Scott Conklin, Realtor, AHWD, C2EX- Ruhl & Ruhl Realtors

05/13/2026

What to Look for in a Move-In-Ready Home
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll ever make, and if you've been searching for a while, the phrase "move-in ready" probably sounds like music to your ears. But what does it actually mean, and how do you know if a home truly lives up to that description? Before you...

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll ever make, and if you've been searching for a while, the phrase

05/06/2026

What Buyers Should Know About Flood Risk and Insurance
Flooding isn't usually top of mind when you're touring open houses. You're focused on countertops, closet space, and whether the backyard is big enough. Flood risk tends to sit near the bottom of the list—until it suddenly doesn't. Buyers who overlook it can face insurance costs they didn't anticipate,...

Flooding isn't usually top of mind when you're touring open houses. You're focused on countertops, closet space, and whether the backyard is big enough. Flood risk tends to sit near the bottom of the list—until it suddenly doesn't. Buyers who overlook it can face insurance costs they didn't...

04/29/2026

What Happens Between Offer Acceptance and Closing
Your offer has been accepted. It's an exciting milestone — but if you've never bought or sold a home before, you might be surprised to learn that the journey is far from over. The period between offer acceptance and closing day is one of the most activity-packed stretches of the entire real estate...

04/15/2026

How to Spot Renovations Done Without Permits
A freshly updated kitchen, a finished basement, or a brand-new bathroom addition can make a home highly appealing. But before you get swept up in the upgrades, there's an important question worth asking: was any of that work actually permitted?
Unpermitted renovations are more common than many buyers...

A freshly updated kitchen, a finished basement, or a brand-new bathroom addition can make a home highly appealing. But before you get swept up in the upgrades, there's an important question worth asking: was any of that work actually permitted? Unpermitted renovations are more common than many...

04/08/2026

What to Know About Homeowners Associations Before You Buy
Buying a home is one of the most significant decisions you'll ever make, and if the property you're considering is part of a homeowners association (HOA), there's an extra layer of research worth doing before you sign on the dotted line. HOAs can offer real value, but they also come with responsibilities...

Buying a home is one of the most significant decisions you'll ever make, and if the property you're considering is part of a homeowners association (HOA), there's an extra layer of research worth doing before you sign on the dotted line. HOAs can offer real value, but they also come with...

04/01/2026

Touring Homes With a Critical Eye: What Buyers Often Miss
Walking through a home for the first time is an exciting experience. The fresh paint, the staged furniture, the natural light pouring through clean windows — it's easy to get swept up in the feeling of a space and lose sight of the details that truly matter. But when you're making one of the largest...

Walking through a home for the first time is an exciting experience. The fresh paint, the staged furniture, the natural light pouring through clean windows — it's easy to get swept up in the feeling of a space and lose sight of the details that truly matter. But when you're making one of the...

03/25/2026

How to Evaluate a Neighborhood During Different Times of Day
Finding the right home involves far more than square footage, curb appeal, and asking price. The neighborhood you choose becomes the backdrop of your daily life, and it can feel like an entirely different place depending on when you visit. Before you make one of the most significant financial decisions...

Finding the right home involves far more than square footage, curb appeal, and asking price. The neighborhood you choose becomes the backdrop of your daily life, and it can feel like an entirely different place depending on when you visit. Before you make one of the most significant financial...

03/18/2026

The Best Home Styles for Enjoying Spring Weather
Spring isn't just a great time to buy a home because there is more on the market. It's also one of the most enjoyable seasons for homeowners. Warmer temperatures, blooming landscapes, and longer days make it the perfect time to spend more time outdoors. For home buyers, certain architectural styles are...

Spring isn't just a great time to buy a home because there is more on the market. It's also one of the most enjoyable seasons for homeowners. Warmer temperatures, blooming landscapes, and longer days make it the perfect time to spend more time outdoors. For home buyers, certain architectural...

03/11/2026

What to Do the First Week in Your New Home
Once you've closed and gotten the keys to your new place, the process isn't over. It's time to move in and get settled. With a new space to get acquainted with and so many boxes to unpack, it can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, having a plan and following a few important steps can help you settle in smoothly.
Here's...

Once you've closed and gotten the keys to your new place, the process isn't over. It's time to move in and get settled. With a new space to get acquainted with and so many boxes to unpack, it can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, having a plan and following a few important steps can help you...

03/04/2026

What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment
For many home buyers — especially first-time buyers — saving for a down payment can feel like the biggest hurdle to homeownership. That's why gifted funds from a family member can be such a powerful tool. Whether it's parents, grandparents, or another eligible relative offering financial help, gifted...

For many home buyers — especially first-time buyers — saving for a down payment can feel like the biggest hurdle to homeownership. That's why gifted funds from a family member can be such a powerful tool. Whether it's parents, grandparents, or another eligible relative offering financial...

02/25/2026

How to Research Crime and Safety
When you're buying a home, it's easy to focus on details like finishes and square footage. But feeling safe in your new neighborhood is just as important as loving the kitchen layout. Doing your homework on crime and safety doesn't mean assuming the worst; it means making an informed decision.
Here's...

When you're buying a home, it's easy to focus on details like finishes and square footage. But feeling safe in your new neighborhood is just as important as loving the kitchen layout. Doing your homework on crime and safety doesn't mean assuming the worst; it means making an informed decision. ...