Lisa Deines, Licensed Realtor in Illinois and Iowa; Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors

09/24/2026

How to Keep a Home Sale Moving After You Accept an Offer
Accepting an offer feels like a major milestone, but it isn't the end of the selling process. There are still several steps between a signed agreement and the day ownership changes hands.
Sellers can't control every part of that timeline. They can, however, stay organized and respond quickly when something...

Accepting an offer is an important step, but the sale still has work ahead. Staying organized, responsive, and aware of deadlines can help keep the transaction moving.

09/23/2026

The best time to buy a home this year is here.

Realtor.com says September 27–October 3 is expected to bring the best combination of buyer-friendly conditions in 2026.

We’re talking about more homes to choose from, better pricing, less competition, and more time to decide. And maybe that’s enough to offset some of the pressure today’s higher rates are putting on your budget.

Want to find out? Let’s have a quick conversation about what’s expected in our market and what’s available in your price point. Just DM me to get started.

And just so you know, the window doesn’t close after that one week. It’s open all October long.


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RuhlandRuhlrealtors Neveronyourown

09/21/2026

Recently Pending! Take a look at what recently went pending at 101 Riverview Drive, Albany.

OFFICIAL LISTING website. 101 Riverview Drive, Albany, IL 61230, 936 square foot, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathrooms, asking price of $125,000, MLS ID 12750701

09/21/2026

What Should Stay With the House When You Sell?
A buyer tours your home and sees the dining room light fixture, garage shelving, and smart doorbell. You may see personal belongings that will move with you. The buyer may assume some of those same items are part of the house.
Sorting that out early can prevent confusion once an offer is on the table.
Don't...

Buyers and sellers don't always make the same assumptions about what stays with a home. Clarifying fixtures, appliances, and other items early can prevent confusion later.

09/18/2026

When to Repair, Replace, or Leave a Home Feature Alone
Not every worn, dated, or imperfect part of a home needs to be replaced. Sometimes a relatively small repair can add years to its useful life. In other cases, continuing to patch the same problem costs more time and money than replacing it.
Knowing which approach makes sense starts with looking at more...

Not every worn or dated part of a home needs to be replaced. Learn how to weigh condition, repair history, function, and future plans before deciding what to do.

09/17/2026

How to Evaluate a Home's Maintenance History
A home can look well cared for during a showing and still leave plenty of questions about how it has been maintained over the years. Fresh paint and an orderly yard are easy to notice. The condition and history of the systems behind the walls aren't always as obvious.
You don't need a complete record...

A home's maintenance history can reveal more than its current appearance. Learn what buyers can look for when reviewing repairs, updates, and major systems.

09/17/2026

Just Listed! Do not miss this new listing at 1003 2nd Avenue S, Cordova.

OFFICIAL LISTING website. 1003 2nd Avenue S, Cordova, IL 61242, 1204 square foot, 3 bedrooms, 1 bathrooms, asking price of $142,000, MLS ID 12761133

09/17/2026

Rare Cordova Find with HUGE Potential! 🏡✨
First time on the market in 63 years!
1003 2nd Ave S offers a rare setup on a quiet dead-end street right next to the local park 🌳.
Key Highlights: ✅ Main-floor bedroom + 2 bedrooms upstairs ✅ Formal dining room & solid structure ✅ 2-Car Detached Garage PLUS a second standalone garage (workshop or boat storage, anyone?) ✅ Huge park-like yard
Sold AS-IS—bring your design ideas and make this long-loved home your own! 🛠️
📩 DM me today for full details or to schedule a private tour!
Lisa Deines REALTOR Lic in IL & IA
Ruhl & Ruhl Realtors Davenport, IA
309-314-0886
https://lisadeines.ruhlhomes.com/p/1003-2nd-Avenue-S-Cordova-IL-61242/dmgid_189582607?oid=211900014&lid=189582607&ai

09/14/2026

What to Do When Your Home Has Been on the Market Longer Than Expected
Most sellers have a rough idea of how long they expect their home to take to sell. When that timeline stretches, it's easy to focus on the number of days the listing has been active.
The more useful question is why buyers haven't moved forward.
Sometimes the answer is price. Other times, the home is...

A slower-than-expected home sale may call for more than patience. Take a fresh look at price, presentation, feedback, and how the listing is reaching buyers.

09/11/2026

Ways to Repurpose an Underused Room
Some rooms slowly stop serving a real purpose. A formal dining room may only get used a few times a year. A spare bedroom may become a holding area for boxes and things that don't have another home. Even a finished basement or loft can end up sitting mostly empty.
That doesn't always mean the room needs...

An underused room doesn't have to stay that way. A few practical changes can turn extra space into something that works better for everyday life.