The Blaine Real Estate Team Services

Real Estate Team · Ruhl & Ruhl Realtors · Dubuque, Iowa

1:02 PM in Dubuque Directions

Here is what working with The Blaine Real Estate Team in Dubuque typically covers, from the first consultation to closing day. Services and terms vary, so confirm the details in your written agreement.

For home buyers

Buyer strategy session

Clarifies budget, loan pre-approval status and the representation agreement now required in Iowa.

Home search and private showings

Tours of homes for sale in and around Dubuque, including new listings as they hit the market.

Writing and negotiating offers

Pricing an offer from recent nearby sales and negotiating repairs, credits and timelines.

Closing coordination

Working with your lender, inspector and title company through closing.

Selling a home

Home valuation

A written price opinion built from sold, pending and active Dubuque area comparables.

Listing preparation

Advice on repairs, staging and photography before the home goes live.

Marketing the listing

MLS exposure, online listing portals, signage and open houses where they make sense.

Offer review and negotiation

Comparing offers on price, terms and financing strength, then negotiating to a signed contract.

How a typical transaction works

ConsultA first conversation about goals, budget and timing — and a written agreement that spells out services and compensation.
PrepareBuyers get pre-approved; sellers review a pricing analysis and prepare the home for photos.
Market & tourListings go live on the MLS; buyers tour homes and compare recent sales.
NegotiateOffers, counteroffers, inspection requests and appraisal issues are worked through.
CloseFinal walk-through and signing with the title or escrow company under Iowa rules.

Typical costs on a Dubuque home

Illustrative figures for a home at the local typical value of $250,358. Real numbers depend on your agreement, lender and title company.

Item	Rate	On $250K
Listing-side commission (negotiable)	2.5–3%	$6,259–$7,511
Buyer-side compensation (negotiable)	2–3%	$5,007–$7,511
Buyer closing costs (lender, title, escrow)	2–5%	$5,007–$12,518
Home inspection	flat	$350–$600

Every percentage above is negotiable and is set in the written agreement. Typical value from the Zillow Home Value Index (August 2026).

Areas around Dubuque

Platteville, WI19 mi · $261K Fennimore, WI33 mi · $213K Dewitt, IA47 mi

Questions about these services

How are real estate agents paid in Iowa?

Compensation is negotiable and set out in writing. Sellers sign a listing agreement; since August 2024 buyers sign a written buyer agreement before touring homes with an agent, stating what the agent will be paid and by whom.

Does The Blaine Real Estate Team work with both buyers and sellers?

Most agents and brokerages represent both, but not in the same transaction without written consent. Ask how The Blaine Real Estate Team handles dual agency or designated agency under Iowa law.

What should I prepare before the first meeting?

Buyers: a mortgage pre-approval, a target budget and a list of must-haves. Sellers: your mortgage payoff estimate, a list of upgrades with dates, and any HOA or survey documents.