Melissa Schwenker Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors

09/24/2026

How to Keep a Home Sale Moving After You Accept an Offer
Accepting an offer feels like a major milestone, but it isn't the end of the selling process. There are still several steps between a signed agreement and the day ownership changes hands.
Sellers can't control every part of that timeline. They can, however, stay organized and respond quickly when something...

Accepting an offer is an important step, but the sale still has work ahead. Staying organized, responsive, and aware of deadlines can help keep the transaction moving.

09/22/2026

Recently Sold! Take a look at what I recently sold at 413 E Wheeler Street, West Burlington.

413 E Wheeler Street, West Burlington, IA 52655 See 1 Photos, description and maps; Bedrooms: 3; Full Baths: 2; Square Feet: 1408; Price: $185,000; MLS ID: 6340191

09/21/2026

New Price! Take a look at the new price for 2505 Diamond Ridge Drive, Burlington.

OFFICIAL LISTING website. 2505 Diamond Ridge Drive, Burlington, IA 52601, 2217 square foot, 4 bedrooms, 3 full & 1 partial bathrooms, asking price of $520,000, MLS ID 6340493

09/20/2026

Check this out! Zero Grade Entry throughout entire first floor!

09/19/2026

09/19/2026

What Should Stay With the House When You Sell?
A buyer tours your home and sees the dining room light fixture, garage shelving, and smart doorbell. You may see personal belongings that will move with you. The buyer may assume some of those same items are part of the house.
Sorting that out early can prevent confusion once an offer is on the table.
Don't...

Buyers and sellers don't always make the same assumptions about what stays with a home. Clarifying fixtures, appliances, and other items early can prevent confusion later.

09/18/2026

When to Repair, Replace, or Leave a Home Feature Alone
Not every worn, dated, or imperfect part of a home needs to be replaced. Sometimes a relatively small repair can add years to its useful life. In other cases, continuing to patch the same problem costs more time and money than replacing it.
Knowing which approach makes sense starts with looking at more...

Not every worn or dated part of a home needs to be replaced. Learn how to weigh condition, repair history, function, and future plans before deciding what to do.

09/18/2026

How to Evaluate a Home's Maintenance History
A home can look well cared for during a showing and still leave plenty of questions about how it has been maintained over the years. Fresh paint and an orderly yard are easy to notice. The condition and history of the systems behind the walls aren't always as obvious.
You don't need a complete record...

A home's maintenance history can reveal more than its current appearance. Learn what buyers can look for when reviewing repairs, updates, and major systems.