Lori Scarbrough-Ruhl&Ruhl Realtor

06/01/2026

Thinking about becoming a real estate agent in Iowa or Illinois? Ruhl&Ruhl broker managers share honest advice about training, mindset, local market knowledge, first-year expectations, and building a successful real estate career.

05/31/2026

While it's tempting to jump on the latest home trends, choosing the right window treatments takes more thought than you'd expect. Here are a few helpful reminders if you're feeling stuck:

1️⃣ Consider the function—do you need privacy, light control, or insulation?
2️⃣ Steer clear of overly vibrant materials or materials that easily trap dust and dander.
3️⃣ Don’t follow trends blindly—make sure the style actually suits your home’s aesthetic.

Your window treatments help set the tone of your space, so choose something that’s both beautiful and practical—something you’ll love seeing every day. 🪟✨

05/30/2026

Ready to whip your pantry into shape? Here are some tips to transform that kitchen chaos into a well-organized dream:

✔️ Organize with labeled bins for easy access.
✔️ Use a spice rack to keep all those ingredients at your fingertips.
✔️ Divide cabinets vertically to make the most of your space.

Follow these tips and watch your pantry go from mayhem to marvelous.

05/30/2026

How Market Timing Can Affect Your Listing Strategy
If you're thinking about selling your home, timing is probably one of the first things on your mind. Maybe you've heard spring is the best time to list. Maybe headlines about mortgage rates have you wondering whether it makes sense to wait.
The truth is, timing matters, but not always in the way people...

If you're thinking about selling your home, timing is probably one of the first things on your mind. Maybe you've heard spring is the best time to list. Maybe headlines about mortgage rates have you wondering whether it makes sense to wait. The truth is, timing matters, but not always in the...

05/29/2026

Practical Ways to Improve Garage Organization
The garage tends to become a catch-all space over time. Tools get piled in corners, seasonal items take over the floor, and before long, there's barely room to park a car. Getting it under control doesn't require a weekend-long overhaul — with the right approach, you can build a system that actually...

The garage tends to become a catch-all space over time. Tools get piled in corners, seasonal items take over the floor, and before long, there's barely room to park a car. Getting it under control doesn't require a weekend-long overhaul — with the right approach, you can build a system that...

05/29/2026

Great design is not about choosing between style and function. It is about making both work seamlessly.

🧺 Hidden storage for toys, leashes, and pet essentials
🍽️ Built-in feeding areas that blend into your space
🛋️ Performance fabrics that are easy to clean and still look elevated
🌿 Defined spaces that give your pets room without taking over your home

Because the goal is not just a beautiful home. It is a home that actually works for everyone living in it.

Save this for your next home refresh!

05/28/2026

What to Look for in a Home Inspection Report
You've made an offer, it's been accepted, and now comes one of the most important steps in the buying process: the home inspection. The report that follows can run anywhere from 20 to 100 pages. That's a lot of information, and knowing how to read it makes all the difference.
Not All Issues Are Created...

You've made an offer, it's been accepted, and now comes one of the most important steps in the buying process: the home inspection. The report that follows can run anywhere from 20 to 100 pages. That's a lot of information, and knowing how to read it makes all the difference. Not All Issues...

05/28/2026

05/28/2026

Which features would you love to have to create your dream outdoor oasis?

Share your thoughts below on how you plan to transform your outdoor space into a personal paradise!

05/27/2026

If you could choose one standout feature for your dream home, what would it be?

🌿 A spacious backyard for entertaining and relaxing
🍳 A chef’s kitchen designed for cooking and gathering
🌅 A bedroom terrace for quiet mornings and sunset views

Each one brings a different kind of lifestyle—outdoor living, hosting, or personal retreat.

Which would you choose? Drop your pick below and see what others are loving.