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Tips for Looking at Homes Online

Dusty Rhodes • September 9, 2019

Are you looking for your new home? Have you checked all the websites, downloaded all the apps, taken all the flyers? Feel like you just keep running into a wall? Here are some tips for looking for your next home online, courtesy of HouseLogic:


Quick Note: Before you start looking, you need to do the most crucial step - figure out what it is you're actually looking for. Just like when you go to the grocery store with a list of everything you need and want, you'll find a list helps when starting the house hunt. It helps you to really focus in on what's a priority.


1.  Make sure you're looking at the most current, active listings. This starts with knowing which apps and websites you're using. Sites like Zillow and Trulia can often have old or inactive listings still in their database. Realtor.com® updates their information from the Multiple Listing Service every 15 minutes. But the reality is, an agent is going to have the most comprehensive access to houses that are on the market, and if you give them that list we talked about, they'll be more inclined to stick to your exact needs and wants.


2.  Seeing is believing. And sometimes you have to see a property to truly know if the photos on the listing are the most accurate. Some agents hire photographers that doctor them up, make the house brighter than it is, sometimes even changing the color of the exterior, no matter how untruthful, unethical, and inaccurate it may be. They could also have taken the photos themselves and used a harsh flash, or worse, no flash at all, on a cloudy day that makes an otherwise decently lit property look dark and dreary. Ultimately, your best bet is to call or email your agent for a showing of the property, to really get a feel for how it looks and feels.


3.  Trust in and respect your agent's skills and knowledge of the area. The reality is that a listing page is just a bullet point list of property details: the price, the size, the location, etc. It doesn't really give you the full picture. Your agent can provide you a full picture about the property and its neighborhood: is the price reasonable and comparable to other properties that have recently sold in the area? Are there things about the property that you just aren't seeing clearly, or can't be seen in the public listing? What about the neighborhood?


An agent is your best resource for buying a house, and while the internet is great as well, it won't give you all the correct, most recent, or most accurate information like an agent could. You can still use it to see what's out there, but if you see a house on Zillow that isn't on the list that your agent sent you, it could be that the house either is no longer active, or it doesn't meet the criteria that you required. Make sure to trust your real estate agent, and they'll have you on the right track in no time!





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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3 Reasons To Buy a Home Before Spring

By Dusty Rhodes • January 27, 2025
Let’s face it — buying a home can feel like a challenge with today’s mortgage rates. You might even be thinking, “Should I just wait until spring when more homes hit the market and rates might be lower?” But here’s the thing, no one knows for sure where mortgage rates will go from here, and waiting could mean facing more competition, higher prices, and a lot more stress. What if buying now — before the spring rush — might actually give you the upper hand? Here are three reasons why that just might be the case. 1. Less Competition from Other Buyers The winter months tend to be quieter in the real estate market. Fewer people are actively looking for homes, which means you’ll likely face less competition when you make an offer. This makes the process feel less rushed and less stressful. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes sit on the market longer in winter compared to spring and summer ( see graph below ): 

Buying and Selling a House at the Same Time: Where to Begin

By Dusty Rhodes • January 13, 2025
Buying a new home while selling your current one is a balancing act. Here are some practical tips to help you succeed as both a buyer and seller. Buying a new home at the same time as you’re selling your old home is all about timing — and some luck, of course. And while you can’t control everything that happens during the complicated buying and selling process, there are some things you can do to set yourself up for smooth closings — maybe even on the same day! Consider this key information on how to buy and sell a house at the same time. Evaluate the local housing market The state of the real estate market in your area is often the biggest factor in timing your home purchase and sale correctly. Knowing what kind of market you’re in is important whether you’re just moving across town, or if you’re moving across the country. If you’re selling in one market and buying in another, you’ll need to factor that into your timing. The length of time it takes to buy and sell can vary dramatically depending on the local real estate scene. What is a buyers market? In a buyers market, there are more homes available than people looking to buy. In a buyers market, you’ll likely have an easier time finding your new home than you will selling your old home. Sellers may be willing to accept a contingent offer, which means you agree to purchase their home contingent on selling yours first — more on that later. What is a sellers market? In a sellers market, there are more buyers in the marketplace than there are homes available. In a sellers market, your current home will likely sell more quickly than you’ll be able to find a new home. Consider asking your buyers to do a rent-back after closing to allow you time to find your new place. If you’re in a... What to do Buyers market Make an offer with a sale contingency Buyers market Request an extended closing Sellers market Make an offer with a settlement contingency Sellers market Ask for a rent-back agreement Choose an experienced real estate agent Buying and selling at the same time can be complicated and at times overwhelming, so it’s helpful to have a pro by your side. An experienced local agent will not only be able to help you determine the market value of your home, but they’ll be able to talk you through timing, strategy, and negotiation. An agent can guide you to a listing price In addition to answering questions about process and helping you negotiate, one of the most important roles your agent plays is to help you find the perfect listing price — one that will help you sell on your desired timeline and for enough money to help you take that next step. They’ll use their local market expertise and comparables to inform the price. Remember to interview Don’t just go with the very first real estate agent that comes your way. Especially when you’re buying and selling at the same time, it’s important to give your business to a true professional, one who can really help you make smart decisions. And, if you’re buying and selling in the same market, consider using the same agent for both transactions to help streamline communication. Understand your finances After you’ve chosen an agent and gotten a feel for your local market, it’s time to know your numbers. Reach out to both your mortgage lender and your financial planner to see what’s feasible based on your financial situation. The amount of liquid cash, the amount of equity in your home, and the loan products you qualify for can all factor into which path you take. Determine your home’s likely resale value Part of researching your equity is knowing how much your house will reasonably sell for in the current market. Consider completing a pre-inspection so you know how much work needs to go into your house before selling, or the types of concessions you’ll have to make to a buyer to cover those repairs. Know how much equity you have in your home If you’re selling a house with a mortgage, do some initial research to find out how much equity you have — meaning the amount left over when you take the current market value of your home and deduct what’s remaining on your mortgage. Also, consider if you’d be able to purchase without tapping into that equity. Remember, the equity you have in your home won’t be accessible until after the sale closes. Buying a house before selling If you choose to buy a second home before selling your current home, here are some ways to make it happen: Make an offer with a sale contingency: In this scenario, you’ll focus on finding a new home before you list the old one. Once you find a house you love, you’ll submit your offer with a sale and settlement contingency, which means you’ll buy the home only if you can successfully sell your existing home. Typically, the sellers of the home you’re buying are still allowed to seek other offers. Contingencies typically work best in buyers markets, when the seller is less likely to get another offer. Request an extended closing: If you’re confident that your existing home will sell in a short period of time, you can request to extend the closing date of your new home, past the standard 30-45 days. This will give you enough time to sell your current home and use your home equity to buy another house. Just like with contingent offers, you’re more likely to have success with this strategy in a buyers market. Purchase with savings: If you’re in the financial position to do so, the simplest route is to use your savings to pay your new down payment, then sell your old home after the dust settles. Keep in mind that you’ll also need money to cover closing costs, inspections, and moving expenses. Purchase with a HELOC: A HELOC, or home equity line of credit, allows you to borrow against the equity in your current home. If you qualify, you could use a HELOC to access money for your down payment, then pay it off when your home sells. Purchase with a bridge loan: A bridge loan is a short-term loan offered by a bank to cover your down payment, just until your sales close. Make sure to talk to your banker about this option early in the process, because not all banks offer this product and it can be hard to qualify. Rent out your first home: If you don’t need the money from your first home to make your down payment on the new home, you could always find renters for your old home, which would allow you to cover the mortgage costs while delaying the need to sell at the same time as you’re buying. Pros of buying before selling You have somewhere to move right away . You only have to move once, which allows you to save money on storage units or temporary housing costs. You’re less pressured to make quick buying decisions, as you can always stay in your current home a little longer if you don’t find a property you love. Cons of buying before selling You may feel rushed to sell, which may lead you to take a lower offer than you would otherwise. Contingent offers are less competitive, especially in fast-paced markets. You may not have enough cash to make a competitive offer if your money is tied up in your current home. If you decide to rent out your current home, being a landlord isn’t always a walk in the park. And, when you do decide to sell, it can be a challenge to sell while tenants are living in the home. Selling a house before buying If you’ve decided to sell your current home first, here are some steps you can take to make the process a bit smoother. Make an offer with a settlement contingency : In this case, you’ll list your house first, then once you have an offer in hand (but before closing), you start looking for your new digs. When you find a house you love, you’ll submit an offer with a settlement contingency, which means you’ll buy the home contingent on the sale of your existing home closing. This works best in a seller’s market, where you can expect to receive offers on your existing home fairly quickly. Find a temporary rental to live in: Yes, you’ll have to move twice, but sometimes closing one sale before starting another one can be the least stressful option, as it takes the pressure off the timing and gives you the time to find a home you really love. Sign a rent-back: A rent-back provision is when you go through with the sale of the home, with the agreement that you can rent the home back from the new owners (and keep living in your home) for one or more days. This option can give you more time to shop for your new home, while still giving you access to the money from your sale. Keep in mind that this option works best in a sellers market, where buyers have to be more flexible with contract terms in order to get the home they want. Pros of selling before buying You know exactly how much equity you’ll have available to put toward your new home. You can easily roll your existing equity into the new purchase. It can be less stressful to close the book on one chapter before focusing on your next move. Cons of selling before buying You’ll likely have to find a temporary living situation. Storage and double moving costs can add up.

Should you close vents in unused rooms?

By Dusty Rhodes • December 9, 2024
When it comes to saving energy and cutting heating or cooling costs, many homeowners think closing vents in unused rooms is a smart move. However, doing so can lead to bigger system problems and a rise in energy bills. This seemingly logical practice to close vents in rooms not in use can backfire, leading to energy inefficiency, higher bills, and even damage your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Our HVAC experts reveal why you shouldn’t close vents in unused rooms – and what you should be doing instead. By knowing how to run and clean your HVAC system , you'll manage your home's climate efficiently. Should you close vents in unused rooms? In short, no. Your HVAC system is designed to distribute air evenly throughout your home and closing vents in unused rooms disrupts this balance, and could cause a number of potential problems. Andrew Hulsebos, lead service director at HVAC experts Reiner , has been in the industry for 15 years. He explains, 'When you close vents in unused rooms, airflow becomes unbalanced which creates additional pressure in the duct work. 'Most HVAC systems are designed to heat or cool the entire home, so blocking off sections can force the system to work harder to maintain the overall temperature, often making it less efficient, rather than more. This extra strain can lead to higher energy consumption, increased wear and tear on the system, and potentially even reduce its lifespan.' Though several issues can occur, Josh Mitchell, HVAC technician and founder of Air Conditioner Lab , explains the most common: Increased pressure in the ductwork : Closing vents can raise pressure in the system by as much as 20%, which strains your HVAC system. Duct leaks are already a common problem, with studies showing that as much as 30% of conditioned air can be lost through leaks. So, raising pressure makes leaks and energy waste worse. Reduced system efficiency : HVAC systems need balanced airflow to function at their best. When that balance is disrupted, the blower has to work harder to maintain temperatures, which means the system runs longer, uses more energy, and costs more to operate. This can reduce efficiency by up to 15%, increasing your monthly energy bill. Increased wear and tear: If your HVAC system consistently has to push against higher pressure, it’s more likely to wear out sooner. Over time, this means repairs – in the long run, it can even shorten the system’s lifespan. Mitchell adds, 'Overall, you can see why closing vents in unused rooms can create more issues than it solves.' Rather than closing vents, focus on optimizing your HVAC system for efficiency. There are several ways to do this, including using vent deflectors, changing your filters regularly, using air purifiers, improving your insulation, installing smart thermostats, and opting for a zoned heating system. Head of Solved, Punteha van Terheyden ran her heating on a constant temperature for months and saved hundreds in energy bills . 1. Use vent deflectors Vent deflectors are a good way to affect the airflow in your home without closing any vents. Mitchell says, 'Vent deflectors are a simple and budget-friendly option that maintains system balance, helping to divert air away from unused areas or into areas that need more warmth or cooling.' Mitchell recommends the Thermwell HD5 Heat and Air Deflector, available from Amazon , which comes in packs of four. 2. Change filters often Changing air filters regularly can greatly improve your system's effectiveness. Adam Ross, owner of Florida-based HVAC experts Aircon Repair , says, 'It is crucial for homeowners to change their air filters every 90 days to improve flow and avoid contaminants in the air. 'People often don't realize that clean filters help you save money by preventing your AC system from getting overworked, which leads to higher energy consumption. It also prevents overheating or freezing – and costly, unnecessary repairs.' Though options will depend on your specific air conditioning system, Ross recommends this Filterbuy MERV Air Filter from Amazon , which is compatible with several common models including Trane Perfect Fit, and American Standard. 3. Add air purifiers Having one of the best air purifiers can further enhance a filtration system's work around your home. Ross says, 'While air filters help a lot in filtering unwanted contaminants, it may not be enough. This is the reason why we recommend using an air purifier to further remove dust and debris, which reduces the strain on your system, allowing it to function more efficiently. 'Some air purifiers – such as the REME HALO Whole Home In-Duct Air Purifier – also contain UV light that significantly improves air quality indoors by reducing bacteria, viruses, odors and mold spores in the air and on surfaces. It saves a lot of money, not only by reducing energy consumption but also keeping you and your family in good health.' Check out our expert guide on what to look for in an air purifier . 4. Improve insulation Keeping your home air tight ensures conditioned air does not escape, and prevents unfiltered air from entering. Failing to do so is a common heating mistake that increases energy bills . Ross says, 'Air leaks increase workload on your heating and cooling systems so it is important to seal even the tiniest cracks. Leaks around windows, doors, ducts, and attics allow warm or cool air to escape, causing HVAC systems to work harder to maintain a stable temperature – this increases energy consumption and utility bills. 'Products like caulk, weather stripping, and foam can seal these gaps, boosting HVAC efficiency, reducing energy costs, and extending the lifespan of your HVAC system.' Ross recommends Touch ‘n Seal Gun Foam II Sealant, available from Amazon . He adds, 'It's a high-performance sealant that's got residential fire blocking approval.' Learn more about the areas of your home pros say you should always insulate . 5. Go Smart Smart vent systems are a great option if you're looking for more control of your home's heating. Mitchell says, 'These programmable vents are a more advanced solution for controlling airflow. Products like Flair Smart Vents, available from Amazon , allow you to adjust airflow in each room based on temperature sensors. Since they’re designed with HVAC systems in mind, they automatically adjust to prevent pressure buildup, which makes them a safer option than manually closing vents.' Ross says, 'Imagine coming home to an already cooled home after a long hot day! Many of these systems can be controlled through your smartphone, which transports control of your whole AC system into your hands.' Ross recommends the Amazon Smart Thermostat , which can be controlled remotely in several ways, including via Alexa or your Ring doorbell. Ecobee Smart Thermostats are also highly popular with our experts thanks to their reliability and slick tech. 6. Zone heating systems If there's one situation where closing vents is recommended by our experts, it's where a zoned heating system is installed. Mitchell says, 'Zoned HVAC systems are designed specifically to heat and cool areas independently, using dampers that regulate airflow. In these setups, closing vents in unused rooms is actually part of how the system is supposed to operate. 'If you’re considering room-by-room temperature control, zoning can be a worthwhile investment. It lets you control temperatures in different rooms or 'zones' without creating the pressure issues that come with closing vents in standard setups. This can be especially helpful for large or multi-story homes where different areas often need different temperatures.' The Keen Home Smart Vent Pro is a popular zoned heating system with our experts. Controlled via an app, this is one of the more affordable systems on the market that allows for room-by-room temperature control. Check out our guide for more ways to improve ventilation in your home and watch out for these common household items that are polluting your air . FAQs Does partially closing vents save energy? Partially closing vents disrupts airflow and creates unnecessary pressure in your HVAC system. It’s best to leave vents fully open and explore alternative solutions, like programmable thermostats or zoning systems, for better energy management. It's a good a time as ever to check if your home is showing signs it needs vapor barriers installed . What are signs of HVAC pressure imbalance? Signs include uneven temperatures, loud airflow noises, or a system that cycles on and off frequently. Addressing these issues quickly can prevent further damage and improve your HVAC system's performance. Do vent covers help save energy? Magnetic vent covers can help temporarily redirect airflow but won’t address the root cause of inefficiency. For long-term energy savings, consider upgrading your HVAC system or improving insulation in your home. So there you have it – HVAC pros reveal you should not be closing vents in unused rooms unless you have a zoned temperature system and shared what to do instead. Closing vents in unused rooms may seem like a quick fix, but it’s more likely to harm your HVAC system and increase energy costs. By focusing on smarter solutions, you can save money while maintaining comfort and efficiency throughout your home.
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