How to Make Your Home a Happier Place

Dusty Rhodes • June 16, 2025


Create a haven that makes you feel good every time you walk through the front door


We spend so much time in our homes that it’s important that they bring us joy. Follow these inspiring ideas to spread a little happiness in your home.


1. Let In the Sunshine


Nothing will lift your mood like sunlight beaming in through your windows. To make sure that your home gets its full quota of rays, keep the glass clean and free from streaks and finger marks.


To clean the outsides, it’s often best to call in a professional, but the insides are easy to do yourself. Use a dry brush to sweep away dust from the frames, then sponge the glass with soapy water. Finally, remove the water by making S shapes on the window with a squeegee. Windows need to be cleaned at least twice a year. Don’t think yours are dirty? Give them a clean and you’ll immediately notice the difference.


2. Promote a Warm Welcome


Ensure that you feel good every time you come home by creating an inviting hallway. You’ll need good storage for your outdoor paraphernalia so that the entrance is tidy as you enter. Include hooks for coats, a shoe rack, and baskets for scarves, gloves and umbrellas.

Freshen up the area by painting the walls and door. The key is to choose a color scheme that makes you happy. Add mood-lifting extras such as flowers, a mirror or a beautifully scented reed diffuser.


3. Make Your Bed


A good day needs a cheery start, so one of the most positive things you can do at home is make your bed. By tidying your sleeping area when you wake up, you’ll begin your day on an upbeat note. This simple act will make you feel organized and ready for action.

Then later on, when you head sleepily up to bed, you’ll find a restful space to relax.


4. Get a Good Night’s Sleep


To make sure that your sleep is even more restful, it’s best to be in a completely dark room. When it’s dark, our bodies produce more of the hormone melatonin, which makes us feel tired. Light, in contrast, gives powerful cues to the brain that it’s time to wake up. To keep street lamps or early-morning sunlight from poking in, put up blinds or curtains with a blackout lining.

Similarly, keep a low-wattage lamp on your bedside table to help you wind down before you go to sleep.


5. Bring In Fresh Flowers


A vase of beautiful flowers instantly cheers up a room and lifts a person’s mood. By putting flowers on your kitchen table, you’ll connect with nature every time you come into the room.

Your choice of flowers can be anything from a huge mixed bouquet to a simple seasonal sprig. Start in January with early daffodils and hyacinths, then keep checking to see what’s around throughout the year. If you have outside space, try growing flowers that you can cut.


6. Fill It With Happy Memories


Display things around your home that remind you of friends, family and places you’ve visited. Put travel souvenirs where you can see them to remind you of experiences and perhaps to prompt you to make new plans.

We all have hundreds of photos on our digital equipment nowadays, but we often forget to print them. Set an evening aside to sort through them, get a selection printed and plan a creative way to display them.


7. Share It With Animals


Want to de-stress after a long day? How about curling up on the sofa and stroking your pet? Studies have shown that the simple act of cuddling an animal releases the hormone oxytocin, which makes us feel calm.

The benefits don’t stop there, though. By keeping a pet at home, you’ll have the opportunity to form a relationship with another creature, and hopefully you’ll be rewarded by lots of fun and cuddles.


8. Do Those Quick Fixes


Those household nuisances, such as leaky faucets and broken door handles, shouldn’t be ignored. Every time you come across something that needs fixing, you could get irritated.


So rather than putting off these annoying jobs, face them head-on. A little effort will result in a well-run home with no tricky hindrances, and you’ll get a welcome feeling of accomplishment to boot.


9. Make a Space for You


In a busy household, it’s important to find a place to gather your thoughts and spend a few minutes by yourself. Being alone for a while will allow you to recharge and get ready to face the world again.

If you can’t grab a whole room for yourself, a cozy corner will do just fine. If you have a hobby, such as crocheting or painting, create a designated space for it. Devise storage that will keep your equipment at hand so that you can dip in and out whenever you have spare time.


10. Connect With Your Neighbors


What really makes most of us happy are our relationships with other people. By making friends with your neighbors, you’ll be able to nurture those relationships whenever you’re at home.


Make the effort to say hello whenever you see your neighbors and offer to water their plants while they’re away. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to turning your street into a real community.


11. Make Healthy Eating Easy


Encourage a positive lifestyle by keeping healthy food within reach. The most obvious way is to put a bowl of fruit on the table, but there are other things you can do.


Avoid last-minute dinner decisions by displaying a meal planner in the kitchen, with nourishing options for the whole week. If you have children, get them involved by asking them to contribute their ideas.


Think of ways you can make it easy to choose a wholesome snack. Keep nuts and granola bars in tempting glass jars. If you’ve invested in a juicer or yogurt maker, don’t let it languish in the cupboard. Make room for it on the counter so that you’ll be more inclined to use it.



Source: Houzz


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!

Share

Two Big Reasons To Move This Summer

By Dusty Rhodes • June 29, 2026
A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing: “Maybe I’ll just wait until later this year once things calm down.” While waiting sounds like a good plan, there’s something worth knowing before you decide. Rates aren’t expected to change much, so if that’s the #1 reason you’re waiting, it may not pay off. And there may be other things you miss out on in the meantime. Historically, Summer is one of the strongest seasons of the year for both buyers and sellers. And if you delay your move until Fall or Winter, some of those opportunities may already be fading. Buyers: Fresh Inventory Is Your Real Summer Advantage One of the biggest frustrations buyers have faced over the past few years has been a lack of affordable options . Maybe you’ve run into that yourself: You find a house you like, but it’s out of your budget. You find something in your budget, but you don’t like it. Or worse, nothing interesting hits the market for weeks. Historically, Summer helps with that. Looking at data from the last few years, Summer months consistently bring more sellers into the market than later in the year. And that gives buyers a real window of fresh choices. According to Realtor.com , any given Summer month typically sees about 32% more fresh options than the average month from September-December.

Should You Pay for Your Buyer’s Closing Costs? What Sellers Need To Know.

By Dusty Rhodes • June 15, 2026
A few years ago, sellers could get away with saying “no” to just about everything. No repairs. No concessions. No negotiation. If buyers wanted the house, they pretty much had to take it on the seller’s terms. But now that inventory’s grown, negotiations are becoming a normal part of the process again. That’s why one of the most important things sellers need to understand right now is this: The goal isn’t to “win” every negotiation. Sometimes, it’s worth meeting buyers where they are to get a deal done, fast. One example? Helping with a buyer’s closing costs. Let’s break that down, so you know what to expect if it comes up in your sale. What Are Buyer Closing Costs? Closing costs are the extra expenses buyers pay on top of their down payment when they purchase a home. Freddie Mac gives some examples : Loan origination fees Appraisal and inspection costs Title and attorney fees Survey fees and more Typically, buyer closing costs range from about 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. So, on the typical $400,000 home, that could mean anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000 out of pocket. And in today’s affordability-challenged market, that upfront cash can be a major hurdle for some buyers – even if they can comfortably afford the monthly mortgage payment itself. That’s why more people are asking sellers for help. And More Sellers Are Saying “Yes” According to the latest data from Zillow , 67% of sellers reported paying some or all of the buyer’s closing costs in 2025 ( see chart below ):

How to Stage Your Outdoor Space to Sell Your Home Faster

By Dusty Rhodes • June 8, 2026
When preparing to sell your home , the outside matters just as much as what’s inside. Learning how to stage your outdoor space to sell can help create a memorable first impression, boost curb appeal, and make buyers feel emotionally connected before they even walk through the front door. From refreshing landscaping to creating cozy gathering areas, thoughtful outdoor staging can help your home stand out in a competitive market. In this Redfin guide, we’ll share expert-backed tips for transforming your yard, patio, porch, or garden into a space buyers can easily picture themselves enjoying. Whether you’re preparing a bungalow in Boise, ID , or listing a modern home in Savannah, GA , these outdoor staging ideas can help sellers create inviting spaces that feel polished, functional, and move-in ready. Why outdoor staging matters when selling a home Outdoor staging helps buyers form an emotional connection with a home before they even step inside. A clean, inviting exterior can make a property feel more cared for, while thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces help buyers imagine themselves relaxing, entertaining, or spending time outside. In competitive markets especially, those details can help a listing stand out from similar homes nearby. “Staging allows buyers to see the potential of the space and aids realtors in securing high-investment buyers,” shares Julia, CEO of JP Urban Moving . “Staging is an aspect of the moving industry that customers generally don’t consider, but it’s vital and on the rise.” Outdoor staging can also help: Create a stronger first impression during showings. Highlight usable outdoor living areas like patios, porches, and backyards. Make the home feel move-in ready . Showcase the lifestyle the property offers , not just the structure itself. Help buyers remember the home after touring multiple listings. Focus on curb appeal first Curb appeal plays a major role in shaping a buyer’s first impression of a home. Before buyers notice updated interiors or spacious layouts, they’re already evaluating the condition of the yard, landscaping, and exterior maintenance. “Ensure your home is move-in ready by maximizing its curb appeal and value through thoughtful landscape design,” suggests Fel Quinn, Marketing Director at TerraVita Landscape & Gardening Inc. “Carefully consider how the trees, shrubs, and perennials add interest while keeping the space low-maintenance. Sometimes less is more – by prioritizing strategic planting and the overall health of your landscape, you can create a welcoming space that is both well-kept and inviting.” To improve curb appeal before listing your home: Trim overgrown trees and shrubs. Refresh mulch in flower beds and garden areas. Mow and edge the lawn regularly. Keep walkways, driveways, and entryways clean and clutter-free. Choose landscaping that looks attractive while remaining low-maintenance. Create outdoor spaces buyers can picture themselves using When staging an outdoor space , the goal is to help buyers imagine how they would actually live there. A cozy patio setup, welcoming front porch, or peaceful backyard can make the home feel like a retreat rather than just another property on the market. Buyers are often drawn to spaces that feel functional, relaxing, and easy to enjoy from day one. “Think about it: It’s Friday afternoon, you just got off a busy work week, you’re dreaming of how long until you escape to your home, that peaceful haven from the chaos,” says Justin Wilson of American Irrigation Repair . “When you’re selling your house, you’re not just selling just the structure, you’re selling a vision of how a buyer feels when they step on the property.” To create outdoor spaces buyers can connect with: Arrange simple seating areas on patios or decks. Add outdoor pillows or neutral decor for warmth. Incorporate planters or flowers for natural color. Keep pathways and gathering spaces open and uncluttered. Highlight features like fire pits, gardens, or dining areas. Use lighting to make the space feel inviting during evening showings. Less clutter, more function: Keep outdoor staging simple When staging outdoor areas, simplicity often has the biggest impact. Buyers want to see spaces that feel open, functional, and easy to maintain, rather than overcrowded with furniture, decorations, or excessive landscaping features. A clean and thoughtfully arranged yard allows buyers to focus on the home itself while still appreciating the outdoor lifestyle it offers. “When staging an outdoor space to sell, focus on making it feel clean, welcoming, and easy for buyers to picture themselves comfortably living in and using the space,” says Beth Wren of Copper Creek Landscaping . “The goal is to create an outdoor space that feels polished, functional, low-maintenance, and like a natural extension of the home.” To keep outdoor staging simple yet effective: Remove broken furniture , excess décor, and unused yard items. Define seating areas without overcrowding the space. Add fresh mulch and trim overgrown plants. Highlight one or two focal points , like a bird bath or statement planting. Don’t forget the emotional connection buyers feel outdoors Outdoor spaces often leave the strongest emotional impression during a home tour. Long after buyers forget square footage or listing details, they tend to remember how a home felt – especially in areas where they can imagine relaxing, gathering, or unwinding. A thoughtfully staged exterior helps turn a property into something more personal and memorable. At its core, outdoor staging is about selling a feeling as much as a space. Buyers respond to environments that feel peaceful, cared for, and inviting, where they can easily picture everyday moments unfolding. Key emotional drivers in outdoor staging include: A sense of calm and retreat from daily stress. The feeling of a “personal oasis” or private escape. Warmth and comfort created through greenery, lighting, and layout. Subtle signals that the home has been well cared for over time. Spaces that feel ready for connection , whether with family, friends, or nature. How to stage your outdoor space to sell successfully Staging your outdoor space is about more than improving curb appeal – it’s about helping buyers imagine the lifestyle your home offers. Small updates like fresh landscaping, defined seating areas, lighting, and thoughtful decor can make your property feel more welcoming, memorable, and move-in ready. By taking the time to stage your outdoor space to sell, you can create a strong first impression that helps your home stand out to potential buyers.