest Money

Dusty Rhodes • April 10, 2023

Earnest money may not be the most well-known component of a home purchase, but it’s nonetheless an important one. The aptly named “good faith” payment is an important reminder that the real estate industry is not immune to negligence or malicious activity. More importantly, however, it provides a relative system of checks and balances which attempts to hold buyers and sellers to their word. Though small, a good faith deposit carries large implications, which begs the question: What is earnest money? Better yet, how can buyers navigate their own earnest money deposits and protect their financial interests?


What Is Earnest Money?

Earnest money is a deposit made on behalf of prospective homebuyers to express their sincerity in following through with a purchase. Otherwise known as a good faith deposit, earnest money is essentially a safety measure put in place to protect sellers after each side of a real estate transaction enters into a purchase agreement. If for nothing else, the seller needs some reassurance that the buyer will follow through with the purchase. In return for taking the home off the market (and risking a financial hit), the buyer will provide an earnest money payment which is typically equal to 1% – 3% of the sale price. As a deposit, the payment is held in an escrow account until the deal is complete. Upon closing the deal, the seller will return the cash to the buyer. If the deal falls through, the seller is entitled to keep the money if the previously agreed upon criteria are met.


How Earnest Money works

More often than not, the cash is delivered to sellers when the impending buyer signs a purchase agreement. At that time, the seller will pull the home off the market and take on financial risk, so it’s only fair that that buyer puts some “skin in the game.” That said, there’s no reason prospective buyers couldn’t include the funds with their initial offer. In a market as competitive as today’s, the addition of cash with an offer could go a long way in beating out the competition. Those considering including a good faith payment with the offer to make it look more attractive will want to put up enough money to seem serious, but not so much as to put excess capital at risk.


Including an earnest money deposit with an offer will show sincerity, but it can also be a bit premature. If for nothing else, the seller will typically want to be included in the negotiations, which set the terms of the good faith payment. As a result, terms are usually discussed at the time the purchase agreement is signed. The terms will determine how much of a good faith payment will be deposited and the terms which will unlock it from escrow. Terms will include contingencies that allow the buyer to get the money back if they don’t buy the home. For example, a buyer may receive their deposit back if the home doesn’t pass inspection.


Once the seller receives the deposit, the earnest money is transferred into an escrow account, where it is held until the criteria which unlock it is met. Since the purchase agreement is contingent on several things, it does not obligate the buyer to follow through with a purchase. Still, the contract will require the owner to take the home off the market while it’s appraised and inspected. The owner may be losing out on subsequent offers in that time, so the earnest money serves as a bit of a safety net.


If the buyer pulls out of a transaction, the seller will most likely be able to keep the cash. There are extenuating circumstances that will enable the buyer to recoup their deposit, but those terms are unique to each contract. If the buyer can follow through with the transaction, the cash may be applied to the down payment and closing costs.


Example Of Earnest Money


Let’s say, for example, Louise has finally saved up enough money to place a down payment on her first house, and she’s ready to make the leap to homeownership. Over the course of looking for a house, she stumbles across the perfect property in a neighborhood she has always dreamed of living in. At $100,000, the house is within her budget, so Louise decides to make an offer. Thanks to a well-written offer letter, the homeowner agrees to sell to Louise and enters into a purchase agreement.


When the agreement is signed, the owner is required to take the home off the market so it may be inspected and appraised. Louise agrees to negotiate an earnest money deposit in return for the financial risk being placed on the homeowner by taking their home off the market.


The negotiations require Louise to pay an earnest money deposit of 1.0% (or $1,000). The terms also state that Louise will get her money back if the deal falls through because of a failed inspection or the appraisal brings up some red flags. Finally, the homeowner will keep the deposit if Louise doesn’t follow through on the purchase.


With the terms set, Louise pays the earnest money deposit with a wire transfer directly into an escrow account that is held by the real estate brokerage dealing with the transaction. The money will sit in the escrow account until the agreed-upon terms unlock it. Fortunately for Louise’s sake, the home passed inspection, and the appraisal was what she expected. Louise closed the deal when all was said and done and applied the money to the closing costs she incurred. In the end, Louise got the house she always wanted, and the seller got the peace of mind they needed.


How Much Earnest Money Is Enough?


To be clear, there’s no universal rule for exactly how much to offer as an earnest money deposit. Instead, the amount of cash prospective buyers should offer is directly correlated to the current state of the real estate market. A slow market without much competition, for example, poses less of a risk to sellers who take their homes off the market when a purchase agreement is signed. As a result, the earnest money won’t need to be a significant amount. On the other hand, a competitive market implies the seller will miss out on multiple offers when they take their home off the market. Therefore, it’s only fair that the deposit is increased in active markets. While most earnest money deposits will rest somewhere in the neighborhood of 1% – 3% of the sale price, it’s entirely possible the amount increases in more competitive markets.


Does Earnest Money Get Refunded?


Earnest money may be refunded to a buyer when agreed upon contingencies are met. With that in mind, here’s a list of the most common reasons earnest money may be refunded:

  • Home Inspection Contingency: Cash may be refunded to the buyer if the contract includes a home inspection contingency and the subject property fails the inspection. If for whatever reason, the inspection is to blame for the buyer backing out of the deal, the home inspection contingency may result in a refund of the earnest money.
  • Appraisal Contingency: An appraisal contingency helps protect buyers from homes which are overvalued. Therefore, if an appraisal comes in well below the sales price, the buyer may withdraw from the purchase and receive their earnest money in full.
  • Financing Contingency: In the event a buyer never receives approval for financing, a financing contingency may allow them to get their earnest money deposit back when they pull out of a deal.
  • Existing Home Contingency: Some contingencies are subject to the sale of an existing home. This particular contingency states that a buyer may back out of a deal if their current home does not sell, depriving them of the funds necessary to make a subsequent purchase. If that’s the case, the buyer may also get their earnest money back.


Can A Seller Keep Earnest Money?


A seller may keep earnest money if any of the terms in the purchase agreement are broken. More specifically, however, the purchase agreement will outline the terms of the earnest money deposit. As a signed agreement, the prospective buyer is obligated to follow the terms which were agreed upon by each party. Therefore, if the buyer breaks any of the terms they agreed to adhere to, the seller is entitled to the deposit. If, for example, the buyer pulls out of a deal for no reason at all, the seller can keep the earnest money they are owed (as long as the terms say as much).


How To Protect Your Earnest Money


Protecting earnest money has more to do with following the terms of a purchase agreement than anything else. It is the terms of the agreement which will serve as the basis of protection. With that in mind, however, the best way to protect your money is to write up an air-tight contract that gives buyers the greatest odds to recoup their money in the event unexpected circumstances occur.

Contracts aren’t going to write themselves, which means buyers need to know what to include. Here’s a list of the steps buyers can take to protect their earnest money deposits:

  • Put the money in an escrow account
  • Include contingencies in the purchase agreement
  • Follow the terms of the purchase agreement
  • Make sure everything is in writing


1. Use An Escrow Account


Every purchase agreement should include a detailed account of where earnest money will be held. While most earnest money deposits are held in an escrow account, it is possible to hold it with a title company or legal firm. Nonetheless, any good faith money must go through an account controlled by an unbiased third party. The real estate market isn’t immune to fraud, and enlisting the services of a third-party account will go a long way in securing each party’s capital.


Typically, the buyer will pay by one of three methods: certified check, wire transfer, or personal check. Whichever method is used, the payment should be made out to the third-party account; that way, they can distribute the funds whichever way the purchase agreement dictates.

2. Understand Your Contingencies


Protecting earnest money starts and ends with the purchase agreement. However, it’s not enough to understand the terms agreed upon. Buyers need to negotiate for the terms they want to see in the purchase contract. Of course, that starts with knowing what contingencies may be included in a purchase agreement. Therefore, buyers will want to research all of the contingencies that give them the best odds of getting their money back and try their best to get them into the contract.


In addition to adding contingencies, buyers need to understand exactly what they mean. Only when a buyer is fully aware of what each contingency requires will they be able to truly protect their deposit. It isn’t until a buyer knows how to meet their obligations that they’ll be able to tilt the odds in their favor.

3. Don’t Miss Your Deadlines


A large part of protecting an earnest money deposit has to do with adhering to deadlines. Buyers who do what they say within the allotted time frame and follow the terms of the purchase agreement are the only ones who stand a chance of getting their money back. Therefore, work within the rules of the contract and do not miss deadlines if you ever want to see your earnest money again.


4. Put Everything In Writing


Again, it all comes down to the purchase agreement. The purchase agreement represents a contract between buyers and sellers and outlines exactly how the earnest money will be dealt with. As such, everything buyers and sellers negotiate pertaining to the good faith payment will need to be included in the purchase agreement. Anything left off the agreement means nothing, so do not simply “shake on it” or take anyone for their word.


Summary


What is earnest money, if not for a promise on behalf of buyers that they intend to see the purchase of a home through to the end? Of course, in its simplest form, earnest money is essentially a down payment that divulges a buyer’s intentions. However, at its pinnacle, an earnest money deposit is a contract between two parties that facilitates honest transactions. When terms are followed, earnest money can simultaneously help buyers in a competitive market and give sellers the peace of mind they need to accept an offer.

Source: Keeping Current Matters


Dusty Rhodes Properties is the Best Realtor in Myrtle Beach! We do everything in our power to help you find the home of your dreams. With experience, expertise, and passion, we are the perfect partner for you in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We love what we do and it shows. With more than 22 years of experience in the field, we know our industry like the back of our hands. There’s no challenge too big or too small, and we dedicate our utmost energy to every project we take on. We search thousands of the active and new listings from Aynor, Carolina Forest, Conway, Garden City Beach, Longs, Loris, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, and Surfside Beach real estate listings to find the hottest deals just for you!

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Smart Home, Big Risks: Top Cybersecurity Threats Homeowners Need To Know

By Dusty Rhodes • January 12, 2026
Smart home devices are becoming increasingly common. From webcams to thermostats, to TVs and even AI-improved refrigerators, homeowners have an array of choices to make their lives easier. These devices can also boost home prices, making them a worthwhile investment. Yet, these smart home gadgets can also be compromised and are subject to a slew of cybersecurity threats. In fact, Rambus , a chip and silicon IP provider, found that an eye-popping 80% of Internet of Things (IoT) devices “are vulnerable to a wide range of attacks.” Mike Halbouni , founder of PoyntGuard , a security camera and surveillance installation company, said that as homes become more connected, cybersecurity is just as critical as physical security. “Every smart device that connects to your network, including cameras, doorbells, thermostats, smart locks, and voice assistants, can become a potential entry point for hackers if not properly secured,” he said. Common cybersecurity threats, from weak passwords and credentials Jason Chen , technical director and tech expert at JarnisTech , a professional electronics manufacturer, said that the more “smart” your home gets, the more exposed you become. “Convenience has a cost, and that cost is usually hidden in the fine print of your device’s security settings,” he said. The most threat to your smart home security comes from weak default credentials and passwords, according to Thomas S. Hyslip , assistant professor of instruction for the M.S. in cybercrime program in the criminology department at the University of South Florida . As Hyslip explained, many smart devices, including smart cameras, baby monitors, smart doorbells, network routers, and smart hubs, are shipped with publicly known or easily guessable factory passwords and settings, such as "admin" or "123456.” “Cybercriminals use automated tools to scan the internet, searching for devices with these default settings to gain immediate and full control, potentially compromising your entire home network,” he said. To mitigate this threat, homeowners must change passwords immediately and often. Another tip: Avoid inexpensive IoT devices with hard-coded, unchangeable passwords, as these products are permanently vulnerable to takeover and pose an unacceptable risk to your network security, he added. Lack of knowledge Tony Anscombe , chief security evangelist at ESET, a cybersecurity vendor, echoed the sentiment, saying that smart devices introduce several potential risks, the primary ones being privacy and security. Anscombe added that consumers need to ensure they understand exactly what data is being collected by smart devices, how it’s being secured, where it’s being stored, and whether it will be used for any other purposes or shared with a third party. Tim Kravchunovsky , CEO of Chirp , an IoT solutions provider for short-term rentals, also said that the biggest cybersecurity threat most homeowners face isn’t a single device, it's their own home network and IT knowledge. “Depending on how much home automation someone has, their devices may hold extremely sensitive information. Yet most people who automate their homes aren’t very technical, and that lack of expertise creates wide security gaps,” he said. He added that nearly all consumer IoT devices operate over Wi-Fi. Once an attacker gains access to a home’s Wi-Fi network, which is often far easier than people think, they can pivot to the devices themselves and access the data flowing through them. “Businesses recognized this risk years ago, which is why many now isolate IoT devices in a completely separate environment rather than letting them live on the main network,” he said. Smart cameras and doorbells According to Chen, these devices, which are designed to keep you safe, are actually easy prey for hackers themselves. “I know individuals who have used hacked cameras to spy on families, to record them inappropriately, to even broadcast those feeds for everyone to see without their consent,” he said, adding that this happens because many people never update default passwords, update firmware, or connect cameras to their main Wi-Fi networks. “A hacker, after penetrating, can monitor all of your movements—literally,” he said. Chen added that to fix this, there are several steps you can take: turn on two-factor authentication (2FA); change all default login credentials; and set up a separate Wi-Fi network just for smart devices. Smart speakers and voice assistants Dave Meister , cybersecurity evangelist of Check Point Software Technologies , said there have been instances in which attackers have tricked these devices into making purchases or controlling other smart-home features. They’re also constantly listening, which makes them a privacy risk if not configured well, he said. What to do: According to Meister, turn off voice-purchasing, use strong and unique passwords, and use the physical mute button when you’re not using it. And as Chen said: “The golden rule here is if a device is always listening, assume it is always collecting and act accordingly.” Smart locks and garage systems Smart locks make life easier, especially for those among us who constantly forget where they put their keys. However, as Chen put it, these introduce a terrifying vulnerability: If someone compromises your smartphone or your Wi-Fi, your front door could literally unlock for them. “The same goes for connected garage systems. Many rely on cloud-based apps that, if breached, could grant access to your home in seconds,” he said. Instead, Chen urges homeowners to use locks with end-to-end encryption; lock down your smartphone with biometrics and remote wipe options; and audit who has access—remove old guest codes or app permissions you’ve forgotten about. Smart TVs and streaming devices Gene Petrino , lead adviser for Security.org , a company specializing in personal and home security, and a retired SWAT commander, said that many devices include microphones and cameras that can be exploited if security is weak. Petrino recommends turning off unused connectivity features, such as voice control and camera, and only installing apps from trusted sources. In addition, he urges homeowners to enable firmware updates regularly. “Think of your smart home like a digital ecosystem; each device is a door. The more devices you connect, the more doors you create. Secure each one with strong passwords, regular updates, and separate networks for critical systems,” he said. Check Point Software Technologies’ Meister added that, surprisingly, these are among the most vulnerable devices in the home. “A lot of the cheaper streaming boxes run old software, and we’ve seen cases this year where malware actually came pre-installed on knockoff devices people bought online. Once they’re plugged in, they can be used for things like click-fraud or even large-scale attacks,” he said. Meister offered another tip: Stick to reputable brands and keep up to date. Home Wi-Fi router “The router is basically the front door to your digital house,” said Meister. As he noted, the average home sees dozens of attack attempts a day, and a lot of IoT traffic isn’t encrypted at all. If your router is old or still using the default login, it’s an easy target. What you can do is use a strong Wi-Fi password and turn on automatic updates, he said. Smart thermostats Security.org’s Petrino said attackers can gather data on your daily routines—like when you’re home or away—or use unsecured devices to access your entire Wi-Fi network. He said that homeowners should create a separate network for smart devices, use strong router passwords and WPA3 encryption, and avoid connecting unnecessary appliances to the internet. Meister also cautions that many owners don’t realize appliances can be hacked, too, and that older or cheap models often never get software updates, which means any vulnerability lives forever. His advice? Before buying, check whether the brand actually updates its products. And if a device stops getting updates, it’s time to replace it. “If I had to give homeowners one simple rule, it’d be this: Treat every smart device like a tiny computer. Update it, use a strong password, and don’t put it on the same network as the devices that actually matter, like your laptop or phone,” he added. 

When Is the Right Time to Downsize Your Home?

By Dusty Rhodes • January 5, 2026
Downsizing your home is a major decision, and the right moment to act is not always obvious. The best time to downsize is whenever your current home no longer aligns with your financial, lifestyle, or personal needs. It’s less about the market and more about your life stage. But deciding to downsize can be hard, and leaving a home filled with cherished memories can bring heartache. So, when is the right time to downsize? If owning your home in Seattle, WA , or renting a house in Portland, OR , has brought more stress and worry than joy in recent years, the time may be right to downsize into something smaller. In this Redfin real estate article, we’ll explore how, by considering financial, emotional, and maintenance factors, you can determine if now is the perfect time to trade your large property for a smaller, more manageable space. Financial signs you should consider downsizing Your finances often provide the clearest signal that it is time to downsize. Carrying a large mortgage or facing ever-increasing utility and maintenance bills can put unnecessary strain on your budget. High maintenance costs : Is your maintenance budget constantly being stretched by repairs on a large or older home? The costs of running and maintaining unused square footage add up significantly over time. Downsizing can drastically reduce these expenses, freeing up money for other goals. Nearing or entering retirement : Many people choose to downsize right before or as they enter retirement. This is an excellent opportunity to reduce housing payments, eliminate your mortgage, and unlock home equity. As Patricia Cavanaugh of The 3rd Act , a retirement planning service for seniors, says, “It’s time to downsize when your personal possessions and material goods are weighing you down and preventing you from making room for your new retirement lifestyle.” Desire to free up equity : Selling a larger, more expensive home and buying a smaller one means you will have a substantial amount of equity released. This money can be used to travel, invest, or simply create a more secure financial cushion for the future. Lifestyle and emotional indicators Beyond money, your day-to-day life is a powerful indicator of whether a smaller home makes sense. The way you use your space can reveal if your home is now too big for your needs. Living a simpler life may offer helpful benefits to your emotional and mental health. Becoming an empty nester : When your children move out, you might find yourself with multiple unused bedrooms and living areas. This space not only costs money to maintain and heat, but it can also feel unnecessary. Downsizing to a cozier home allows you to repurpose that space and focus on a new, simpler chapter. Too much unused space: Walk through your home and identify rooms you rarely or never use. If you have rooms that feel like storage areas rather than functional living spaces, it is a sign that your home is simply too large for your current lifestyle. Downsizing allows you to live more efficiently. A simpler, less demanding life : Large properties require a lot of effort to clean, maintain, and landscape. If you are starting to feel burdened by the chores associated with your home, downsizing to a smaller house or a low-maintenance condo can dramatically improve your quality of life. This trade-off gives you more time for hobbies or relaxation. What about the housing market? While your personal situation is the most important factor, the market can influence your timing. The best financial time to downsize is generally when your current home’s value is high. This allows you to maximize the profit from the sale, which directly translates to more funds for your smaller purchase. However, remember that when sale prices are high, so are purchase prices. A good real estate agent can help you analyze the market to find a sweet spot where you achieve the best outcome on both transactions. Making the move Once you decide it is the right time to downsize , the next big step is to declutter. This process can be the most time-consuming part of the move. Leaving an old home can be an emotional process, so the best approach is to start early and be ruthless about what you truly need. Focus on organizing, donating, and selling items well before you list your property . Frequently asked questions: What is the main benefit of downsizing? The main benefit is financial: Reducing your monthly expenses, cutting utility and maintenance bills, and freeing up a significant amount of home equity. Will downsizing definitely save me money? In most cases, yes. While the cost of moving and closing on a new, smaller home is a factor, the long-term savings from lower property taxes , lower utility costs, and reduced or eliminated mortgage payments almost always result in substantial savings. What should I do before I list my current home? The most important step is decluttering and organizing every space. A home that is neat and free of excess belongings shows much better to potential buyers and makes your eventual move much easier. 

How to Thrift Your Entire Christmas, According to People Who Do It Every Year

By Dusty Rhodes • December 15, 2025
With a new crop of trendy gifts debuting each year, it's easy to be convinced that the latest is always the greatest. But if you ask a growing number of thrifters, what’s old is new. Megan Bannister , a Des Moines, Iowa-based writer and the owner of Olio Oddities (a home store with curated thrifted finds), has been thrifting "for as long as I can remember. I’ve made it a regular part of my gifting routine for the past 5 or 6 years." She’s in good company with lifelong thrifter Grace Kraemer , a Chandler, Arizona-based content creator and social media strategist known as @ thatgenzwife on TikTok, and Bre Eggert, the Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based content creator and thrifting expert behind Average But Inspired . All three are passionate Thriftmas shoppers. They swear that it’s the solution to save money, waste, and share personal, memorable presents with those they love. Read on for a primer to all things Thriftmas, plus all of their best secrets if you’d like to follow suit. What Is Thriftmas? Thriftmas promotes the idea that "secondhand gifts are completely appropriate and beautiful presents to both give and receive," Eggert explains. "This movement is based on the idea that there is already plenty of 'stuff' in the world, whether that's giftable items or holiday decor," Bannister adds. So instead of shopping for new holiday gifts at big box stores or online, with Thriftmas, you are consciously making investments in previously-loved gems that feel "intentional and special," according to Kraemer, but are markedly more sustainable, unique, and often more budget-friendly. Why December Is the Perfect Time to Thrift Gifts Vintage finds have long held appeal, so you might be wondering, 'why is Thriftmas having such a moment?' Kraemer believes it’s related to two major factors: " Budgets are tight for a lot of families, so buying the latest and greatest new thing this holiday season just isn’t an option for a lot of people," she says. "Plus, I think that many of us are also realizing how much overconsumption rears its ugly head this time of year." Compared to the other 11 months of the year, sustainability experts estimate that Americans produce about 23% more waste in December, with a large portion of that related to the packaging required for online purchases . ”Thriftmas gives mindful shoppers an affordable alternative to the hustle and bustle of keeping up with the latest holiday shopping trends,” Kraemer says, while offering the opportunity to share a one-of-a-kind find that will warm the heart of the recipient. Even if you’ve made your list and checked it twice, Thriftmas can still be part of the strategy this year — and it’s easy to implement if you follow these tips from the pros. Set a Budget Before you step foot into any thrift stores, Kraemer recommends setting a rough budget for how much you plan to spend on each person. Consider tacking on a bonus fund to account for any discoveries that are perfect for a specific person but slightly over their allocated limit. (You might find something much less expensive than expected for another individual, too, offering natural balance.) "The great thing about thrifting is that you're often able to stretch your budget further than you would through traditional gifting. Since you're more likely to be putting together a collection of items when thrifting, a budget range gives you some room to pair bigger items with smaller, more budget-friendly finds," Bannister says. Keep the Recipient Top of Mind Even the most epic Thriftmas find will be a flop if it doesn’t speak to the individual who unwraps it. Above all else, keep in mind the person you’re buying a gift for and whether or not they will appreciate an item, Kraemer advises. "There is something so special about combing through items in a thrift store and finding a piece that instantly reminds you of a specific person. Gifting that item shows the person that you pay attention to the things they like and that you specifically thought of them when you stumbled upon the piece," Kraemer adds. This shows the thought that went into it, instead of just checking a name off a shopping list, Eggert agrees. Their passions might be able to help direct your shopping stops, too. For friends who love to hike, for instance, Bannister visits shops she knows stick vintage National Parks memorabilia, maps and postcards. For her pet-loving pals, Bannister searches for stores with ceramic pieces, vintage art or even dishware that feature animals similar to the beloved furry friend. Be Willing to Change Course As important as it is to maintain focus on what might be the perfect fit for your sister or best friend, it’s extremely challenging to shop according to a fixed list. "When it comes to thrifting for holiday gifts, I've found it's important to have an idea in mind, but be willing to pivot. Unless you've got lots and lots of time to spend searching, having something super specific in mind, is going to make your shopping experience more difficult," Bannister notes. Have a general idea of what you'd like to give (think: sports memorabilia or a vintage cooking tool in a color that matches their kitchen). This way, you'll have a better shopping time — and end up with cooler gifts. For example, if you're shopping for a friend who loves to host, you could pair together some fun vintage glasses, a unique tray, and some retro coasters or a funky bottle opener. Keeping an eye out for things that fit into that theme rather than looking for one singular item will make it a lot easier to put together gifts that feel cohesive. Start Early and Shop Often Sometimes, saving money requires a trade-off. If you’re investing less cash and want to have the same impact, you may need to devote more of your time instead, Kraemer admits: "With patience and repeat visits to the thrift store, however, I think you’ll find that your time investment will pay off." Avoid waiting until the last possible moment to thrift your gifts, as you might fall victim to panic-buying something random or tacky, Kraemer warns. If it feels daunting initially, Eggert suggests adjusting your mental script from "ugh, I have to do this" to "I’m on a treasure hunt quest!" "Thrifting is all about frequency," Bannister chimes in. "Not only does it take time to hone your eye for thrift shopping, but the more frequently you pop into a thrift store, the more likely you are to have shopping success. The earlier you can start your Thriftmas shopping, the better." Seek Out Ready-to-Gift Goods "Just because something is a great deal or could make for a killer DIY project doesn't mean that you're going to have the time — or, let's be honest, the desire — to upcycle it into the best gift it can be," Bannister says. "Instead, I recommend being realistic about both your skills and your bandwidth to transform thrifted items." In addition to not requiring a full glow-up, Eggert seeks out items that are unique and unlike anything you might easily score from a major retailer. "That uniqueness can come from the object itself or from the look or patina it has. For example, a set of vintage brass candlestick holders has a look totally different from a factory-finished brass set you find at a chain superstore. I think finding unique items takes gift-giving to another level," Eggert says. Inspect the Quality Before adding anything to your cart, analyze it carefully because thrifted items usually cannot be returned, Eggert flags. "Avoid thrifting objects that are broken, stained, or missing pieces. Nobody wants to receive a damaged gift," she says. Everything you purchase should be in good condition or could be easily cleaned, and should be constructed well with quality materials—and only safe building blocks. "Definitely steer clear of anything with lead in it. While you can purchase inexpensive lead test kits online and test items once you’ve purchased them, it’s a good rule of thumb to proceed with caution when it comes to vintage dishware, ceramics, and pottery made before 1971," Eggert explains. Stay Focused Thrifting is for anyone and everyone, Kraemer reminds us, "and you don’t need a special sauce to be able to do it. However, what will set you apart from other shoppers in the thrift store is if you can train yourself to slow down and focus on what’s in front of you." It’s very easy to get overstimulated by the dizzying array of options in a thrift store, she admits, and for the best finds, you must be present and anchor yourself in one area at a time. With practice, you can train your brain to be where your feet are, and teach your eyes to zoom in on the gems. At a certain point, you might find it meditative like Kraemer, who calls "thrifting Christmas gifts as some sort of therapy."  Beyond staying in the moment mid-shop, it’s wise to not lose track throughout the year. To track along with her Thriftmas progress, Bannister likes to keep a note in her phone with a running list of thrifted categories she’s seeking — and what she’s already snagged. Then when she’s out and about, she has an easy reference for the things she’s still treasure hunting for and what she already has stashed away from earlier in the year.