Newsletter • February 23, 2026

Before you even head out to grab some paint samples……………………Here are tips to help you save time and money

by Micah Ruddell

I’m glad you’re here!

I’ve put together a nice assortment of bite-sized pieces of real estate news, entertainment, and resources I think you’re going to enjoy. (And maybe even learn a thing or two you never knew you wanted to know!)

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on tap:

• Can you hear me now?

• Before you even head out to grab some paint samples…

• “Broom clean” is hard to define

But first, let’s start it off with my…

Meme of the Week

Your “perfect house” might be rare, but I’m pretty confident we can find it well before the next leap year rolls around in 2028.

Just to be safe, let me know what you’re looking for so I can start keeping an eye out! 😉

Can you hear me now?

We’ve probably all had moments where a neighbor’s noise made us lose a little sleep — loud music, late-night gatherings, maybe a barking dog that just won’t quit. For the most part, you just grin and bear it. But if it’s a bit too loud or too often, perhaps you share a few choice words with your neighbor about it.

But one woman was so fed up with noisy neighbors that she grabbed a megaphone and began blasting insults and swearing at them in the middle of the night… for nearly two years!

But if you ever feel tempted to solve a neighbor dispute with a megaphone, know that she ended up getting sentenced to three months in jail and was given a $3,600 fine.

Before you even head out to grab some paint samples…

A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to update your home before it hits the market. But if you’ve ever tried to pick the perfect color, you know what it’s like to stand in the paint aisle staring at 47 slightly different shades of “warm neutral” and hope you don’t make the wrong choice.

Which is probably why a recent article I came across reported that more and more homeowners are hiring paint color consultants to avoid getting it wrong.

But before you spend money on that, you might want to check out this article I recently published. It breaks down what those services typically cost — and shares a few other ways to get solid guidance on choosing the right color… including just giving me a ring before you start updating.

“How’s the market?”

I get that question a lot, and I’m always happy to answer it! But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s why this newsletter doesn’t include weekly stats or price updates.

Besides, most people don’t care about real estate data until it actually matters to them. So instead of stats, I just try to keep this fun and entertaining.

Curious about a specific house? Wonder what your place is worth? Or just want a quick market snapshot?

Just hit reply and ask me! I’m always glad to give you any information, thoughts, or data you want. (And of course, no obligation or pressure! I love any opportunity to talk about the market.)

Trivia Time

What’s the name of the custom color Walt Disney World created to hide doors they don’t want people to notice or enter?:

A) Go Away Green

B) Mickey Mouse Mauve

C) Walt’s White

D) Beat It Black

Click the answer you think is correct.

“Broom clean” is hard to define

You’re supposed to leave your house in “broom clean” condition for the buyer when you sell your house, which leaves a lot of room for interpretation. It often boils down to sellers feeling like they left the place looking immaculate, and buyers wondering if the seller even owned a broom.

But it is kind of subjective…

Which is probably why so many sellers think they’re being super thoughtful when they leave certain things behind, but buyers end up feeling like you just left them something to figure out what to do with or get rid of.

So to take some of the subjectivity out of it, here’s a list of 5 things you shouldn’t leave behind when selling your house, even if you think you’re doing the buyer a favor.

The fact is…

It might, but it still might be a smart move to give me a call before you run out and paint your door black!

That wraps it up for this week!

Be on the lookout for the next one!

Want to unsubscribe from this newsletter? Simply reply and let me know.

Newsletter • February 18, 2026

5 funny home features to help couples live together in peace

by Micah Ruddell

I’m glad you’re here!

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on tap:

• Not the kind of open house any seller wants

• What to do when you love a house that’s priced too high

• 5 funny home features to help couples live together in peace

But first, let’s start it off with my…

Meme of the Week

If yours is “Emoh Maerd,” I’d be glad to make a few introductions. 😍

Not the kind of open house any seller wants

A lot of homeowners picture their agent advertising an open house and having a steady stream of buyers come through when it hits the market.

What they don’t picture is a random teenager advertising a pop-up party online, charging a cover fee, setting up a DJ in the living room, and lighting off fireworks in the bedroom.

But in San Diego County, that’s exactly what has happened in several vacant homes listed for sale.

As you can imagine, the party-goers leave behind quite a mess, and some expensive repairs. Still better than a squatter, I suppose… but you can add this to the list of reasons it’s not a bad idea to have timer lights, cameras, or a security system in place when a home is sitting vacant.

What to do when you love a house that’s priced too high

With Valentine’s Day week here, it feels fitting to talk about what happens when you fall in love… with a house that’s priced higher than it should be.

A lot of buyers feel like their only options are to wait it out or walk away. And while that’s often the advice you’ll hear, it’s not always the only strategy.
Sometimes there’s an opportunity to step up thoughtfully, make your interest known, and open the door to a productive conversation before the seller ever drops the price.

I recently published an article that breaks down how this works, just in case you ever find yourself falling in love with a house that the seller has overpriced.

“How’s the market?”

Trivia Time

Which letter of the alphabet does NOT appear in the name of any U.S. state?

1) Q

2) X

3) Z

4) J

Click the answer you think is correct.

5 funny home features to help couples live together in peace

Valentine’s Day flowers, candy, and a nice dinner are great… but sometimes keeping the peace at home takes a little more than one romantic evening a year.

So I figured it’d be fun to share this (mostly) tongue-in-cheek list of 5 home features that could make cohabitation a little less stressful at times. They’re probably not practical solutions, but at least they’ll give you something to joke about with your significant other!

The fact is…

I’ve seen some pretty weird things included in the sale of a house, but a hand in marriage is definitely not one of them!

That wraps it up for this week!

Be on the lookout for the next one!

Want to unsubscribe from this newsletter? Simply reply and let me know.

Newsletter • February 10, 2026

A fear a lot of first-time buyers don’t talk about. (And many don’t even realize it…)

by Micah Ruddell

I’m glad you’re here!

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on tap:

• In the market for a new birdhouse?

• A fear a lot of first-time buyers don’t talk about

• Dating and buying a home have more in common than you’d think

But first, let’s start it off with my…

Meme of the Week

A few days is probably pushing it… but hey, I’m always up for a challenge if you’re in a pinch.

In the market for a new birdhouse?

Most real estate offices don’t get much walk-in traffic these days, so it’s always a surprise when someone actually shows up at the door.

But imagine how surprised the agents were when a peacock recently strutted right up to the entrance of their real estate office in Tennessee, casually checking the place out like it had an appointment.

If you really want to surprise me next time you’re thinking about buying or selling, feel free to stop by instead of calling or texting… and if you want to do it with a little extra flair, a peacock costume wouldn’t hurt.

A fear a lot of first-time buyers don’t talk about

When people say they’re not sure they’re ready to buy a home yet, they often blame prices, rates, or competition. And sometimes that really is the issue. But for a lot of first-time buyers, there’s something sitting a little below the surface that doesn’t always get mentioned… or even recognized.

For many potential first-time buyers, the idea of getting pre-approved for a mortgage feels intimidating, which can stop them before they even get to the point of worrying about prices, rates, or competition.

I recently published an article about why that fear is far more common than people admit, and why getting pre-approved is usually much less scary than it sounds. Give it a read if this feels familiar — or feel free to share it with a first-time buyer you think might benefit from it.

“How’s the market?”

Trivia Time

Which monumental structure did a woman named Erika LaBrie marry in 2007?

1) The Eiffel Tower

2) Big Ben

3) The Lincoln Memorial

4) The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Click the answer you think is correct.

Dating and buying a home have more in common than you’d think

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I couldn’t resist sharing this funny list of ways buying a home is a lot like dating!

Got anything you’d add to the list based upon your experiences buying a house or dating?

The fact is…

All I can say is 😲!

That wraps it up for this week!

Be on the lookout for the next one!

Want to unsubscribe from this newsletter? Simply reply and let me know.

Newsletter • February 3, 2026

If only my house had _________________. Does a new home actually equal happiness?

by Micah Ruddell

I’m glad you’re here!

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on tap:

• As luck would have it…

• If only my house had _________________.

• 6 funny ways for sellers to choose which buyer wins a bidding war

But first, let’s start it off with my…

Meme of the Week

It doesn’t have to be on the market or Valentine’s Day for me to play matchmaker! Let me know what you’re looking for and I’ll keep my eyes peeled for you!

As luck would have it…

A 70-year-old Louisiana man was sleeping in his living room when a car crashed through his house and landed right on top of him.

Fortunately, he was okay. In fact, he felt good enough to ask the ambulance driver to stop on the way to the hospital so he could buy a lottery ticket, figuring it must have been his lucky day.

But this wasn’t his first lucky day… His house has been hit by cars five times since he’s lived there. Some might call that the unluckiest location imaginable — but he seems to prefer a very glass-half-full approach to life.

If only my house had _________________.

It’s actually fairly normal for people to look around their home and feel like they’d finally be happy — and never have to move again — if it just had this, that, or another thing.

A lot of people try to sort that feeling out by talking to friends, family, or even running scenarios through ChatGPT. That can all be helpful, but sometimes it just creates more noise.

So if this is something you’ve been feeling and wondering about, you might want to check out this article I recently published about why looping in a real estate agent earlier than most people do can actually be really helpful.

“How’s the market?”

Trivia Time

What is the actual meaning of the word “igloo” in the Inuit language?

A) Frozen glue

B) House

C) Dome home

D) Ice tent

Click the answer you think is correct.

6 funny ways for sellers to choose which buyer wins a bidding war

It probably sounds ideal to have multiple offers when you’re selling your home — and don’t get me wrong, it absolutely is!

But it’s also not quite the no-brainer many sellers expect it to be. Saying “no” to one or more buyers can actually be harder (and more stressful) than saying “yes” to the one you choose. And when the offers are close, picking between them isn’t always easy.

Unless you’ve been through it yourself, it’s hard to appreciate just how stressful a multiple-offer situation can be. Whether you’ve experienced it as a seller, hope to one day, or are in the middle of it right now, this funny list of creative ways for sellers to choose between buyers should at least give you a good laugh.

The fact is…

If you’ve ever dealt with building codes, permits, or inspections, this will feel frustratingly familiar.

That wraps it up for this week!

Be on the lookout for the next one!

Want to unsubscribe from this newsletter? Simply reply and let me know.

News Letter • January 29, 2026

5 signs you’re addicted to house hunting…(Even after you’ve bought a new home!)

by Micah Ruddell

I’m glad you’re here!

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on tap:

• Maybe you can find a better deal on Expedia?

• The part of the “Great Wealth Transfer” no one really mentions

• 5 signs you’re addicted to house hunting

But first, let’s start it off with my…

Meme of the Week

One of the many things no one warns you about in this career. 😅

What’s something you find yourself saying all the time that you never imagined you would?

Maybe you can find a better deal on Expedia?

High-end hotels are known for sky-high prices, but one new hotel set to open in 2032 is taking that literally.

A 21-year-old plans to build the world’s first moon hotel, and he’s already offering pre-construction reservations with down payments ranging from $250,000 to $1,000,000, depending on the options you choose.

Is it safe to assume the $250,000 package comes with a view of the parking lot and dumpsters?

The part of the “Great Wealth Transfer” no one really mentions

There’s been a lot of talk lately about the “great wealth transfer,” and it’s often painted as heirs receiving a big windfall they’ll use to live a more lavish lifestyle.

For many families, though, a large portion of that wealth is tied up in homes. And before heirs see a dime of usable money, they often have to spend some of their own just to maintain the property. Between taxes, insurance, upkeep, and repairs, the costs can add up quickly, and can be a real strain during an already emotional time.

I recently published an article that looks at these realities and encourages open, thoughtful conversations within families, so when the time comes, the process is as smooth and manageable as possible for everyone involved.

“How’s the market?”

Trivia Time

You can sell a house and pay no capital gains tax on on the first $250,000 of your profits if your tax-filing status is single, and up to $500,000 if married, if you meet which of the following criteria:

1) Make less than $50,000 in income per year.

2) Only used it as a rental.

3) Use the house as your primary residence 2 years out of the past 5 years before you sell.

4) Don’t report it on your taxes and never get audited

Click the answer you think is correct.

5 signs you’re addicted to house hunting

House hunting isn’t all fun and games, but it can definitely be addictive!

The process of finding and successfully buying a home can take months, and often has its fair share of stressful moments. But the thrill of the chase can be a hard habit for some buyers to kick, even after they’ve found the perfect place to call home!

If this sounds familiar to you, then you’ll get a kick out of this list of five telltale signs that you just can’t quit the hunt, even with a shiny new set of keys in your pocket.

The fact is…

Sounds like there were actually several old ladies who lived in a shoe… well, at least for a week-long vacation!

That wraps it up for this week!

Be on the lookout for the next one!

Want to unsubscribe from this newsletter? Simply reply and let me know.

Market News • News Letter • January 21, 2026

6 funny ways to let me know when you’re ready to buy or sell. You could always just call or text, or…

by Micah Ruddell

I’m glad you’re here!

I’ve put together a nice assortment of bite-sized pieces of
real estate news, entertainment, and resources I think
you’re going to enjoy. (And maybe even learn a thing or two
you never knew you wanted to know!)

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on tap:

• Where’s the bathroom?!

• You might be ‘just looking’… until you’re not

• 6 funny ways to let me know when you’re ready to buy or sell

But first, let’s start it off with my…

Meme of the Week

This may or may not have actually happened… but just in case, please come to my next open house so I’m not left alone with the cookies. 😅

Where’s the bathroom?!

Real estate agents will sometimes leave little notes or signs around a house to point out features buyers might overlook — “Pantry this way,” “Bonus room upstairs,” that sort of thing. Most of the time they’re helpful but not exactly necessary.

But then there are times when they’re absolutely essential…

For instance, a penthouse in Melbourne recently made headlines for a pretty unusual layout. The bathroom is so well hidden that you’d never find it unless the agent left a note saying you need to crawl through the fireplace in order to reach it!

You might be ‘just looking’… until you’re not

Building more homes keeps coming up as one of the most talked-about solutions to housing affordability, and it’s a topic that isn’t going away anytime soon. While we’re not seeing a massive wave of new construction everywhere just yet, it is starting to pop up in some areas — and it got me thinking about a common mistake buyers can make without realizing it.

I just published an article about why casually stopping into a model home can limit your ability to have your own agent represent you later, and why that very first visit matters more than most buyers expect.

If you ever come across a new construction development — even if it’s just out of curiosity — feel free to bring me along. You never know when “just looking” turns into finding the one.

“How’s the market?”

I get that question a lot, and I’m always happy to
answer it! But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
That’s why this newsletter doesn’t include weekly
stats or price updates.

Besides, most people don’t care about real estate
data until it actually matters to them. So instead
of stats, I just try to keep this fun and
entertaining.

Curious about a specific house? Wonder what your
place is worth? Or just want a quick market
snapshot?

Just hit reply and ask me!

I’m always glad to give you any information,
thoughts, or data you want. (And of course, no
obligation or pressure! I love
any opportunity to talk about the market.)

Trivia Time

What’s lacking in homes located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California?

A) Central air conditioning

B) Driveways

C) Ocean views

D) Street addresses

Click the answer you think is correct.

6 funny ways to let me know when you’re ready to buy or sell

There’s nothing I love more than hearing from a friend, family member, or past client who’s calling to say they want to buy or sell a house. It doesn’t matter if you text me, call me, or send an email, it’s going to make my day!

But if you’re looking for a more creative way to let me know you’d like to work with me to buy or sell a house…

Check out this funny list of ways to let me know you’re ready to buy or sell!

The fact is…

I’ve heard people say that buying a house was an emotional roller coaster… but it sounds like one buyer meant it literally!

That wraps it up for this week!

Be on the lookout for the next one!

Want to unsubscribe from this newsletter? Simply reply and let me
know.

Market News • January 15, 2026

6 odd things to bring along when sizing up homes to buy…..They’re funny…but maybe even useful!

by Micah Ruddell

I’m glad you’re here!

I’ve put together a nice assortment of bite-sized pieces of
real estate news, entertainment, and resources I think
you’re going to enjoy. (And maybe even learn a thing or two
you never knew you wanted to know!)

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on tap:

• Let’s get the squatter problem sworded out once and for all

• Thinking about putting solar panels on your house?

• 6 odd things to bring along when you’re sizing up homes to buy

But first, let’s start it off with my…

Meme of the Week

Obviously deciding when to list your house is a little more complicated than this flow chart… but it’s not totally wrong either. 😄

As always, I’m glad to help you strategize the best time to hit the market, so if it’s on your mind, feel free to reach out!

Let’s get the squatter problem sworded out once and for all

If it feels like you’ve been seeing more headlines about squatters lately, you’re not imagining it. Despite all the attention, many homeowners still find themselves stuck navigating slow court systems, confusing tenant laws, and processes that can feel like they protect the wrong party while the actual owner waits… and waits.

But for homeowners in Northern California who don’t want to wait, a man recently started offering to help them remove squatters — armed with a sword. His reasoning? Squatters may know the legal loopholes, but “the average squatter has no melee experience.”

Obviously, waving medieval weaponry around probably isn’t legal (or advisable). But when frustrated homeowners start jokingly looking to the Middle Ages for solutions, it’s probably a sign the modern process isn’t working as smoothly as it should.

Thinking about putting solar panels on your house?

I get a lot of questions about whether solar panels actually increase a home’s value — or do the opposite. The truth is, there’s no single, universal answer. It depends on the home, the market, and how the system is set up. And if you’re weighing your options, I’m always glad to help you think it through before you sign on the dotted line.

One thing many homeowners don’t realize until it’s too late, though, is how leasing a solar panel system can affect a future buyer. In some cases, it can even impact whether they qualify for a mortgage at all.

If you’re considering a leased system, I recently published an article that takes a deeper dive into what to watch out for and what to think through ahead of time. It’s worth a read before making any decisions.

“How’s the market?”

I get that question a lot, and I’m always happy to
answer it! But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
That’s why this newsletter doesn’t include weekly
stats or price updates.

Besides, most people don’t care about real estate
data until it actually matters to them. So instead
of stats, I just try to keep this fun and
entertaining.

Curious about a specific house? Wonder what your
place is worth? Or just want a quick market
snapshot?

Just hit reply and ask me!

I’m always glad to give you any information,
thoughts, or data you want. (And of course, no
obligation or pressure! I love
any opportunity to talk about the market.)

Trivia Time

The Elwood Hotel in Lexington, Kentucky has created suites for people who want to bring which of the following along with them for their stay?

1) Their own bed

2) Their own linens

3) Their houseplants

4) Any pet they want, regardless of breed or size

Click the answer you think is correct.

6 odd things to bring along when you’re sizing up homes to buy

It’s pretty common for people to bring a tape measure when looking at houses to make sure a piece of furniture will fit just right. But bringing a plate to check cabinet depth, or a hanger to gauge closet space isn’t something agents see everyday. Well, believe it or not, it’s something an article recommended buyers bring along to showings!

So I thought it’d be fun to take it a step further…

Check out this funny article I published with 6 other unusual things you could bring on a home tour to help decide whether a house truly fits your life. (I have a feeling at least one of you will end bringing any of these things along the next time I’m helping you buy a house!)

The fact is…

How cool would it be to say you lived in a home that used to be the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree?!

That wraps it up for this week!

Be on the lookout for the next one!

Want to unsubscribe from this newsletter? Simply reply and let me
know.

News Letter • December 18, 2025

Should you create a dedicated home office before selling your house? …. It depends…

by Micah Ruddell

I’m glad you’re here!

I’ve put together a nice assortment of bite-sized pieces of
real estate news, entertainment, and resources I think
you’re going to enjoy. (And maybe even learn a thing or two
you never knew you wanted to know!)

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on tap:

Well, if you insist!
Should you create a dedicated home office before selling your house?
10 reasons Santa would be a great real estate agent

But first, let’s start it off with my…

Meme of the Week

Someday (possibly years from now) you’ll be wrapping gifts and thinking, ‘Why am I suddenly thinking about my agent?’ And then it’ll hit you… oh yeah, that meme!

Well, if you insist!

Plenty of people pick a doormat that sets the tone — something friendly, funny, or just a hint of personality. So if you walked up to someone’s front door and saw one that said, “Come back with a warrant,” you’d probably assume it was just someone’s quirky sense of humor.

Turns out, one 57-year-old Florida man meant it quite literally when he rolled out a doormat saying just that…

Deputies recently honored the message and showed up at his door to arrest him for allegedly posing as a real estate investor and carrying out a large-scale mortgage fraud scheme. Authorities say he forged ownership documents for multiple properties, took out mortgages, rented the homes out, and never repaid the loans.

Should you create a dedicated home office before selling your house?

You may have noticed that some recent headlines suggest that home offices are a big draw for today’s buyers. Yet other headlines point out that more people are heading back to work in offices.

The truth is, a home office might be the feature that helps your home stand out when selling. But it could also be something your buyer pool doesn’t prioritize at all. As with so many things related to real estate values, there’s no clear-cut answer…

If it’s something you’re debating, check out this recent article I published for a deeper dive into deciding whether or not you should create a dedicated home office before selling.

(Or feel free to skip the reading and just call me — I can give you advice tailored to your home and your situation!)

“How’s the market?”

I get that question a lot, and I’m always happy to
answer it! But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
That’s why this newsletter doesn’t include weekly
stats or price updates.

Besides, most people don’t care about real estate
data until it actually matters to them. So instead
of stats, I just try to keep this fun and
entertaining.

Curious about a specific house? Wonder what your
place is worth? Or just want a quick market
snapshot?

Just hit reply and ask me!

I’m always glad to give you any information,
thoughts, or data you want. (And of course, no
obligation or pressure! I love
any opportunity to talk about the market.)

Trivia Time

Where is the actual location of the house that Ralphie and his family live in, in the movie A Christmas Story?

1) Hammond, IN

2) Cleveland, OH

3) Toronto, Ontario

4) Battle Creek, MI

Click the answer you think is correct.

10 reasons Santa would be a great real estate agent

Being a real estate agent isn’t for everyone; it takes a certain set of skills and personality traits to succeed…

But if Santa ever got sick of his one-day-per-year job and became an agent, he’d probably be a top-producer in less time than it takes a kid to rip through their presents on Christmas morning!

Here’s a fun peek at 10 reasons why Santa has what it takes to be a great real estate agent.

The fact is…

And all this time the Keebler elf had us thinking they lived in trees!

That wraps it up for this week!

Be on the lookout for the next one!

Want to unsubscribe from this newsletter? Simply reply and let me
know.

News Letter • December 10, 2025

Your car payment may be costing you more house than you think……….(In some cases it’s over $100,000 in buying power!)

by Micah Ruddell

I’m glad you’re here!

I’ve put together a nice assortment of bite-sized pieces of
real estate news, entertainment, and resources I think
you’re going to enjoy. (And maybe even learn a thing or two
you never knew you wanted to know!)

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on tap:

A role she didn’t even audition for…
Your car payment may be costing you more house than you think
6 humorous (but useful!) Christmas gifts for first-time homebuyers

But first, let’s start it off with my…

Meme of the Week

In case you’re ever wondering if it’s an acceptable time to call or text me, this should clear it up!

A role she didn’t even audition for…

Getting a call from the head of your HOA usually isn’t something anyone gets excited about… but what if that call was coming from a Hollywood star?

Mila Kunis recently revealed that she somehow ended up as the president of her own HOA simply because no one else wanted the job.

Now, in addition to her roles as a mom, wife, and actress, she’s fielding everyday neighborhood issues like maintenance issues and noise complaints.

Your car payment may be costing you more house than you think

If you’ve ever worked with me while buying a home, you’ve probably heard me give this advice at least once: don’t buy a car before you close. So you may know it can impact your mortgage approval… but you might not realize just how much it can affect what you qualify for.

Depending on your car payment, it could be the difference of $100,000 or more in buying power!

Check out this article I published breaking down real-world examples from three different sources to give you a few different perspectives on how much it can affect your buying power.

“How’s the market?”

I get that question a lot, and I’m always happy to
answer it! But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
That’s why this newsletter doesn’t include weekly
stats or price updates.

Besides, most people don’t care about real estate
data until it actually matters to them. So instead
of stats, I just try to keep this fun and
entertaining.

Curious about a specific house? Wonder what your
place is worth? Or just want a quick market
snapshot?

Just hit reply and ask me!

I’m always glad to give you any information,
thoughts, or data you want. (And of course, no
obligation or pressure! I love
any opportunity to talk about the market.)

Trivia Time

In 2024, while 43% of home buyers started the buying process online, which of the following was the most common first step for 21% of buyers?

Click the answer you think is correct.

6 humorous (but useful!) Christmas gifts for first-time homebuyers

The holidays can really put a dent in your budget, so coming up with inexpensive but meaningful gifts are like little Christmas miracles for your wallet.

Well, if you’ve got a first-time homebuyer to shop for, you’re in luck!

Here are 6 budget-friendly gift ideas that are equal parts funny, practical, and memorable. Plus, they’re sure to bring a laugh while actually being (at least somewhat) useful, unlike a “Home Sweet Home” cross-stitch they’ll never hang up.

The fact is…

I’ve sold actual houses that are smaller than this! (But none that were as tasty…)

That wraps it up for this week!

Be on the lookout for the next one!

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News Letter • December 3, 2025

When your holiday guest lingers a little too long…

by Micah Ruddell

I'm glad you're here!

I've put together a nice assortment of bite-sized pieces of
real estate news, entertainment, and resources I think
you're going to enjoy. (And maybe even learn a thing or two
you never knew you wanted to know!)

Here's a sneak peek at what's on tap:

No man is an island… but a car on the other hand
Selling on your own isn’t as easy as it looks
When your holiday guest lingers a little too long…

But first, let’s start it off with my...

Meme of the Week

You know what…now that I think about it, this offer applies to buyers as well!

No man is an island… but a car on the other hand

Volvos are known for safety, but one 2001 S80 ended up in a situation even its engineers probably didn’t plan for.

The car was originally going to be part of a contest, but in the name of safety, the plan was scrapped — and the Volvo ended up stranded on a tiny peninsula in an artificial lake near Ottawa, Illinois. Over time, “Volvo Island” has become an unintentional “roadside” attraction (well, technically an off-road attraction) and has earned a 4.9-star rating on Google Maps.

Selling on your own isn’t as easy as it looks

Some people think that selling a house on your own should be easier than ever these days. After all, with apps, listing platforms, digital contracts, and social media marketing, going FSBO (For Sale By Owner) sounds pretty doable.

But despite all that easy-to-access technology, FSBOs are now at an all-time low — just 5% of all home sales, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Check out this recent article I published to see why FSBOs remain rare — and how working with a professional (ahem, me!) can make the process smoother, safer, and more profitable.

“How’s the market?”

I get that question a lot, and I’m always happy to
answer it! But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
That’s why this newsletter doesn’t include weekly
stats or price updates.

Besides, most people don’t care about real estate
data until it actually matters to them. So instead
of stats, I just try to keep this fun and
entertaining.

Curious about a specific house? Wonder what your
place is worth? Or just want a quick market
snapshot?

Just hit reply and ask me!

I’m always glad to give you any information,
thoughts, or data you want. (And of course, no
obligation or pressure! I love
any opportunity to talk about the market.)

Trivia Time

Why is the day after Thanksgiving the busiest day for plumbers?:

Click the answer you think is correct.

When your holiday guest lingers a little too long…

A recent study found that 72% of people have told a houseguest to “make themselves at home,” and 91% of them regretted ever uttering those words!

As the holidays approach, you might find yourself hosting guests who take cozy to a whole new level, and seem to forget they even have a home of their own somewhere else.

So just in case your guest starts to feel more like a freeloading tenant, here are nine tongue-in-cheek tactics to get them to pack their bags and go home! (If you want to go with #8 or #9, I’m always a phone call away! 😜)

The fact is…

Good luck not thinking about this fun fact while you’re out shopping this holiday season! (At least it’ll take your mind off how much money you’re spending…)

That wraps it up for this week!

Be on the lookout for the next one!

Want to unsubscribe from this newsletter? Simply reply and let me
know.

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