Ready for Anything: Five Emergency Preparedness Tips You Can Use Now

Dusty Rhodes • June 24, 2024

We’re all at risk for severe weather. Whether it’s torrential rain and flooding or extreme heat and wildfires, there’s likely some form of weather-related natural disaster that your area is familiar with. To keep yourself and your family safe, it makes sense to be prepared—especially when doing so is easy. Explore five simple things you can do now to prepare for an emergency.


1. UNDERSTAND POTENTIAL DISASTERS.


Weather-related natural disasters come in all shapes and sizes, impacting your home, community, city, province, state, and region differently. The best thing you can do for your safety is understand the events you’re most at risk for. Talk to your

real estate agent or research the disaster history of your home, and reach out to local authorities to identify flood maps and risk zones. These events can hit big:


Wildfires. Wildfires can happen anytime. They’re uncontrolled fires in forests, woodlands, grasslands, or anywhere with dry, combustible vegetation to fuel the flames. Natural forces, like lightning, can start wildfires, but nearly 85% are caused

by humans.


Tornadoes. Ordinarily in the spring, summer, and fall, a tornado is a narrow, violently rotating column of air that extends from the sky to the ground. Threats from a tornado include strong winds and lightning.


Hurricanes. The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and continues until November 30. Hurricanes are tropical cyclones that bring aggressive weather, such as widespread, heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and significant river and storm surge flooding.


Floods. An overflow of water onto land that’s normally dry, flooding can occur in any season, but coastal spots are prone to flooding during hurricane season, and cold regions can experience flood-causing ice jams when the weather turns warmer, usually in the spring.


2. STAY ALERT.


Know what’s coming your way by staying up to date on emergencies. Get the lowdown on the weather by regularly visiting reliable websites, listening to local radio stations, or watching news broadcasts. Additionally, you can sign up for alerts from apps like:


Red Cross Emergency. This app lets you customize 40 weather alerts with fast notifications. It also features a disaster preparation guide and shelter map.


Storm Radar: Weather Tracker. Get live National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Weather Service alerts right on your device, including winter storm warnings, tornado warnings, thunderstorm warnings, and more.


Ventusky. Available around the world, this app combines a weather forecast with a 3D map showing the weather beyond your location.


3. PROTECT YOUR HOME PROACTIVELY.


When a disaster strikes, your personal safety is paramount—and tending to your home at the last minute isn’t the ideal course of action. Take the time to verify your homeowner’s insurance properly covers your property for relevant disasters, and collect and

store hard-to-replace documents, like passports, IDs, marriage licenses, insurance cards, and birth certificates, in a fireproof and waterproof container.


To help protect the physical structure of your home and its contents, make a habit of unplugging appliances and electronics, like toasters, laptops, fans, lamps, air fryers, and blenders, when not in use. Maintain outdoor spaces, trim trees and bushes, remove

fire hazards, pull dry vegetation, and clear gutters, too.


4. SET A COMMUNICATION PLAN.


You’ll want to ensure every family member knows what to do amid the commotion and chaos. Create a plan for who to contact and how during a pending disaster. Here’s what you can do to prepare:


• Program emergency contact numbers for local departments in your phone.

• Double-check that your managed community has your contact information and you have theirs.

• Set a meeting point where your family can gather.

• Confirm everyone in your family has an emergency cell phone and can send messages.

• Have a list of people to contact in case of an emergency with addresses, phone numbers, and social media handles.


5. MAKE EVACUATION ARRANGEMENTS.


Common in weather emergencies, evacuation orders mean it’s time to go. If officials tell you to evacuate, you should leave immediately. Build an evacuation plan in advance so your family can get out of danger quickly with:


Your evacuation zone. Check official databases to identify your region and get information on local disaster response, including recovery centers and flood maps.


Alternative shelter plans. Ask to stay with family and friends who don’t live in your area.


Assistance for pets, elderly, or disabled individuals. Organize special plans for those who may need them.


Utilities shut-off. Know the shut-off locations for your home’s water, gas, and electricity.


Play it safe and do the things you need to do to prepare for an emergency. When it matters most, you’ll be glad you did.


Source: Coming Home Magazine



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.