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📅🔥 APRIL 9, 2026 — THURSDAY 🔥📅
Late Nights, Early Mornings, and Showing Up Anyway 🍼💪🌅
Homes By Luke 🏡
There’s a different kind of grind that comes with having a baby 👶
It’s not just being busy…
It’s late nights 🌙, broken sleep 😴, and early mornings 🌅 that come way too fast.
You’re up at 2am ⏰
Back up at 5am ⏰
And somehow… you still have to show up and perform 💼
But here’s what I’ve learned in this season 👇
It’s not about motivation ❌
It’s about discipline ✅
Anyone can show up when they feel good 👍
It’s different when you’re tired, stressed, and still choose to execute 🔥
That’s where growth happens 💪
🛠️ WORK — What We’re Seeing Right Now
On the remodel side… one word:
👉 DECKS 🪵🏡
In the Rochester area, a lot of homes were built 10–20 years ago with builder-grade decks — and now we’re seeing the results 👇
⚠️ Loose or missing railings
⚠️ Rotting boards
⚠️ Structural wear
This isn’t just about looks…
This is a SAFETY issue 🚨
And also an INSURANCE issue 📋
Your insurance company does NOT want to see:
❌ Missing railings
❌ Broken railings
❌ Unsafe deck conditions
These WILL get flagged 🚩 and can cause problems with your policy.
👉 Simple advice:
If your deck looks questionable… get it fixed now 🔧
⏳ Right now we are about 60–90 days out on deck builds
And that timeline is only getting longer 📈
🏡 REAL ESTATE — My Role as Your Advisor
I’m not here to just unlock doors 🚪
I’m here to advise, strategize, and execute 🎯
If I recommend a price for your home 💰
That’s not random — that’s experience talking
👉 My goal: Get it SOLD ✅
On the buying side 📝
I’m analyzing:
📊 Comparable sales
📍 Neighborhood trends
📈 Market positioning
So you can WIN the property 🏆 — not just hope for it
🤔 “How Are You So Accurate?”
I get this all the time 👇
“Are you just using AI to price homes?” 🤖
No.
Most people look at homes for a short time ⏳
Weeks… maybe months
I’ve been in homes every single day for years 🏡🔥
I study:
✔️ What sells
✔️ What sits
✔️ What buyers react to
✔️ What they ignore
I don’t just see listings…
I see patterns 👀
I live here.
I work here.
👉 I know this market.
🔥 Final Thought
Late nights 🌙
Early mornings 🌅
Still showing up 💪
That same mindset carries into everything I do —
including how I serve my clients 🏡
Whether it’s:
🔧 Fixing a deck before it becomes a bigger problem
💰 Pricing your home correctly the first time
🏆 Winning in a competitive market
👉 You need someone in your corner who shows up no matter what
Homes By Luke 🏡🔥
📅🔥 APRIL 2, 2026 — THIRSTY THURSDAY 🎢🔥📅
❤️ PERSONAL
Kristin touched on it a bit, but having a baby is one thing… having a baby in the NICU is a whole different level.
That being said — we are incredibly blessed. Mom is doing amazing, baby is doing amazing — truly, brutally honest, they are doing GREAT.
The hardest part right now is access. Every visit isn’t just a quick stop — it’s a 2–3 hour commitment just to get in and spend some time. I try to plan it around feeding so I can be there, hold him, and get those moments that matter most.
Life is tight right now — no way around it.
Between being a dad, supporting Kristin, working as a project manager with H & H Construction, and keeping up with showings… something had to give — and lately, that’s been the gym.
But I’m already adjusting. This week I’ve started finding ways to get that time back in because structure matters. Discipline matters.
Once junior is home with us, things will start to come together a little easier. Not easy — but better.
That’s life.
The best things usually start out challenging.
Then we adapt.
We learn.
We build routines.
And we conquer.
🏡 WORK — HOMES BY LUKE
That same mindset? That’s exactly how I run Homes By Luke.
I’m not just here to unlock doors — I’m here to guide, advise, and execute at a high level for my clients.
Real estate is strategy.
Right now, homes that are priced right and marketed correctly are selling.
Homes that aren’t? They’re sitting.
If your home isn’t getting traction, there’s a reason — and I’ll help you figure it out.
If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or even just planning ahead — let’s connect.
And when it comes time to choose your agent…
Choose wisely.
👉 List with Homes By Luke and get the attention, strategy, and results you deserve.
📅🔥 MARCH 30, 2026 — MONDAY BLOG 🔥📅
H & H Project Management Update
Last week was pretty busy — balancing staying on top of current projects while also bidding out new ones. Spring definitely sprung with the weather, and you could feel the momentum picking up.
This week, we’ll keep pushing forward and doing what we do best… but the forecast isn’t exactly cooperating. That said — we adapt and keep moving.
Decks are still HOT.
Even with the promo wrapping up on the 1st, if you reach out to me directly, I’ll find a way to make the numbers work in your favor. That’s just how I operate.
Homes By Luke
This trend just doesn’t slow down.
I’m out showing homes almost every day — and yes, a lot of it is window shopping. And honestly? I don’t mind at all. I love being in homes.
But here’s the deal —
👉 If you’re not ready yet, just tell me.
No pressure. No awkwardness. It saves both of us time, and we can reconnect when the timing is right and hit it hard.
Market truth right now:
- Homes priced correctly → SELLING
- Homes with poor visibility → SITTING
If your home isn’t moving, go check my previous post — I broke that down in detail. Visibility and strategy matter more than ever.
Personal Life
Now onto what really matters…
Our baby boy, Ryker Lee Miller, was born Monday at 9:58 PM (3.23.2026).
Kristin finally made it home Friday — and I’ll be honest, it was tough leaving our little guy in the NICU. There’s nothing “wrong,” he just needs time to build up the stamina to eat enough on his own.
He’s in great hands, which gives us a chance to recover, regroup, and get things ready at home.
Kristin has been incredible — truly stepping into motherhood in a way that’s been amazing to watch. You don’t realize how strong someone is until moments like this.
Life is beautiful.
— Luke
Homes By Luke 🏡
📅🔥 MARCH 25, 2026 — ROLLER COASTER 🎢 🔥📅
Wedding, baby born, friends coming and going… life is moving FAST right now. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
On top of that, Homes By Luke is gaining serious momentum. We’re an up-and-coming brand and people are starting to take notice. There’s power in that. There’s energy in that. And we’re just getting started.
The weather’s finally turning too — hitting the 70s today — which in Minnesota basically means we all forget how to act for 24 hours 😂
Dad joke of the day:
Why don’t houses ever get cold?
Because they always have good “insulation”… and if not, we’ll help you find one that does 🏡
We’ll see how interest rates play into things for new buyers, but here’s the reality — inventory is still tight. Limited homes on the market means opportunities are there for those ready to move.
And I’ll say it straight:
If you don’t choose Homes By Luke and list with someone else… I’m sorry you missed the opportunity.
We work. We show up. We execute.
– Luke
Homes By Luke
Wayvora Realty
March 20, 2026 | Friday – Insurance, Reality, and Showing Up
Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend the ABC Seminar at Canterbury Park. One of the most valuable parts of the day was sitting through a presentation from a former insurance adjuster who broke things down at a level most people never hear.
The conversation was detailed, honest, and eye-opening — especially around how insurance companies are adjusting claims today to protect their bottom line and maximize profit.
Here’s the reality…
A lot of people think restoration companies are just trying to be crooks — until they’re the ones with damage and their insurance claim gets denied.
Now what?
That’s when the game changes.
That’s when you realize you need someone in your corner who understands the system, has studied it, and has built the right network to navigate it.
That’s exactly why H & H Construction continues to be ranked as a top 5 roofing company in the state of Minnesota.
We don’t create problems — we solve them.
We work directly with insurance companies to make sure our clients are being treated fairly and are getting every dollar of value they’re entitled to.
Because at the end of the day… it’s your HOME.
It’s something you’ve been paying insurance on for 10, 15, maybe 20 years without ever filing a claim.
When something finally happens — you deserve to be taken care of the right way.
Side note…
My sleep has been stealing my mornings this week. Only two morning cardio sessions — not good enough. That gets fixed ASAP.
Busy week ahead with a lot of house showings.
Momentum is building.
More big things coming with Homes By Luke. 🏡
MARCH 18, 2026 | WEDNESDAY — MORNING THOUGHTS
BUSY DAY.
Slept in until 5:30AM… and somehow that 30 minutes made me feel like I’m chasing the entire day.
Deep breath.
Truth is — the sleep was needed. And I’ll get caught up. Always do.
Not every win comes from grinding harder… sometimes it comes from recovering better.
Now let’s address the real problem…
If ANYONE knows how to stop the “Google Voice activation center” spam calls — I’m all ears.
20+ calls a day.
Blocked. Sent to voicemail. Still coming from different numbers every time.
At this point it feels illegal… and honestly just straight up harassment.
If you’ve solved this — help me out.
Now… time to bring the intensity.
March 17, 2026 | Tuesday – Bring The Intensity ☘️
Today is a great day.
I get to grab coffee with an old colleague and a great friend — and honestly, that’s something I never take for granted. Good people, good conversations, and a little caffeine… that’s a strong start.
Now… real life moment.
I found out that Disney+, Hulu, whatever bundle I thought I had going on… was double billing me. Turns out Amazon AND Apple TV both had active Disney subscriptions tied to the same email.
How does that even happen?!
You’d think a company can flag duplicate subscriptions… but nope. Too many TVs on an account? Problem. Three subscriptions getting billed? No problem at all 😂
So today, I’ll also be diving into credit card statements and cleaning that up. Not exactly fun — but necessary. Little leaks sink big ships.
But here’s what’s really on my mind today…
INTENSITY.
I’ve been thinking about how easy it is to coast.
To do “enough.”
To stay comfortable.
To not fully push to your maximum capacity.
And it hit me…
That’s not how I want to live.
It reminds me of the movie Click with Adam Sandler — just fast-forwarding through life, missing the moments, missing the growth, missing the opportunity to actually LIVE.
I don’t want that.
I want to be present.
I want to attack the day.
I want to bring intensity into everything I care about — my business, my clients, my family, my future.
Because the truth is…
Time is limited.
And I’m not here to coast through it.
I’m here to build something, to serve people at a high level, and to fully experience the life I’ve been given.
So today is a reminder:
Turn it up.
Lock in.
Bring the intensity.
And love what you do while you’re doing it.
☘️ Happy Saint Patty’s Day! ☘️
Let’s make it a great one.
— Homes By Luke
March 16, 2026 | Monday
The Day After the Blizzard of 2026
I was able to make it out of my driveway this morning after getting plowed out, but upon my arrival back home I was greeted by a three-foot snow drift kindly delivered by our hardworking Rochester snow plows.
No hard feelings though — those crews were out all night and into the morning keeping this city moving. That’s not an easy job. Thank you to everyone who put in the long hours so the rest of us can get back to work today.
And speaking of work — today is a great day.
The sun is shining and I’m already hearing the sound of doors opening to new homes.
I’ve got a few projects with H & H Construction that I’m finishing quotes on this morning, and two new clients from the weekend who I’ll be helping tour homes this week.
All I can think is…
Smart clients.
Because if you’ve been watching the Rochester market closely, you know what’s coming next.
The Mayo Match.
Every year that match hits and we suddenly have a wave of incoming buyers entering the market. Demand jumps, competition increases, and homes that looked “available” suddenly move very quickly.
If you’re thinking about buying this year, getting ahead of that curve can make a big difference.
Now let’s talk about something equally wild…
The weather.
Here’s Rochester’s forecast this week:
Tuesday low: –7°
Saturday high: 70°
I mean… you can’t make this stuff up.
Welcome to Minnesota.
Side Note: The Bodybuilding Struggle
My bodybuilding competition is right around the corner, and I’ll be honest — I’m not feeling great about where I am right now.
I’m sitting around 9% body fat.
In my mind I wish I was already down closer to 5% and just fine-tuning, not still grinding through full cut mode.
Sometimes I look at other competitors and think:
“How do these guys make this look so easy?”
For me it always feels like a battle to get there.
But that’s part of the process.
And we’re going to do it Homes By Luke style — with a smile, effort, drive, and commitment.
I won’t fail.
I’ll just learn how to do something different or better for the next chapter.
Because at the end of the day, the glass is half full my friend.
And if you don’t like what’s in that glass…
Dump it out.
Pour something else in.
And keep moving forward.
Just do it.
(I may have borrowed that one.)
—
Homes By Luke
March 13, 2026 | FRIDAY THE 13th!
Friday the 13th.
Some people think it’s a day for bad luck. I’ve never really bought into that mindset. In real estate — and honestly in most parts of life — what people call luck usually ends up being preparation meeting opportunity.
And sometimes… opportunity moves fast.
Interest Rates — Slightly Up This Week
Let’s start with the market update.
Mortgage interest rates ticked slightly higher this week, hovering around roughly 6.0–6.1% for the average 30-year fixed mortgage. It’s not a huge jump, but it’s a reminder that rates still move week to week, and small changes can influence how aggressive buyers are in the market.
Over the last six months we’ve actually seen rates stabilize quite a bit compared to earlier in 2025.
Approximate 30-Year Mortgage Rate Trend (Last 6 Months)
Oct 2025 | 6.40%
Nov 2025 | 6.30%
Dec 2025 | 6.20%
Jan 2026 | 6.16%
Feb 2026 | 5.98%
Mar 2026 | ~6.05%
Visual trend:
6.4% ┤ ●
6.3% ┤ ● ●
6.2% ┤ ●
6.1% ┤ ●
6.0% ┤ ● ●
5.9% ┤
The takeaway is simple.
Rates are relatively stable right now, but they still move. And as spring approaches, buyer activity usually increases, which means homes can move quickly.
The House That Got Away
This week was a perfect reminder of how fast things can happen in real estate.
I had a client who wanted to go look at a home.
It was a good one. The kind of house where you walk through the listing and immediately think, “this could be the one.”
We had the opportunity to go see it earlier in the week.
But something came up. A delay. One of those small, seemingly harmless excuses that pushes things back a day or two.
So instead of seeing the home earlier, the showing got moved to Friday.
Sounds harmless, right?
The house sold Thursday.
Gone.
And after the fact my client said something that I hear fairly often in this business.
“We probably should have listened to Luke.”
Real Estate Moves Fast
This isn’t about blaming anyone.
It’s about understanding how the market actually works.
Good houses don’t sit around waiting for perfect timing.
When the right property hits the market — especially here in Rochester and Southeastern Minnesota — buyers need to be ready to move.
That means being pre-approved, paying attention to new listings, touring homes quickly, and sometimes making decisions faster than feels comfortable.
Because sometimes the difference between getting the house…
and watching someone else move into it…
is 24 hours.
I’m Not the Smartest Guy in the Room
Here’s something I’ll say honestly.
I’m not the smartest guy in the room.
But I will not be the guy who gets outworked.
I wake up early.
I study the market.
I watch listings.
I look at homes.
I think about opportunities for my clients constantly.
Focus and discipline beat talent when talent sleeps in.
That’s the mindset behind Homes By Luke.
Why That Matters for You
Buying or selling a home isn’t just paperwork.
It’s timing.
It’s strategy.
It’s understanding the market.
And it’s having someone in your corner who is fully invested in the outcome.
Someone who studies the market.
Someone who moves fast when opportunity appears.
Someone who tells you honestly when something is worth chasing.
That’s how deals get won.
Final Thought
Friday the 13th doesn’t scare me.
Missed opportunities do.
But every missed opportunity is also a reminder of how this game works.
Preparation.
Discipline.
Action.
The next house might be the one.
And when it shows up — we’ll be ready.
Homes By Luke
Serving Rochester and Southeastern Minnesota 🏡
March 12, 2026 | Anniversary and MORE
Some seasons of life move along at a steady pace…
This is not one of those seasons. 😆
Right now it feels like everything is happening all at once — and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
In the next few weeks alone, a lot is about to hit the ground running.
Homes By Luke will have multiple listings going live across Southeastern Minnesota. The spring market is starting to wake up, phones are ringing, and more people are reaching out about buying, selling, and figuring out their next move.
At the same time, we’re stacking up remodels and exterior projects with H & H Construction. One of the things I’ve always loved about working in both real estate and construction is being able to help people see not just what a home is, but what it could become. Helping clients think through improvements, additions, and upgrades before or after a purchase is something that continues to separate what we’re building with Homes By Luke.
Then there’s the personal side of life.
In just a few short weeks, we’re also adding a brand new member to the team…
A baby.
That one might be the biggest project yet. 👶
So the real question becomes — do I sit back and feel incredibly blessed about everything happening right now… or should I start investing heavily in bio-hacking supplements so I never have to sleep again?
Honestly, it’s probably going to be a little bit of both.
The truth is, I’m incredibly thankful for the people who continue to trust me with one of the biggest decisions of their lives. Every home sold, every remodel planned, every conversation about “what could this property become” is something I take seriously.
Rochester has been home my entire life, and being able to build Homes By Luke here — helping friends, neighbors, and new clients — means a lot to me.
This next season is going to be busy.
Probably chaotic.
Almost certainly sleep-deprived.
But if there’s one thing I know, it’s this:
Everyone is motivated… until it’s 4am.
Then it’s discipline.
And with a baby arriving soon, I guess I’ll have plenty of chances to practice that.
Either way, this ride is going to be a fun one.
— Luke
Homes By Luke 🏡
March 11, 2026 | Morning GREAT THOUGHTS.
This morning started with a little frustration.
Sometime in the middle of the night I apparently decided it was a good idea to turn into a cookie monster and absolutely destroy a pint of peanut butter. Slight exaggeration… but not by much.
I gave myself about 30 seconds to be annoyed about it. Then I reminded myself how lucky I am to wake up to the life I have. Perspective fixes a lot of things pretty quickly.
Now it’s time to get to work.
This morning’s plan is continuing to build out my website. Truthfully, I have no idea what I’m doing half the time, but that’s part of the process. You just keep showing up, keep learning, keep moving things around, and eventually it starts to come together.
Opportunities are out there right now. Spring is coming and my phone is starting to ring with both buyers and sellers getting ready to make moves.
What I’m really excited about this year is the combination of Homes By Luke and H & H Construction. Being able to help clients not only buy or sell a home, but also advise them on remodel possibilities, additions, and real construction costs gives people a much clearer picture of what a property can become.
It’s a huge advantage when you’re trying to make smart decisions with real estate.
One thing I do want people to understand though: if you already have a realtor and you call me asking for help, I’m going to tell you to call your realtor. That’s part of the job they signed up for.
If I’m your realtor, I’m all in. I’ll help with whatever comes up.
But if you choose to work with someone else, it only makes sense to lean on the person you hired.
Or… you could just start with Homes By Luke and we’ll figure it out together.
Happy snow day.
I’ll be putting out more videos on my YouTube channel later today.
— Luke
Homes By Luke
March 10, 2026 | Morning Thoughts
Some mornings you wake up and realize life is moving fast.
Writing my blog this morning and reflecting on how wild the ride has been lately. Homes By Luke is doing well, and people are starting to see the dedication and work ethic I bring to the table.
We finally have Miller Built Realty LLC officially formed, and both websites — HomesByLuke.com and MillerBuiltRealty.com — are now connected. The websites are still a work in progress, but I’m not afraid to get up before the chickens and learn something new every day.
Working directly with H & H Construction has been a game changer. Now I’m not just helping people buy or sell homes — I can help them see what a home can become. Being able to talk about additions, remodels, function, and long-term value while walking through a property gives my clients a completely different perspective when making decisions.
Honestly, it feels like pouring gasoline on a fire.
And let’s not forget… a baby is only six weeks out. This summer is going to be intense in the best possible way.
There are so many people I’m thankful for being part of this journey. My gratitude is through the roof. Everyone who has been part of my life — even the people who challenged my emotions — has added value to this moment in time.
Big summer ahead.
New projects.
New baby.
And a lot of people to help.
Alright, time to run to the baby clinic.
— Luke
Homes By Luke
Date: March 9, 2026 4:35 AM
Morning Thoughts: Building More Than Homes
Some mornings start earlier than others.
Last night was one of those nights where the mind just wouldn’t shut off. I was lying there thinking about my work, my clients, my friends, and how I can continue to serve people better. It kept me up most of the night, but honestly those are the kinds of thoughts that drive me.
As many of you know, real estate has always been about more than just buying and selling homes for me. It’s about helping people make smart decisions with one of the biggest investments of their lives.
Lately I’ve been thinking about how I can communicate something new that Homes By Luke is now able to offer — something that truly sets us apart.
Through my partnership and work with H & H Construction, I’m now able to help clients not only buy or sell a home, but also understand what that home could become.
That means I can now help people with things like:
• Remodel ideas and cost estimates
• Home additions
• Storm damage repairs
• Decks and exterior improvements
• General construction planning
• Design possibilities before you even buy
And the best part?
I can help provide real quotes and real insight before decisions are made.
For sellers, this means we can include construction or improvement estimates in a listing packet, helping buyers see the potential of a home and what upgrades could realistically cost.
For buyers, it means you don’t have to walk away from a house just because something isn’t perfect. Instead, we can ask a better question:
“What would it take to make this home exactly what you want?”
Then we can actually price it out and evaluate it against the market value.
That combination of real estate strategy and construction knowledge is something I believe is incredibly powerful. It allows us to look at homes differently — not just for what they are today, but for what they could be tomorrow.
This is the kind of advising I’ve always wanted to offer my clients.
Not just opening doors.
But helping people see possibilities.
Homes By Luke has always been about relationships, trust, and guiding people through big decisions. This partnership simply allows us to bring a whole new level of insight to the table.
If you’re a past client, a friend, or someone thinking about making a move in the future, just know this:
I’m always here to talk through ideas.
Sometimes the right move isn’t just buying a different home — sometimes it’s transforming the one you already have.
And now we can explore both.
— Luke
Homes By Luke 🏡