Planning to Sell Your Home? Here’s How to Protect and Increase Home Value on a Budget

Dusty Rhodes • May 10, 2022

1) Declutter to increase home value


It happens to all of us – the storage closet that was once empty, is now overflowing; and belongings that should be stored away have found new homes elsewhere. If this sounds familiar, now is a great time to begin eliminating things you no longer need.


Decluttering is one of the most inexpensive ways to increase home value. Pay particular attention to your kitchen and bathrooms, as well as your living room, as these are most often a home’s best selling points. Tackle this project room-by-room, and don’t move on until the room is finished so you can avoid creating an endless pile of stuff. You can begin by categorizing your items using three different piles. One for belongings you’d like to keep, one for “maybe’s,” and one for donation items. In a few days, come back to the “maybe” pile and make the final cuts.


Follow these tips as you begin decluttering:


  • Prioritize organizing your bathroom. Start with your countertops and work your way to your linen closet and medicine cabinets. Try to remove personal items like your toothbrush, hairbrush, and mouthwash so buyers can imagine their own space.
  • Tidy up your home office. be sure to file away or shred old papers, clear off your desk, and hide any unsightly cords using zip ties or cords.
  • Throw out any expired items throughout your home. This includes items in the kitchen, pantry, bathroom, and medicine cabinet.
  • Sort through your closet and remove extra hangers, and donate or toss out clothes or shoes you no longer need. This will help your closet space appear more spacious and organized.
  • Remember, your entryway sets the first impression. Be sure to declutter it of personal items and create an entrance that draws buyers in.
  • Clear your kitchen countertops. Avoid using this space for random objects, and try to hide all countertop appliances, such as your blender, toaster, and crockpot. 
  • Depersonalize your home. Remove items that are too personal, like family photos. It will help if potential buyers imagine themselves in the space.
  • Try to remove visual clutter from hallways, such as hooks, artwork, and photographs. Cramped hallways can be a deal breaker.
  • Pare down throw pillows, blankets, and decor in the living room to make the space feel larger. 
  • Organize bookshelves and display cabinets. Strip the layer of dust, remove trinkets, personal items, storage bins, and arrange and style books.
  • Don’t forget to clear out your refrigerator, freezer, and under the sinks. Potential buyers will surely be curious about storage space.
  • Be sure to stash away any children’s toys and pet toys. While your home is on the market, try to limit the number of toys available to play with.
  • Create a laundry space where potential buyers will be able to imagine themselves almost enjoying the chore. Be sure to clear countertops and organize your cleaning products.


Decluttering can be a huge task for just one person to complete. Working with a professional organizer may be the best choice, and can even increase a home’s asking price by up to 5%.


2) Deep clean your home


After you’ve decluttered, the next step is to deep clean your home. That means it’s time to wipe and dust every surface, mop, and vacuum carpets and floors. Dig deep into the kitchen, make your bathroom shine, and tidy up your living room. Odor can also make a lasting impression, especially a bad-smelling one. Pets, kids, food, and other conditions can make your home smell and discourage potential homebuyers. 


Keeping your house clean can be a time-consuming task, and let’s face it – sometimes it’s hard to find the time to clean your home from top to bottom. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service; they’re less likely to overlook something that may not be on your cleaning checklist. They’ll also be able to reach every nook and cranny of your home to leave it shining so you can increase home value, sell your house quickly, and for more money. In fact, according to a 2019 survey by HomeLight, deep cleaning can add as much as $4,000 to your home’s resale value. 


3) Paint your home, inside and out


When selling your home, it’s important for potential homebuyers to picture themselves living there. Dull, dingy, chipped, or low-quality paint may discourage buyers and hurt your property value. Avoid busy and bright colors as these shades tend to turn attention away from the home itself. Painting the interior of your home in a neutral color requires a relatively small investment for what you’ll get in return, which is usually increased home value, more interested homebuyers, and hopefully more competing offers.


Painting the exterior of your home may cost a bit more, but the increase in curb appeal could sell your home faster. Does it need it? Take a walk outside and look around. Do you see any cracks or peeling? Has the color faded? If the answer is yes, the time to repaint is now.


Consider hiring a professional painting company so they can eliminate the risk of using the wrong brush, buying low-quality paint, or using too much or too little. 


4) Replace the garage door


Your garage door has likely experienced a lot of wear and tear over the years. How did it sound the last time you opened and closed it? You may have forgotten about dents from bike wrecks or flying balls after a while, but buyer’s will definitely notice. Check the sweep, too. If blowing rains come under the door, chances are critters do too and the sweep needs replacing. For less than $5,000, on average, you can increase home value and reap an ROI of almost 94 percent when you replace it. 


5) Add manufactured stone veneer


To really spruce things up and increase home value, consider giving your home a stone veneer facelift. Manufactured stone pairs well with many house styles and gives it a rich feel. Why would you want to spend money on an upgrade like stone veneer if you’re just selling your home anyways? If your home is competing with several others in your area that are similar in appearance, a stone veneer is a great way to draw attention to your listing and could help you sell your home quicker and for more money.


If you have vinyl siding, incorporating manufactured stone veneer is a great way to enhance your curb appeal and increase home value. On average, you can cover 300-square-feet of the bottom third of your home’s street-facing facade for about $10,000 and reap a whopping 92 percent ROI, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2021 Cost vs. Value Report.


6) Increase home value by upgrading your kitchen


It’s easy to understand why the kitchen is a huge selling point for buyers, they often imagine preparing meals and socializing with family and friends in the new space. Budget-friendly and simple improvements include repainting cabinets, adding a backsplash, and replacing the sink. You can also opt for eco-friendly options and upgrade to a low-energy microwave, select water-efficient features, and energy-efficient lighting. No matter which project you choose to do in the heart of your home – it should increase your enjoyment of the space. In fact, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry gives upgrading your kitchen a “joy score” of 10 in their annual Remodeling Impact Report.


7) Pay attention to your yard


First impressions make a difference when selling a home, and sprucing up the exterior of your home is just as important as the interior. Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. Would you feel compelled to tour a home if it didn’t look well kept on the outside? 

Curb appeal helps to bring buyers through the door, sell your home quickly, and can increase the value of your home up to 11%.


Here are some easy, budget-friendly curb appeal ideas improvements you can try today.


  • Repaint or replace your front door. Front doors quickly begin to look worn and tired with daily use and extreme weather. Repainting or replacing your door is a quick and cost-effective way to add curb appeal. 
  • Update the exterior lighting. If your walkway up to your front door is poorly lit or your fixtures are outdated, consider updating your exterior lighting to create a more inviting entryway. You can also illuminate some of your landscaping work, trees, and shrubs. From post lights, LED lights, solar lights, and wall mounts, the options are endless.
  • Switch out your old fence. Worn fences can take the attention away from your home and hurt your property value. Replacing your existing fence for a new one can give your yard the boost it needs by enhancing the greenery, ensuring privacy and security, and increasing home value. You can choose between several different materials, including wood, vinyl, aluminum, wrought iron, and composite.
  • Hire a professional landscaper. Opt for a low-maintenance and clean-cut landscape design to appeal to buyers, and increase how much your property is worth. Even edging the beds, mulching the garden, and pruning the trees and hedges can enhance any landscape. Consider working with a professional landscaper to maximize your curb appeal and create a front yard that buyers will love the moment they arrive.
  • Wash the windows and the siding. It doesn’t take long for your house and windows to form a layer of dust, dirt, fingerprints, or even algae, leaving your home looking dull and grimy. Hire a professional for regular cleaning to avoid paint stripping, splinters, and mold and mildew problems.


8) Let the light in


More lighting can bring life into a room. While a poorly lit room can feel small, dark, and cramped, a brightly lit space does just the opposite. The proper lighting can make your home look cleaner, more spacious, and increase home value. Try to schedule open houses and home tours during the brightest time of the day, and be sure to open window blinds to increase natural light. Replace dim bulbs with bright, warm-spectrum bulbs. Consider incorporating recessed lighting into your home, the number one most valuable home trend today. You can even incorporate an eye-catching light fixture, perhaps in the entryway, to improve the perceived value of your home and add a bit of character.


9) Focus on the bathroom


The bathroom is one of the most important rooms to prospective buyers, and a few budget-friendly updates can take it to the next level. Consider replacing the sink faucet with a stylish alternative, switching out your showerhead, adding granite or marble countertops to your bath vanity, or upgrading the lighting. 


10) Pay attention to the details


Even the smallest updates have the ability to dramatically improve the appearance of your home. Check out these quick and budget-friendly improvements that can increase home value:


  • Updating knobs on kitchen cabinets and doors
  • Fix loose wires and leaky faucets
  • Add attic insulation
  • Wrap up home projects and little repairs
  • Replace faceplates and wall switches
  • Refinish your hardwood floors
  • Regrout floor and shower tile


11) Hire a home inspector


If you’re preparing to sell your home, it’s a good idea to schedule a pre-listing home inspection to check out the areas of your home that you don’t normally see and identify any problems in advance. Home inspectors look for underlying safety issues on the home’s structural, electrical, and mechanical systems that could severely impact a buyer’s resources to make necessary or needed repairs. Roof damage, a termite infestation, a water leak, or outdated electrical wiring will surely decrease property value. If you’re aware of the issues, you’ll be able to get them repaired before listing your home all while increasing the value of your home.

Source: RedFin


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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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.

What a Builder Warranty Covers on New Constructions (and What You’re on the Hook for Yourself)

By Dusty Rhodes • June 1, 2026
Buying a newly constructed home can come with a number of perks, one of them being a builder warranty. Now, the assumption is that the warranty means the builder will assume financial responsibility for anything that breaks . The truth is, while a builder warranty is issued to most new constructions, it covers a very specific list of features in and on the house. Understanding what is covered by this warranty and if you'll need a home warranty in addition to your insurance is an important step for first-time buyers of new-construction homes. Home warranty vs. builder warranty There are importants differences between a builder warranty and a home warranty . The primary difference is that a builder warranty covers new construction or a remodel by a builder. Most newly built homes come with a builder warranty. A home warranty applies to existing properties and covers appliances (like the oven, range, and garbage disposal) and household systems (like electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling). And while a builder warranty is provided by the builder, a home warranty is purchased by the buyers. What’s covered and what’s not? The lifespan of a builder warranty depends on the specific features of the house. However, the typical builder warranty lasts six months to two years, with some lasting up to 10 years for "major structural defects" like an unsafe roof. While there are differences in warranties from builder to builder, in general, they should cover all of a home’s materials and workmanship. In most cases, that includes: Concrete foundations and floors Dry basement Clapboard and shingles Landscaping Carpentry Thermal and moisture cover Waterproofing Insulation Roofing and siding Doors and windows Glass Garage doors Paint Plumbing Electrical Heating and cooling Septic system Most builder warranties don't cover: Household appliances Defects resulting from work conducted by the homeowner or anyone else after the builder's work is completed Shrinkage and expansion of the house Normal fading of paint Shrinkage of joints/minor cracking Weather-related issues Dampness/condensation caused by failure of the homeowner to maintain adequate ventilation Insect damage Builder warranty essentials While a builder warranty is an “absolute must” if you're buying a new home, it shouldn't make you feel too comfortable, says Robert Pellegrini Jr. , Esq, president of PK Boston, a real estate law firm in Massachusetts . “A builder warranty can give a false sense of security to homebuyers, so you need to be careful.” You might assume something is covered that actually isn't. It’s up to you to ask your builder for the details of the warranty and, ideally, have an attorney look over the contract. “It's a significant negotiation—the builder wants to be responsible for essentially nothing, and it's in the buyer's best interest to have the builder on the hook for as much as possible.” Before you sign the contract, make sure you know not only what is and isn't covered, but also the length of the coverage. Pellegrini says you should also make sure you understand how to notify the builder should something go wrong during the warranty period. If you don't notify the builder in accordance with the contract terms, it could void the warranty. Some of the biggest disagreements arise when the cause is the issue, and the question is: "Was the damage due to neglect during building or to misuse by the homeowner?" For example, if a homeowner decides to clean his paintbrushes in his kitchen sink after he moved in, but doesn't realize that doing so will render the septic system inoperable, he will be liable for replacing it at his own expense. It’s not always cut and dried, though. “If homeowners act in good faith and work well with the builder, the builder is more apt to help you, even if it's not a warrantied item,” Pellegrini says. If the builder goes out of business, however, all bets are off. “In most cases, the buyer is out of luck,” he adds.  Bottom line? If you buy a new construction, make sure you get a builder warranty. But don't bank on that warranty covering everything that might go wrong with your home. While you should try to get as much coverage from your builder as possible, repairs and maintenance fees are all part of the homeowning game.