Alicia Bortner Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors Licensed in IA & IL

14/09/2026

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.

13/09/2026

13/09/2026

Today's the day to join us at these two open house starting at 1pm!

13/09/2026

What Buyers Should Know About Property Disclosure Forms
When you're buying a house, the disclosure form can be easy to skim past. It often arrives alongside other paperwork, but it can provide useful background on the property before you move further into the transaction.
What sellers must disclose varies by state, so the form isn't the same everywhere....

A property disclosure form can offer useful clues about a home's history and known issues. Buyers should know what the form can tell them, what it may leave out, and where an inspection still matters.

12/09/2026

Remodeled kitchen-🎯
Your private retreat awaits! Come see her Sunday at 2:30!

12/09/2026

Come see this stunning home tomorrow at 1pm!

12/09/2026

Don't miss the chance to see this Eldridge home in a highly sought after neighborhood! Tomorrow at 1pm!

11/09/2026

Come see this beautifully updated 3/2 quad-level in west Davenport Sunday!

11/09/2026

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.

10/09/2026

What Fall Buyers Notice During a Home Tour
A home tour in the fall looks nothing like a home tour in June, and that's not just because of the weather. When the leaves begin to change and the light grows dim earlier in the day, a house has a way of showing the wear and tear that summer landscaping and long evenings tend to hide. When you're viewing...

Fall home tours reveal details that summer showings tend to hide, from curb appeal to how well the heating holds up. Here's what buyers should watch for this season.