Zach Rouse, Realtor

04/23/2025

So far, the average individual tax refund this year is $3,170. Of course, your number may be different.
But, if you’re getting a refund this year, you could use it to help with some of the upfront costs of buying a home, like your down payment or closing costs.
Because every dollar gets you one step closer to your goal – and your refund could give your homebuying savings an extra boost.
What would having your own home mean for you or your family this year?

# Homebuying

04/22/2025

It's peak homebuying season, and that could mean more competition for you.
If you’re ready for a home you’ll love, don’t just hope for the best. Work with an agent who can help you make a strong, smart offer that stands out. They know simple strategies to boost your chances based on what’s working for other buyers in your area.
What’s one thing you’d want to know before making an offer on a home?

04/21/2025

Let’s be real. You’ve probably found a few homes you like online, even if we haven’t chatted about them yet.

But here’s the thing: You can’t control when the right home shows up – but you can be ready for it.

Truthfully, if you’re just browsing, you should still get pre-approved.

Even if you’re not ready to buy right now, that’s okay. Let’s just have a conversation to make sure you're set up for success when the right one comes along.

04/07/2025

🌸🐰 Hop on Over! 🐣🌼

You and your family are invited to a FREE Easter Event with Ruhl&Ruhl!

📍1075 Highway 1 West, Iowa City, IA
(In front of Walmart, next to Midtown Restaurant – use the west parking lot)

📅 Saturday, April 12th
🕐 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

✨ Meet the Easter Bunny
📸 Snap a selfie
🥚 Hunt for hidden egg prizes
🧺 BYOB – Bring Your Own Basket!

Bring your kids or grandkids – everyone is welcome!

We can't wait to see you there! 💐💛

01/28/2025

Trying to time your move for when mortgage rates and home prices fall? Here’s what you should know.

The truth is: there is no perfect time to move.

In any market there are going to be benefits and trade-offs you’ll have to deal with. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities to make your move happen.

With today’s affordability challenges, we need to have the right strategies in place. DM me and I’ll show you what I mean.

01/23/2025

Home prices have grown significantly, and homeowners who’ve been in their houses for years are seeing record levels of equity. That equity could help you fund a dream move, finance upgrades, or even kickstart a new business.

Ready to see the value you’ve built and how you can use it to achieve your goals? Let’s connect.

01/22/2025

We’re finally getting a bowling alley in North Liberty!

BowlDogs is a new family entertainment center coming to North Liberty, Iowa in Fall 2024. We’ll have everything you need for a fun-filled day,

01/22/2025

Your credit score is an important factor when you apply for a mortgage. But most people don’t know what lenders actually require.

Despite what you may have heard, you don’t need a perfect score to get a home loan. There are loans out there for buyers with a range of credit scores.

The best way to know what you'd qualify for? Talk with a local lender from Ruhl Mortgage who can walk you through your options.

01/21/2025

The latest 2025 forecasts show mortgage rates are projected to come down slightly, prices are forecast to rise, and more homes will be available for sale. Want to know more about what this could mean for your plans this year? Let’s connect.



01/20/2025

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage isn’t just a box to check.

Taking this smart step early – before you even start house hunting – is your ticket to understanding how much you can borrow for your home loan, impressing sellers, and making an offer with confidence.

01/16/2025

🏠OPEN HOUSE🏠
Saturday Jan. 18th 12:30PM-2:30PM

Immaculate Zero-lot 4 bedroom 3 bath Ranch home in North Liberty. This home has many tasteful updates throughout including Fresh interior paint, Garage floor epoxy and New deck boards and stain. Chef's kitchen has granite counters, pantry, breakfast bar and upgraded appliance package with new refrigerator and microwave. Large primary bedroom features a big walk in closet and ensuite with dual sinks. Open floor plan with a finished basement with great storage. Enjoy lots of natural light in the 4 season room, that leads to a private deck and patio.

01/09/2025

Saving for a home? Here’s the secret: small steps, big results.

Cutting down on unnecessary expenses, automating your savings, and putting any unexpected cash (like bonuses) straight into your house fund really adds up over time.

When you’re focused on your goal and have a solid plan in place, you can get there.

DM me if you want more tips on how to get ready to buy.