Michael Heesch Ruhl & Ruhl

10/31/2026

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

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.

10/25/2026

Thank you to all the buyers and sellers who have trusted me this year! Who's next?

10/24/2026

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

Looking Beyond the Mortgage: Long-Term Costs of Owning a Home
A monthly mortgage payment is one of the first numbers buyers look at, but it isn't the only one that matters. Two homes with similar purchase prices can have very different ongoing costs once taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, and other expenses are added in.
Looking beyond the loan payment...

A mortgage payment is only part of the cost of homeownership. Look at taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities, and other expenses before you buy.

10/20/2026

Recently Sold! Take a look at what I recently sold at 3453 43rd Avenue Court , Bettendorf.

3453 43rd Avenue Court , Bettendorf, IA 52722 See 1 Photos, description and maps; Bedrooms: 4; Full Baths: 2; Partial Baths: 1; Square Feet: 2330; Price: $399,000; MLS ID: 12715992

10/20/2026

Recently Sold! Take a look at what I recently sold at 211 E Dolan Drive , Blue Grass.

211 E Dolan Drive , Blue Grass, IA 52726 See 1 Photos, description and maps; Bedrooms: 4; Full Baths: 2; Partial Baths: 1; Square Feet: 2472; Price: $425,000; MLS ID: 12750196

10/14/2026

Keeping Buyers Interested After the First Showing
A buyer walking out of a showing without making an offer isn't necessarily bad news. They may be comparing several homes, talking through their budget, waiting for another family member to see the property, or simply trying not to make a rushed decision.
For sellers, the period after that first visit...

A promising first showing doesn't always lead straight to an offer. Keep buyers engaged by making follow-up easy and addressing issues that may hold them back.

10/12/2026

Simple Ways to Make Your Home More Comfortable Year-Round
Home comfort usually isn't one big thing. It's the bedroom that always feels warmer than the rest of the house, the glare on the television every afternoon, or the room where everyone seems to reach for a blanket.
Before assuming you need a major upgrade, look at the smaller problems that come up repeatedly....

Everyday comfort often comes down to small details. Find practical ways to make your home feel better throughout the year without a major remodel.

10/10/2026

How to Compare Homes With Different Strengths and Tradeoffs
Sometimes the hardest choice isn't between a home you love and one you don't. It's between two homes that both work, just in completely different ways.
One may have the location you wanted but less storage. Another might have an extra bedroom but need more updating. You may prefer the yard at one property...

Two homes can be appealing for very different reasons. Compare their strengths, compromises, and long-term fit before deciding which works better.