Robin Ruffolo, Realtor with HomeSmart Connect

02/04/2026

COME ON DOWN TO THE CAROLINAS!

In 2025, more Americans left New York, Hawaii, Alaska, and California than any other states, according to new U.S. Census data.

Housing affordability appears to be a key factor. States with the biggest outflows rank among the least affordable in the nation, while those with strong net growth, like South Carolina, Idaho, and North Carolina, score higher on affordability and homebuilding.

11/06/2025

Let this be the post that pushes you over the edge to focus on the people 👥

The more time you spend understanding and solving your clients problems, the more time you will spend making deposits at the bank 💶

The more of you I can get to realize this...

Find their problems, give them solutions, and help them through the process.

The ultimate sales system 💱

I hope you use it.

08/03/2025

The housing market is cooling, and some once-booming regions are feeling it most.

Realtor.com analyzed the top metros where homes are sitting on the market much longer than last year.

Learn more about the cities that are slowing down the fastest: https://rltor.cm/y5iad8

07/28/2025

More home sellers are taking their houses off the market after not finding buyers at their asking price.

In May, delistings rose 47% nationwide compared to last year, according to Realtor.com's latest housing trends report. This shows many sellers prefer to wait rather than lower their prices. At the same time, the number of homes for sale grew 29% in June compared to last year. New listings went up 6.2% over the past year but have stayed steady in the last two months.

Still, more homes are being taken off the market than new ones are being added. In May, 13 homes were delisted for every 100 new listings, up from 10 in the spring of 2023 and 2024, and only six in 2022.

What this means for buyers and sellers: https://rltor.cm/ppmf08

07/21/2025

For my IL folks!

It’s official!

Governor JB Pritzker has officially signed the Illinois “Squatter Bill” into law on Monday.

The law will make it easier for police to remove squatters from someone’s home, bypassing months-long eviction process.

Previously, squatters were allowed to stay at the property during the court process to get them out.

The law differentiates squatters from tenants, making it easier for property owners to regain control of their home.

“This outdated eviction law has treated squatters the same as tenants, leaving property owners in limbo and tying the hands of law enforcement,” said Governor JB Pritzker.

The bill will be effective on January 1, 2026.

“This bill delivers long-overdue clarity, closes dangerous legal loopholes, and ensures that trespassers can no longer manipulate the system to delay removal from properties they never had any right to occupy in the first place,” Pritzker said.

07/11/2025

Great opportunity!! Always a good sign when businesses do well in your state.

North Carolina is again the #1 state in the country for business – for the 3rd time in 4 years! From investing in our world-class workforce to enjoying our top-tier quality of life, there’s no doubt our state is not only the best place to live, work, and raise your family, but also to grow a business.

To businesses looking for a new home, come join us in North Carolina!

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/10/north-carolina-top-state-for-business-america.html

07/08/2025

Rent prices are climbing fast in the Midwest, with five of the country’s fastest-growing rental markets now in the region, per SmartAsset.com’s analysis of Zillow data. Cleveland saw a 7.3% jump, while Fort Wayne and Milwaukee both rose over 6% — a sign of rising demand in an area long known for affordability.⁠
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Several factors are pushing this trend. The Midwest’s lower property taxes and insurance costs are pulling in renters priced out of coastal cities, while housing supply hasn’t kept up. In Milwaukee, for example, the market is among the tightest in the country, with 94% occupancy and eight renters competing for each available unit.⁠
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The pressure isn’t just on rentals. The Midwest also has five of the 10 most in-demand ZIP codes for home sales, according to Redfin. With more people moving in and limited new construction, the region’s affordability edge is quickly shrinking.⁠
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(via CNBC)