Lori Scarbrough-Ruhl&Ruhl Realtor

08/10/2026

08/08/2026

Keeping Your Home Showing-Ready While You're Busy
Selling a home is rarely easy, especially when showing requests arrive during the busiest part of the week or at the worst possible time. Fortunately, a few simple preparations can make it much easier to keep a home looking good for showings.
First Impressions: The Front Door
Much of the work involved...

Selling a home while juggling everything else doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here's how to keep your house ready for showings without much extra time or effort.

08/07/2026

Weekend Projects That Improve Your Home's Function & Appeal
You don't need to wait for the perfect time or hire a professional to make worthwhile improvements around your home. A few hours of work over the weekend can help surfaces, fixtures, and other features last longer while also improving how the property looks. Many projects require only basic tools and...

Small weekend projects can improve both the function and appeal of your home with minimal time and expense. Here are the areas to focus on first.

08/06/2026

Evaluating Storage Space When Touring Homes
Storage is rarely the first priority for buyers touring a home, and it shouldn't be the first thing they consider. Kitchens and floor plans usually command the most attention, while storage receives far less notice. But a home that looks spacious during a showing can feel cramped once the boxes are unpacked.
Inspect...

Storage often gets overlooked during a home tour. Here's what to check in closets, the kitchen, the garage, and other hidden corners before you make an offer.

08/05/2026

‼️‼️💥💥PRICE REDUCTION💥💥‼️‼️

08/03/2026

How to Prepare Your Home for a Summer Open House
A summer open house asks more of a home than people realize.
Buyers may arrive warm from the car, distracted by weekend plans, or already tired from seeing other houses. They arn't always walking in with a blank slate. The house has to win a little patience from them.
That doesn't mean every room needs...

Summer open houses bring heat, glare, and quick first impressions. Here's how to help your home feel comfortable before buyers start looking closely.

08/01/2026

How to Improve Your Home's Outdoor Lighting
Most people don't think much about outdoor lighting until something feels off. The front walk is hard to see, or the porch feels dim. The backyard is pleasant during the day, then disappears once the sun goes down.
Small changes can help more than a full redesign. The point is not to make everything...

Better outdoor lighting can make your home feel safer, warmer, and easier to enjoy. Start with the areas people actually use after dark.

07/31/2026

Why Commute Times Matter More Than You Think
Commute time is one of those things buyers tend to round down in their heads.
Forty minutes becomes "about half an hour." A route with three bad intersections becomes "not too bad." A home that's farther out starts to feel reasonable after you've seen the kitchen, the yard, or the extra bedroom you...

A commute can seem simple during a home search, but daily routines tell a different story. Here's what buyers may want to test first.

07/28/2026

For most people, their first house was never meant to be their forever home. It was meant to be a stepping stone to whatever came next. And today's market is creating an interesting opportunity for homeowners who are ready to move up.

Starter homes are still in short supply, which means the house you're selling may be exactly what another buyer has been hoping to find. At the same time, there are more move-up homes on the market than buyers have had to choose from in years.

Throw in the equity you've likely built over the years, and moving up may be more realistic than you think.

If your current home no longer fits your life, let's talk about what your next chapter could look like.

07/27/2026

Wondering why your house feels humid? Learn how to reduce indoor moisture, prevent mold, and help your AC work better in Iowa and Illinois.