Elliot Rutt

01/31/2026

Looking to build more equity in your home? These easy tips can help you get there faster. 🪴

Learn how to build home equity by making smarter payments and choosing value-boosting improvements. REMAX agents guide buying and selling with local expertise.

01/30/2026

Before you fall in love with a house in Des Moines, Waukee, Ankeny, or West Des Moines, there’s one detail buyers often miss that can seriously affect your budget later: the condition of the home’s major systems.

We’re talking about the big stuff here.
HVAC, plumbing, and electrical.

These are some of the most expensive items to repair or replace, and you usually cannot tell their true condition from a quick showing.

✨ Why this matters:
Our hot summers, freezing winters, and hard water put extra wear on furnaces, A/C units, water heaters, and pipes. A system that is near the end of its life can mean thousands in surprise costs after closing.

🔍 What to check before you write an offer:
✔️ Ask for service and maintenance records
✔️ Find out the age of the furnace, A/C, and water heater
✔️ Use your home inspection to spot safety issues or upcoming repairs

🔑 Pro tip: Knowing this upfront can help you negotiate repairs, credits, or price adjustments before you buy. That is money staying in your pocket after you move in.

Thinking about buying in the Des Moines metro? DM me and I’ll help you spot the red flags before they become expensive surprises.

Elliot Rutt
REMAX Precision
515-508-0430

01/28/2026

Stay ahead with a quick home maintenance checklist to catch potential problems early.

REMAX offers steady guidance for buying or selling your home. Use our annual home maintenance checklist to stay prepared and protect your property’s value overall.

01/26/2026

You do NOT need 20% down to buy a home in Central Iowa 🤯

This is one of the biggest myths I hear from buyers. Your down payment depends on the loan program, not some magic rule:
🏡 Conventional loans: as low as 5% down
🏡 FHA loans: 3.5% down
🏡 VA loans: 0% down (for eligible veterans)
🏡 USDA loans: 0% down (yes, some Polk County and Warren County areas qualify)

And here’s the part most people missed last year 👇
New lending guidelines now help buyers who put less down get better rates and terms than before.

If you’re even thinking about buying in the Des Moines metro, your first step is a quick conversation with a local lender. Once you know your real numbers, everything feels way less intimidating.

If you want trusted Central Iowa lender recommendations, DM me. I’m happy to share. 🏡✨

Elliot Rutt
REMAX Precision
515-508-0430

01/26/2026

Thinking about selling this winter? You might be surprised by the advantages of listing during the colder months.

Contrary to popular belief, winter can be an excellent time for selling a house. Find out how to prepare your property & maximize your chances of selling a house in winter.

01/19/2026

Let’s keep his dream alive.

01/14/2026

Moving doesn’t have to be chaotic. Start with these practical packing tips that actually make a difference. 📦

Find practical packing tips for moving in a hurry. When it’s time to buy or sell, REMAX connects you with trusted agents.

01/05/2026

Before you commit to one of the biggest purchases of your life, make sure you’re asking the questions that actually matter about your future home. ⤵️

Learn what questions to ask when buying a house, including history, condition, expenses, repairs, permits, and common neighborhood issues.

12/29/2025

If you’ve been hearing about the Federal funds interest rate changes and wondering what it means for you, here’s the breakdown ⤵️

12/25/2025

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas! 🎄✨

12/24/2025

The holiday season has a way of slowing us down just enough to appreciate the moments. The nights at home, the laughs shared with the people who matter, the local traditions, and the feeling of community we have here in the Des Moines metro.

No matter where you’re celebrating, I hope this season brings you gratitude, good company, and the kind of memories that stick with you. 🎄✨

12/22/2025

Ready to shake up your winter with a little holiday magic and a new home? I know someone you can call! ❄️🏠