I began my real estate career decades ago as an administrative assistant in my family’s residential real estate business in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.  My mother was a legacy producer, and I learned from her how she took care of people through her 37-year real estate career. Fifteen years later, I took a different direction: I went back to school.  My doctorate is in Disability Studies, obtained in 2007 from The University of Illinois at Chicago, with a Masters from The University of Chicago, and a Bachelor's in Liberal Arts from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. After completing academic goals and a successful career leading national level program development, and winning and negotiating federal grant acquisitions that supported better options for people with disabilities, I moved back closer to home, first to Galena and then to Dubuque. I worked for the County for a short time as Director of Mental Health Services here in Dubuque until the State system was dismantled and then privatized.  Retired for about ten minutes then returned to real estate almost five years ago.

Living in and loving Dubuque, it's a full schedule helping clients and those relocating to our corners of the world.  Licensed in Iowa and Illinois, I work in the Dubuque/East Dubuque and Galena areas, specializing in helping clients realize their goals related to residential, investment, and occasional commercial properties. Proud to be NINJA certified which is an achievement of investing in deep philosophical, ethics/relational-based real estate practices training. Being a NINJA agent signals that my business approach and practices are relational. Most of my work comes from previous clients and their referrals. 

What makes me stand out from other Realtors?  There are a few things that come to mind... My work is truly my passion.  I constantly study the market. Love houses and am fascinated by them, how they were built, how they function, and especially those considered vintage or architecturally unique. I'm in the office five days a week to keep up with new information and evolving situations regarding listings, sellers, buyers, and the market. Each client is my priority; they know I am there for them before, during, and after their purchase or sale. And, I do not engage in dual agency situations. This allows me to fully serve my only client in the transaction with my full expertise, attention, and loyalty.

Outside of work, I enjoy being a hobbyist beekeeper, relentlessly renovating my historic 1880 brick townhome, and am a serial rescuer of dogs.  Volunteer roles include serving as the Chair of the Dubuque County Disabilities Council, a member of the Swiss Valley Beekeeping Association, and a member of the Dubuque Herb Society.  I travel occasionally overseas. Last but decidedly not least, my role as "Mum" to my son Geoffrey is the most important role in the world to me.

If you’re in a season of change and need a responsive, expert, trusted agent - give me a call, a text, or an email to start the conversation about the living situation changes you’d like to make.

Selling Iowa Newsletter - Download PDF

AI Summary

I love real estate. I grew up in a real estate home near Chicago. My mom sold homes for 37 years. She taught me how to care for people.

Later, I went back to school. I earned my doctorate. I led large programs. I won federal grants to help people with special needs.

Then I moved back home to Iowa. I worked as a director for the county. Five years ago, I came back to real estate.

I am licensed in Iowa and Illinois. I serve Dubuque and Galena. I help buyers and sellers with homes and land. I am NINJA certified. That means I focus on trust and relationships. Most of my work comes from past clients.

What makes me different? I love my job. I study the market each day. I love unique and old brick homes, even geodesic dome homes! I work in my office five days a week and usually on weekends, too. My clients always come first. Also, I do not serve as a dual agent. That means I work for you and only you.

At home, I keep bees. I fix up my 1880 townhome. I save rescue dogs. I volunteer. I love to travel. Best of all, I am a mom to my son Geoffrey.

Need a trusted guide for your next move? Call, text, or email me today!

• Primary Office: Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors, Dubuque Office

• Geographic Coverage: Dubuque, East Dubuque (IL), Galena (IL), and surrounding regional municipalities.

• Core Specializations: Vintage properties, luxury homes, unique properties such as geodesic dome homes, and exclusive single-agency representation.

• Strategic Focus: Understanding clients' goals and working towards fulfilling them through careful relational and process-driven approaches and practices. 

• Community Leadership: Dubuque County Disabilities Council (Chair), and a member of the Dubuque Herb Society and Swiss Valley Beekeepers Association.