Josh Cummings Business Page - Ruhl & Ruhl Realtors

09/19/2026

Unpopular opinion: your first house doesn’t have to be the one you fall in love with.

It’s a practical move that builds equity, shows you what you really need, and gets you closer to the home you’ll truly want down the road.

09/18/2026

A well‑kept home shows its love in the details: fresh paint, clean fixtures, and no signs of makeshift repairs.

Look for personal touches that feel intentional rather than temporary, like matching hardware or a cohesive color palette.

Those clues tell you the owners cared about the space, not just used it.

09/17/2026

Buying soon? You’ve got more pull than you might expect.

Right now, there are more sellers than buyers on the market. And that means sellers know they’ll have to give a little to get their house sold. Exactly how much negotiating power you have depends on where you’re looking.

So, let’s chat about how much power you have here, then turn it into a set of keys.

09/16/2026

Have you seen the headlines about using your 401(k) to cover a down payment?

Tapping it can feel like an easy call, especially if you’ve got a good chunk saved up. But pulling from retirement early can trigger penalties and set back the savings you'll want later on.

But you don’t necessarily have to raid your retirement to buy a home. You’ve got other options, like FHA loans, which let qualified buyers put down as little as 3.5%. And down payment assistance programs can help, too.

So, before you touch your 401(k), talk with a trusted financial advisor. They can help you find the option that fits your goals and your budget.

09/13/2026

Ever thought a chipped faucet or peeling paint does not matter? One thing I have learned: when sellers skip small repairs, buyers do not just subtract cost, they subtract trust.

A few thoughtful fixes now can make your home feel cared-for and worth every dollar.

Want a quick checklist of high-impact repairs? DM me.

09/12/2026

🏘️ OPEN HOUSE TOMORROW! 1836 7th Avenue Ct, Iowa City, IA 52240 Sunday, September 13 | 12:00–2:00 PM Charming 3 bed, 2 bath ranch on a quiet court in Iowa City. 942 sq ft, listed at $320,000, sitting on a generous ~0.27-acre lot with garage. Perfect convenient location. Come walk through, ask questions, and see if this one feels like home

Welcome to this charming and inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located near James Alan McPherson Park. It is move-in ready with fresh interior paint and warm hardwood floors throughout. It is equipped with modern stainless-steel appliances. The lower level offers versatile living space, including....

09/12/2026

As a real estate agent, I've seen many first-time homebuyers wait for the perfect market, but the truth is, it's all about being prepared.

If I were buying my first home in 2026, I'd focus on understanding my budget, getting pre-approved, and building a strong team to support me.

What's holding you back from taking the leap and becoming a homeowner this year?

Let's chat about your goals and create a plan to make them a reality!

09/12/2026

Under contract ≠ time to stop shopping 😉🍋

You’ve found the house, signed the papers, and now you’re in the home stretch. So what can you buy while you’re under contract? Think: the little things that make your future home feel like yours without making your lender nervous. 🏡✨

Not sure what purchases could affect your mortgage approval?

Ask your Realtor before you swipe that card!

09/11/2026

Still waiting for mortgage rates and home prices to come down? Here’s what the forecasts shows. Expect more of the same. Rates likely won’t change much and prices will likely rise.

Sometimes the best move isn't waiting for the market to change. It's finding out what's still possible right now. Let’s talk it over.

09/11/2026

The last months of 2026 are here.. The new Fall Guides walk you through what’s ahead, show you what Fall’s market actually looks like, and give you tips on how to make a smart move before the year ends. Get in touch for your free digital copy today.