Welcome to our blog!

Here, you’ll discover the cool people, places, and things that make West Michigan an extraordinary place to call HOME.

We’re Steve and Margaux Drake, co-founders of RVNU Residential and Commercial, a full-service real estate team helping clients sell and buy homes and investment properties in Michigan.

Together, we have over 60 years of knowledge of the West Michigan real estate market. We turned a $5K investment into a multi-million-dollar real estate portfolio, and we can help you do the same, starting with your HOME.

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How One Woman Made Horseback Riding on Michigan's Beaches a Reality Jun 03, 2025
Jenny Cook's Decade-Long Mission Proves That Chasing Your Dream Can Open Doors For Others

 

West Michigan isn't just a location—it's a canvas of possibility, and Jenny Cook is the VISIONARY proving that dreams can gallop into reality.

For over ten years, Cook pursued a BIG VISION: horseback ridin...

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The Lark: Sexy Wine Bar Vibes in West Michigan May 27, 2025
How Vision, Vino, and a Woman-Owned Mission Shaped Ada’s Most Elegant Gathering Place

 

In the heart of Ada, Michigan, a European-style wine bar is turning heads and topping group chats. Welcome to The Lark—an elegant, women-forward destination brought to life by majority owner May Graceffa, along...

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Lighting Up Grand Rapids: How Darci Mitchell Turns John Ball Zoo Into a Must-See Year-Round Experience May 20, 2025
From glowing lanterns to animatronic bees—discover how one woman is making West Michigan wildly unforgettable.

 

In a city full of hidden gems, Darci Mitchell is one of Grand Rapids’ brightest. As the Promotions and Events Manager at John Ball Zoo, she’s not just organizing events—she’s designing ...

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Randy Finch: The Ice Guru Who Transforms West Michigan's Event Landscape May 13, 2025
How One Entrepreneur Turns Frozen Art into Unforgettable Experiences

 

In the heart of West Michigan, there's a creative force that's redefining entertainment and art - Randy Finch, the mastermind behind Ice Guru Events. More than just an ice sculptor, Finch is a true ambassador of fun who has tra...

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Where Flowers Bloom: Inside Southside Flower Market in East Grand Rapids, MI May 06, 2025
A must-visit European-inspired floral shop led by women, designed for creativity, and connection

 

Tucked into Bretton Village, Southside Flower Market isn’t just a flower shop—it’s a mood, led by two powerhouse women: Renee Koops and Ann Potter.
Walk inside and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into...

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The Team Behind West Michigan's Iconic Live Events Apr 29, 2025
Lessons from Diane Yoder of Cactus Creative: Navigating Complex Productions and Property Markets with Precision

 

In the heart of West Michigan, successful entrepreneurs like Diane Yoder of Cactus Creative reveal that mastering complex productions is remarkably similar to navigating real estate in...

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Unlock Real Estate Success in West Michigan: Your Guide to Smart Property Investing Apr 21, 2025
Discover How the Rental Property Owners Association Can Transform Your Investment Strategy

 

Are you ready to level up your real estate game in West Michigan? The Rental Property Owners Association (RPOA) is your secret weapon for navigating the complex world of property investment. Led by Executi...

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Unlock Your Retirement Wealth: The $14 Trillion Secret Most Investors Miss Apr 15, 2025
How Self-Directed IRAs Can Transform Your Financial Future in West Michigan

 

In the heart of West Michigan's booming real estate market, a financial revolution is brewing. Did you know $14 trillion sits dormant in retirement accounts, waiting to be strategically invested?

Tabitha Choma from Insp...

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Unlocking Wealth: The Hidden Power of Home Ownership in West Michigan Apr 08, 2025
How Smart Mortgage Strategies Can Transform Your Financial Future

 

In the heart of West Michigan, home ownership isn't just about having a roof over your head—it's a strategic wealth-building opportunity many overlook. Rick Veldman, a 30-year mortgage industry veteran, reveals the game-changing p...

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Transform Your Space, Transform Your Life: Interior Design Secrets from Grand Rapids' Top Designer Apr 01, 2025
Discover how Amy Pottenger from Refresh Design turns houses into personalized homes that support your lifestyle and increase property value in West Michigan.

 

Are you looking to sell, buy, or invest in West Michigan real estate? The secret to maximizing your property's potential isn't just about ...

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