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!

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:

• 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?”

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

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!

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

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.

Market News • November 26, 2025

3 potential ways to cash in on your home appliance warranty (Even if nothing breaks!)

by Micah Ruddell

I’m glad you’re here!

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on tap:

Time to buy a new doorbell?Insert your text here
I may be your therapist…but I’m not your housekeeper
3 potential ways to cash in on your home appliance warranty

Meme of the Week

I’m probably not going to be much help if you’re making spaghetti, but if you find yourself guess-timating your home’s value, by all means please just give me a call!

(And it doesn’t matter why you want to know. I’m always glad to give you an accurate sense of the value free of charge, even if you’re not thinking about selling.)

Time to buy a new doorbell?

A bunch of residents in an apartment complex in Germany were woken up in the middle of the night when their doorbells kept going off. It got so bad, some of them even called the police thinking it had to be someone ding-dong-ditching…minus the ditching.

It turns out it was just a slug slip sliding away all over the buzzer panel!

OK, so here’s a question for you: if that happened to your doorbell, are you cleaning it, hiring someone else to clean it, or just getting an entirely new one installed?! (Not a formal poll, but hit reply—I’d love to hear what you’d do!)

I may be your therapist…but I’m not your housekeeper

There’s no definitive list of job responsibilities for a real estate agent, and I’ve certainly found myself doing things I never thought would be on my list of duties. (For instance, I’ve felt like a therapist or marriage counselor on more than one occasion!)

But one thing many agents find quite surprising is how often they find themselves becoming their client’s cleaning service!

It’s pretty common for an agent to show up to one of their listings before the photographer, an open house, or a buyer appointment to do a quick walk-through and turn on the lights, open the blinds, and make sure the home shows its best only to end up doing one of the following:

Making the bed that somehow didn’t get made.
Scooping up laundry (including underwear—always a career highlight).
Loading dishes into the dishwasher.
Hiding toys in a bin or closet.
Picking up after the dog in the backyard so buyers don’t step into an unpleasant surprise.

Fortunately I haven’t had a whole lot of clients put me in any of those positions! So it’s probably not something any of you need a deep dive into, but here’s an article with some tips on keeping your house “show-ready” when you’re selling.

Trivia Time

Speaking of cleaning…

Which of the following household cleaning supplies do many people have a superstition about, believing that it’s bad luck to bring the one you used in your old home into your new home?

Click the answer you think is correct.

3 potential ways to cash in on your home appliance warranty

To buy an extended warranty on an appliance or not—that is the question. There’s plenty of debate over whether they’re worth it, with plenty of “not worth it” opinions floating around online.

But it’s easy to get talked into one when you’re standing in front of a smooth-talking salesperson, or you’d rather just play it safe and get one “just in case” something breaks.

However, even if your fridge or washer never breaks, that doesn’t mean the warranty money is wasted. In fact, there may be hidden perks you can still cash in on—if you know where to look.

Check out this article with three surprising ways you might get value from an appliance warranty (even when nothing goes wrong).

The fact is…

Hmmm, if only this applied to windows, floors, tubs, toilets, sinks… Really, anything else in the house would be a bigger help, right?!

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.

First Time Home Buyers • November 12, 2025

Learn basic home repair skills.

by Micah Ruddell

Learn Basic Home Repair Skills

Owning a home comes with the responsibility of maintaining and repairing it. Learning basic home repair skills not only saves you money on professional services but also empowers you to handle minor issues with confidence. Here’s a quick guide to getting started with basic home repair skills.

Why Learn Basic Home Repair Skills?

1. Cost Savings

• DIY Repairs: Handling minor repairs yourself eliminates the need to hire professionals, saving you money on labor costs.

• Preventative Maintenance: Regular maintenance and quick fixes prevent small issues from becoming costly problems.

2. Self-Sufficiency

• Empowerment: Knowing how to fix things around your home gives you a sense of accomplishment and independence.

• Convenience: You won’t have to wait for a professional to come and fix minor issues, saving you time and hassle.

Essential Home Repair Skills to Learn

1. Fixing Leaky Faucets

• Tools Needed: Adjustable wrench, replacement washers, plumber’s tape.

• Steps: Turn off the water supply, disassemble the faucet, replace worn-out washers, and reassemble.

2. Unclogging Drains

• Tools Needed: Plunger, drain snake, baking soda, vinegar.

• Steps: Use a plunger to clear minor clogs. For tougher clogs, use a drain snake or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.

3. Repairing Drywall Holes

• Tools Needed: Putty knife, spackle, sandpaper, paint.

• Steps: Fill holes with spackle, smooth with a putty knife, let dry, sand until smooth, and paint to match the wall.

4. Replacing Light Fixtures

• Tools Needed: Screwdriver, voltage tester, wire nuts.

• Steps: Turn off the power, remove the old fixture, connect the new fixture’s wires, secure with wire nuts, and install the new fixture.

5. Fixing Running Toilets

• Tools Needed: Replacement flapper, pliers.

• Steps: Turn off the water supply, remove the old flapper, install the new flapper, and adjust the chain if needed.

Resources for Learning

1. Online Tutorials

• YouTube Videos: Watch step-by-step video tutorials for various home repair tasks.

• DIY Blogs: Follow DIY blogs that offer detailed guides and tips for home repairs.

2. Home Improvement Books

• Beginner’s Guides: Look for books that cover the basics of home repair and maintenance.

• Specialized Books: Find books that focus on specific areas like plumbing, electrical work, or carpentry.

3. Community Workshops

• Local Hardware Stores: Many hardware stores offer free workshops on basic home repair skills.

• Community Centers: Check if local community centers or adult education programs offer home repair classes.

Final Thoughts

Learning basic home repair skills is a valuable investment in your home and personal empowerment. By mastering a few essential skills, you can handle minor repairs confidently and keep your home in top condition. Start with simple tasks, use available resources, and gradually build your expertise. Happy repairing!

First Time Home Buyers • October 28, 2025

Set up a home maintenance schedule.

by Micah Ruddell

Setting Up a Home Maintenance Schedule

Maintaining your home is essential to preserving its value and ensuring a safe and comfortable living environment. A home maintenance schedule helps you stay organized and proactive, preventing small issues from becoming costly repairs. Here’s a guide to setting up an effective home maintenance schedule.

Why a Home Maintenance Schedule is Important

1. Prevent Costly Repairs

• Regular Inspections: Routine checks help identify issues early, allowing you to address them before they escalate into expensive problems.

• Budget Management: Scheduled maintenance helps you allocate funds for upkeep, avoiding unexpected financial strain.

2. Extend the Life of Home Systems

• Efficient Operations: Regular maintenance ensures that your home systems, such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, operate efficiently, prolonging their lifespan.

• Energy Savings: Well-maintained systems run more efficiently, leading to lower energy bills and reduced environmental impact.

Creating Your Home Maintenance Schedule

1. Monthly Tasks

• Check HVAC Filters: Inspect and replace HVAC filters to ensure proper airflow and efficiency.

• Test Smoke Detectors: Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning correctly.

• Inspect for Leaks: Check under sinks and around appliances for any signs of leaks or water damage.

2. Quarterly Tasks

• Clean Gutters: Remove debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage and ensure proper drainage.

• Inspect Roof: Look for missing or damaged shingles and address any issues promptly.

• Check Weatherstripping: Inspect and replace weatherstripping around doors and windows to improve energy efficiency.

3. Biannual Tasks

• Service HVAC System: Schedule professional HVAC maintenance before the heating and cooling seasons.

• Inspect Plumbing: Check for leaks, corrosion, and water pressure issues. Consider flushing the water heater to remove sediment buildup.

• Test Sump Pump: Ensure the sump pump is functioning correctly to prevent basement flooding.

4. Annual Tasks

• Deep Clean Appliances: Clean behind and inside major appliances like the refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher.

• Inspect Exterior: Assess the exterior of your home for any damage or wear and address issues like cracked siding or peeling paint.

• Review Safety Systems: Check fire extinguishers, review emergency plans, and replace expired emergency supplies.

Tips for Staying on Track

• Use a Calendar: Mark maintenance tasks on a calendar or set reminders on your phone to stay organized.

• Create a Checklist: Keep a maintenance checklist to track completed tasks and upcoming duties.

• Involve the Family: Assign tasks to family members to share the responsibility and ensure all areas are covered.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining your home will help it to appreciate in value and will help to prevent major repairs later. Happy maintaining!

First Time Home Buyers • October 13, 2025

Get involved in the community to feel more at home.

by Micah Ruddell

Get Involved in the Community to Feel More at Home

Moving to a new place can be both exciting and challenging. One of the best ways to settle in and feel more at home is by getting involved in the local community. Building connections and participating in community activities can help you establish a sense of belonging and make your new environment feel more familiar. Here are some tips to help you get involved and feel more at home.

1. Attend Local Events

• Community Gatherings: Check out local events like farmers’ markets, fairs, and festivals. These gatherings are great opportunities to meet new people and learn more about your neighborhood.

• Workshops and Classes: Join workshops or classes that interest you. Whether it’s cooking, art, or fitness, these activities can help you connect with others who share similar interests.

2. Volunteer Your Time

• Local Organizations: Find local organizations and charities that align with your values and interests. Volunteering not only helps the community but also allows you to meet like-minded individuals.

• Community Projects: Participate in community projects such as clean-up drives, tree planting, or neighborhood improvement initiatives. These activities foster a sense of camaraderie and purpose.

3. Join Clubs and Groups

• Hobby Groups: Seek out hobby groups or clubs that match your interests, whether it’s book clubs, hiking groups, or sports teams. Being part of a group can help you form meaningful connections.

• Social Media Groups: Join local social media groups or online forums to stay informed about community news and events. These platforms can also help you find out about local gatherings and meetups.

4. Support Local Businesses

• Shop Locally: Visit local shops, cafes, and restaurants to support small businesses and get to know the owners and staff. This can create a sense of familiarity and connection.

• Attend Business Events: Participate in events hosted by local businesses, such as grand openings, networking events, or special promotions. This is a great way to meet new people and discover local gems.

5. Introduce Yourself to Neighbors

• Friendly Introductions: Take the initiative to introduce yourself to your neighbors. A simple hello can go a long way in building rapport.

• Neighborhood Gatherings: If your neighborhood has regular gatherings or events, make an effort to attend and engage with others.

Final Thoughts

Getting involved in the community is a wonderful way to feel more at home in your new environment. By attending local events, volunteering, joining clubs, supporting local businesses, and introducing yourself to neighbors, you can build connections and create a sense of belonging. Embrace the opportunities to engage with your community, and soon, your new place will feel like home. Happy settling in!

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