Ruth the Realtor

Ruth the Realtor REALTOR® | Southwest Florida
Palm Paradise Realty Group
Hire Me! Click Link Below
https://blinq.me/SuMMyPbJGApb?bs=db

06/05/2026

A few years ago, I helped a client buy a home at the height of the Cape Coral market. When it was time to sell, they tried — multiple times, multiple agents — and it never worked.

Then they called me.

I had the hard conversation. I pulled the comps and told them exactly where we needed to be priced. It was a tough number to hear. Hurricanes, rising insurance premiums, and interest rates had taken a serious toll on the market. Their home was worth significantly less than what they paid.

But they trusted the process.

We listed, made strategic price reductions, and received multiple offers. Each one came in well over $100,000 under asking. I didn’t panic and I didn’t let them either. I presented those offers as the win they were, we countered, and we negotiated one buyer up to fair market value.

Under contract. Appraisal packet submitted. Home appraised at value. Closed in two weeks.
After years of feeling stuck, my sellers are finally free to move on. That’s everything.

If you’ve been struggling to sell or don’t know where to start in today’s market, let’s talk. Send me a DM or click the link in my bio.

📍1927 SW 47th Ter, Cape Coral, FL 33914

Ruth Hillestad
Palm Paradise Realty Group
SL3520789
239-710-0535

05/22/2026

Your home’s value deserves to be defended — and that’s exactly what I do.

By preparing a comp booklet ahead of time, I give the appraiser everything they need to understand your home’s true value — so there are no surprises when it matters most.

If you’re thinking about listing your home, I’d love to show you how I go above and beyond to get you the best result.

Ruth Hillestad
Palm Paradise Realty Group
SL3520789
239-710-0535

05/18/2026

This home had been on the market for quite some time—listed with multiple agents and zero offers. The sellers were frustrated, and rightfully so.

When they reached out to me, I knew what needed to be done—but it wasn’t going to be easy. I had to sit down and have the hard conversation. The kind of conversation that nobody loves having, but that makes all the difference.

We looked at the data. The real data. And together, we made the tough decision to price the home at true fair market value.

They weren’t thrilled but they trusted the process.

A few strategic price reductions later, activity picked up, showings increased and multiple offers came in.

Today, I am beyond proud to announce that this home is officially UNDER CONTRACT!

To my incredible sellers—your patience, trust, and willingness to embrace the process made this happen. I am so excited for you both and cannot wait to celebrate at closing!

Ruth Hillestad
Palm Paradise Realty Group
SL3520789
239-710-0535

05/14/2026

When a grandson reached out to find the right agent to help his grandmother sell her home, I knew this was bigger than a listing—this family needed someone they could trust.

His grandmother had just lost her beloved husband. She needed more than an agent. She needed a partner through one of the most emotional transitions of her life.

After all the interviews, they chose me. Not for my sales record—but because they felt I genuinely cared.

From there, I got straight to work—helping her de-personalize her space, staging her home, and making sure it was picture-perfect for photos.

We listed on a Thursday. Multiple showings flooded in—we could hardly keep up. By the end of the first weekend, we had multiple offers. One month later—SOLD—over asking price. ✅

In a buyer’s market where homes are sitting for months and often selling below list price—this was truly something special.

She’s now on her way back home to be with her family and start a brand new chapter.

This is why I do what I do. Real estate is people. It’s heart. It’s showing up when it matters most.

If you or someone you love is thinking about selling, I would be honored to walk alongside you through every step of the journey.

Drop a ❤️ in the comments or send me a DM.

📍 1718 SW 12th Ln, Cape Coral, FL 33991

Ruth Hillestad
Palm Paradise Realty Group
SL3520789
239-710-0535

05/11/2026

The market doesn’t care what you paid for your home. It only cares what buyers are willing to pay — right now.

I’ve watched three sellers learn this lesson the hard way.

One rejected my recommended list price and walked away $155,000 less than they could have made. One turned down an offer — and sold for the exact same number 9 months later, after months of mortgage payments, taxes, and stress. One rejected a $330,000 cash offer and held out 8 months... to sell for $335,000. After carrying costs, they likely netted less.

Here’s the truth nobody wants to hear:

Every month you fight the market, the market wins. Carrying costs are silent killers — mortgage, taxes, insurance, HOA fees, utilities — adding up while you wait for a number that may never come.

Your agent isn’t your opponent. They’re your partner. When they bring you honest data and hard conversations, they’re protecting you from a much more painful truth down the road.

A closed mind has a price tag in real estate. And it’s always higher than you expect.

If you’re thinking about selling, let’s have an honest conversation about what the market is actually telling us — because the best time to sell is when the market gives you the opportunity.

Don’t wait until it takes it away.

Ruth Hillestad
Palm Paradise Realty Group
SL3520789
239-710-0535

05/07/2026

If you’ve been thinking about buying in Southwest Florida, let me show you why Fort Myers keeps rising to the top of buyers’ lists. Beautiful streets, incredible lifestyle, and a real estate market full of opportunity.

Whether you’re relocating, retiring, or ready to invest—Fort Myers has something for every kind of buyer.

DM me NEXT CHAPTER or drop a 🌴 in the comments and I’ll send you the latest listings and everything you need to know about buying here!

Ruth Hillestad
Palm Paradise Realty Group
SL3520789
239-710-0535

05/06/2026

What’s the true value of an expert buyer’s agent in a new construction deal? It’s not just about opening doors—it’s about strategy, foresight, and negotiation that can save you tens of thousands of dollars.

I’m incredibly excited for my new clients, who were referred to me by a buyer I just closed with last week! They were looking for the perfect vacation home on the Gulf Coast, and we found it at BeachWalk at Manasota Key in Englewood—a community with the exact resort-style amenities and private beach access they dreamed of.

But finding the right community is just the beginning. Here’s how we turned a great choice into an unbeatable deal, securing them a total value of over $85,000!

1. Protecting Resale Value from Day One: The buyers were drawn to a lot on a quiet cul-de-sac. It seemed perfect, but my local knowledge raised a red flag. I pointed out that a major thoroughfare was planned just beyond the property line, which would eliminate the quiet appeal and negatively impact its future resale value. We chose a better-positioned lot that truly protected their investment.

2. Smart Upgrades for Maximum ROI: We walked through the design options together, focusing on upgrades that add real, long-term value, ensuring their investment would pay off when it’s time to sell.

3. A Data-Driven Negotiation: Before talking numbers, I ran a full analysis of recent comparable sales in the community. When the builder presented their final price, we stepped aside to strategize. I then presented our counteroffer supported by hard data, building a powerful case for our price.

The result? The builder accepted. We secured a $60,500 price reduction AND an additional $25,125 credit for their closing costs and rate buydown.

The builder’s sales team represents the builder’s best interests. My job is to represent YOURS. Congratulations to my clients on this incredible win!

If you’re considering a new build, let’s talk. Don’t leave money on the table.

Ruth Hillestad
Palm Paradise Realty Group
SL3520789
239-710-0535

05/02/2026

When we found the perfect home, I discovered the property was being sold through a relocation company that required using their own contract. After reviewing it carefully, I did not feel the terms adequately protected my buyers. So I went to work.

The seller had also made it clear that NO contingency on the sale of another property would be considered. Rather than accept that as a dead end, I jumped on a call with my buyers, walked them through the options, and they trusted me to move forward with a strategy that made sense.

We submitted our offer on the Florida residential sales contract, with a contingency on the sale of the buyer’s investment property that was already on the market AND already under contract. I contacted the seller’s agent directly, clearly communicated our position, and she agreed to present the offer.

After a counteroffer and some thoughtful negotiation, we made it work for everyone.

29 days later? CLOSED.

Their fully furnished Florida vacation home is ready and waiting. All they have to do is show up and enjoy the sunshine.

But the story does not end there! My buyers were so pleased with the experience that they referred their friends who are looking to purchase a new home further up the Gulf Coast — and we are actively working on that deal right now. Stay tuned for another exciting update coming soon!

If you or someone you know is dreaming of a home in Southwest Florida, I would love to put that same dedication to work for you.

📍 17279 Hidden Estates Cir, Fort Myers, FL 33907

Ruth Hillestad
Palm Paradise Realty Group
SL3520789
239-710-0535

04/30/2026

A Fort Myers Beach condo owner was trying to sell on his own. I introduced my self, stepped in, earned his trust, and got it done. What happened next was something I will never forget. A neighboring seller watched the entire process unfold, and the following Spring, asked me to list their condo.

And so I did 🙌

Listed. Under contract in 9 days. Closed in 30.

The buyers found the listing online, watched the immersive walk-through video, and felt like they were already home — sitting right there on the Gulf. No showing needed. They made an offer, I facilitated the entire transaction between buyer and seller, and the rest is history.

That’s what happens when trust, relationships, and powerful marketing all come together.

Fort Myers Beach is more than a location—it’s white sand, stunning gulf views, world-class dining, boating, and some of the most breathtaking sunsets in all of Florida. Finding the right buyer for a lifestyle like that just takes knowing how to tell the story.

It was truly an honor working with both the buyer and the seller and helping each of them achieve their goals.

Thinking about buying or selling in Southwest Florida? Let’s connect. I would love to help you write your next chapter.

📍894 Buttonwood Dr #221, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

Ruth Hillestad
Palm Paradise Realty Group
SL3520789
239-710-0535

04/27/2026

She came to me from Miami with a dream — and a few hesitations. And the first thing I told her was: “I will never pressure you. When you feel good, we move.”

That’s a promise I take seriously.

When she couldn’t attend the inspection, I went for her. When items came up, we fought for repairs. When the final walkthrough showed things weren’t fully resolved, we extended closing and did it again — until it was right.

She gave the green light. And we closed under asking price with $5,000 in seller-paid closing costs.

To my amazing client — wishing you the most beautiful chapter in your new Cape Coral home. You trusted me with something huge, and I’ll never take that lightly.

Southwest Florida is full of opportunity right now. If you’re ready to explore it — let’s do this together, at your pace, the right way.

Drop a comment or DM me. I’d love to help you find YOUR next chapter.

📍 2829 NW 2nd Ter, Cape Coral, FL 33993

Ruth Hillestad
Palm Paradise Realty Group
SL3520789
239-710-0535

Address

Fort Myers, FL

Telephone

+12397100535

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