Lori Scarbrough-Ruhl&Ruhl Realtor

10/31/2026

When to Rethink Your Selling Strategy
A home can come to market with a solid plan and still need an adjustment later.
That doesn't necessarily mean something went wrong. Buyer activity changes, new competing listings appear, feedback starts to form a pattern, and the first few weeks on the market provide information you didn't have when...

A selling strategy that made sense at the start of a listing may need to change. Know which signs suggest it's time to take another look.

10/30/2026

Small Home Projects Worth Finishing Before the End of the Year
Nearly every home has a project that has been "almost done" for longer than anyone expected. Maybe the supplies were purchased months ago. Perhaps the difficult part is finished, but the last few steps never made it onto the weekend schedule.
The end of the year can be a useful deadline for clearing...

A few unfinished projects can quietly linger for months. Use the end of the year as a practical reason to wrap up the ones that affect daily life.

10/30/2026

Deciding Whether You're Ready to Buy a Home
There isn't one moment when everyone suddenly becomes ready to buy a home. For some people, the decision follows a job change or growing family. Others simply reach the point where renting no longer fits the way they want to live.
Financial preparation matters, but readiness involves more than having...

Buying a home is about more than wanting a place of your own. Consider your finances, plans, and priorities before deciding if the timing is right.

10/26/2026

🏠‼ NEW PRICE ‼🏠
📍26-48 Norwood Dr. Lanark, IL 61046
🗓️ Schedule a showing today!
👩‍🦱 Sandy Howard / Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors

10/24/2026

🏡 Dream home alert! Price reduced to $157,900 for this charming property at 204 Towne Street, Morrison, IL. Offering 2-3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1176 sq ft of living space. Perfect for those seeking comfort and style. Contact Lori Scarbrough at 970-361-4192 or [email protected] for more details. Don't miss out! 📞🔑

10/24/2026

Small Details That Can Make a Home More Appealing to Buyers
Sellers often think about the big things first: paint, flooring, kitchen updates, or curb appeal. Buyers notice those too, but their impression of a home is also built from dozens of smaller details.
A sticky door, burned-out bulb, or crowded counter probably won't make or break a sale on its own. Enough...

Buyers notice more than major upgrades. A few small details can help your home feel cleaner, easier to use, and better cared for during showings.

10/23/2026

How to Spot Areas of Your Home That Need Better Ventilation
A room that feels stuffy once in a while isn't necessarily a problem. A room that regularly holds moisture, odors, or stale air deserves a closer look.
Ventilation helps move moisture and indoor air out of areas where they tend to collect. Bathrooms and kitchens are obvious places to check, but problems...

Poor airflow can make parts of a home feel stuffy or damp. Learn where to look for ventilation problems and when they may need more attention.

10/22/2026

Understanding Home Insurance Before You Buy
Home insurance can feel like something to handle near the end of the buying process. In reality, it's worth thinking about much earlier.
The property itself can affect what coverage is available and what it costs. Roof age, location, past claims, certain features, and regional risks may all matter to...

Home insurance affects more than your monthly housing costs. Learn what buyers should ask about coverage, deductibles, exclusions, and insurability.

10/21/2026

Thinking about a career in real estate? See why fall is a great time to explore becoming a real estate agent in Iowa or Illinois and start planning for what comes next.

10/21/2026

How Timing Can Affect a Seller's Negotiation Strategy
Negotiation isn't only about the number written on an offer. Timing can matter just as much.
An offer that arrives the first day on the market creates a different situation from one that arrives after several weeks. A buyer who can match a seller's preferred closing date may have an advantage that isn't...

Timing can shape more than a home's asking price. Learn how offers, market activity, deadlines, and seller priorities can affect negotiations.