Tracey DeVolder, Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors; Licensed in IL & IA

04/25/2026

How to Prepare Your Home for Last-Minute Showings
Nobody's house looks its best on a random Tuesday. Dishes in the sink, shoes kicked off by the door, a jacket that never quite made it to the closet, that's just how people live. The problem is that when your agent calls with an hour's notice, suddenly, all of it needs to go.
Here's the thing, though:...

Nobody's house looks its best on a random Tuesday. Dishes in the sink, shoes kicked off by the door, a jacket that never quite made it to the closet, that's just how people live. The problem is that when your agent calls with an hour's notice, suddenly, all of it needs to go. Here's the thing,...

04/24/2026

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...

04/23/2026

Storage Solutions for Homes Without Large Closets
Shallow closets and limited built-ins are a hallmark of many beloved older American homes — Craftsman, mid-century ranches, Cape Cods. It's one of the trade-offs that comes with the character and charm those homes offer. What it doesn't have to come with is clutter. A thoughtful approach to storage...

Shallow closets and limited built-ins are a hallmark of many beloved older American homes — Craftsman, mid-century ranches, Cape Cods. It's one of the trade-offs that comes with the character and charm those homes offer. What it doesn't have to come with is clutter. A thoughtful approach to...

04/14/2026

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Visit Tracey DeVolder's agent profile on Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors. Tracey DeVolder works out of the Moline Office office and can be contacted at (309) 738-7050.

04/11/2026

Easy Ways to Reduce Household Noise Between Rooms
Whether you work from home, share your space with young children, or simply value a little peace and quiet, unwanted noise traveling between rooms can be a real source of frustration. The good news is that you don't need a major renovation to make a meaningful difference. With a few targeted improvements,...

Whether you work from home, share your space with young children, or simply value a little peace and quiet, unwanted noise traveling between rooms can be a real source of frustration. The good news is that you don't need a major renovation to make a meaningful difference. With a few targeted...

04/10/2026

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...

04/09/2026

The Hidden Costs Sellers Should Plan For
Selling your home is one of the most significant financial transactions you'll ever make — but the number that shows up on your listing price isn't the number that ends up in your pocket. Many sellers are surprised to discover just how much of their sale proceeds go toward expenses they hadn't fully...

Selling your home is one of the most significant financial transactions you'll ever make — but the number that shows up on your listing price isn't the number that ends up in your pocket. Many sellers are surprised to discover just how much of their sale proceeds go toward expenses they...

04/04/2026

How to Create a Functional Mudroom in Any Home
Whether you are stepping in from a rainy afternoon or juggling bags, backpacks, and muddy boots after a busy day, a well-designed mudroom can make all the difference. It is one of those spaces that quietly keeps the rest of your home organized and clean — and the good news is that you do not need a...

Whether you are stepping in from a rainy afternoon or juggling bags, backpacks, and muddy boots after a busy day, a well-designed mudroom can make all the difference. It is one of those spaces that quietly keeps the rest of your home organized and clean — and the good news is that you do not...

04/03/2026

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...

04/02/2026

What Sellers Should Know About Appraisal Gaps
You've accepted an offer on your home — congratulations! But before you start packing boxes, there's one more hurdle that could affect your sale: the appraisal. Specifically, you'll want to understand what happens if an appraisal gap comes into play.
What Is an Appraisal Gap?
When a buyer is financing...

You've accepted an offer on your home — congratulations! But before you start packing boxes, there's one more hurdle that could affect your sale: the appraisal. Specifically, you'll want to understand what happens if an appraisal gap comes into play. What Is an Appraisal Gap? When a buyer...