Posts in category 'House Tips'

Jay Mattlin, Real Estate Broker with Key Realty

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Weekly Real Estate Snippet - This real estate trend probably won't affect you…but you might want to hear about it

November 2nd, 2025 by Jay Mattlin

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 best place to live to survive a zombie invasion?
It's probably not a "trend" that will affect you, but…
All dressed up and ready to go!

But first, let's start it off with my...

Meme of the Week

Hope this one gives you a few... Snickers! Ba-dum-tss.

Where's the best place to live to survive a zombie invasion?

Any zombies knocking at your door this week were probably just kids in costume… but if the real deal ever started shuffling around town, where would you want to live?

A recent study ranked every U.S. state by how likely its residents are to survive a zombie apocalypse, based on things like food access, shelter, and defense readiness. Check out this New York Post article for the top 10 best and worst places to survive an undead invasion.

But if you don't want to read the whole thing, I'll save you some time…

Alaska topped the list! And you might want to scratch New Jersey off your list — it came in (ahem) dead last.

It's probably not a "trend" that will affect you, but…

As a real estate agent, it's not uncommon for a buyer to say they want to "sleep on it" before making an offer. But having one say they want to actually sleep in it is a whole different story!

Well, a recent article made it sound like home buyers requesting to take homes for an overnight "test drive" and actually live in it for a night or two is the latest trend in real estate.

It's not.

But just in case you come across this idea—either as a curious buyer or a wary seller—here's a recent article I published with some insight into why it's probably not such a great idea.

"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 started to become popular around the Great Depression and was originally used as a way to distract teens from vandalizing and damaging peoples' homes around Halloween:

Click the answer you think is correct.

All dressed up and ready to go!

Halloween costumes are a ton of fun, but even if I don't have the chance to hit the store or put something together, I can always just say I'm something else while going about my day-to-day real estate work!

Check out this list of 7 creative Halloween costumes a real estate agent can claim they're wearing to your Halloween party, just by wearing their name tag.

The fact is…

I wonder if they change the town name in their MLS listings for the entire month!

That wraps it up for this week!

Be on the lookout for the next one!

Jay Mattlin

REALTOR®, Principal Broker

Key Realty

740-974-4190

jay@keytohomepropertygroup.com

Categories: For Buyers, For Sellers, Market Insight, House Tips, Home and Lifestyle, Weekly Snippet

October
27

6 Ways to Protect Your Home (& Trick-or-Treaters) This Halloween

October 27th, 2025 by Jay Mattlin

Categories: For Sellers, House Tips, Home and Lifestyle

October
26

Weekly Real Estate Snippet - Would you buy a haunted house? (There's a 50/50 chance you might!)

October 26th, 2025 by Jay Mattlin

I'm glad you're here!

Here's a sneak peek at what's on tap:

It looked good on paper…
Would you buy a haunted house?
6 ways to protect your home (& trick-or-treaters) on Halloween

But first, let's start it off with my...

Meme of the Week

I'm always curious to know which neighborhoods get the most trick-or-treaters. Do you typically get a lot of activity in yours?

It looked good on paper…

It's important for agents to make sure we draw attention to features of a home we're listing, and really make sure buyers can envision the possibilities.

But a real estate agent in the U.K. may have taken that a little too literally when trying to illustrate that a listing had ample parking by Photoshopping what looks like three paper cutouts of cars… on the front lawn.

If you want a quick laugh, check out the listing photo in this article!

Would you buy a haunted house?

If every one of you reading this were to reply back with an answer to that question, I could safely bet that about half of you would say "yes" and half would say "no way."

Because according to a recent survey, 52% of Americans say they'd buy a haunted house. However, nearly three-quarters of the ones who said they would say they'd only go for it if they got a discount, and they'd offer below asking.

No matter where you stand, check out this article I just published! Turns out, many people who thought their house was haunted were actually experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

It's a good reminder to always get a home inspection when buying… and maybe call the gas company if you think you're seeing ghosts in your home.

"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 do people (typically in the South) paint their porch ceiling the color "haint blue":

Click the answer you think is correct.

6 ways to protect your home (& trick-or-treaters) on Halloween

According to Traveler's insurance, there are 17% more crime-related home insurance claims filed on Halloween than any other day of the year. With theft and vandalism prevalent, taking precautions is key.

Here's a list of six ways to keep your property—and the trick-or-treaters coming to your door—as safe as possible.

The fact is…

Do you have a local house that you find inspiring?

That wraps it up for this week!

Be on the lookout for the next one!

Jay Mattlin

REALTOR®, Principal Broker

Key Realty

740-974-4190

jay@keytohomepropertygroup.com

Categories: For Buyers, For Sellers, Market Insight, House Tips, Home and Lifestyle, Weekly Snippet

October
18

Why More Buyers Are Turning to New Construction This Year

October 18th, 2025 by Jay Mattlin

There's a trend taking hold in real estate right now: more buyers are choosing newly built homes. And it's not just about getting the latest technology or modern floorplans. It's because they may be able to get a better deal.

Builders are offering serious incentives today, and people are jumping on them. In fact, new home sales just hit their highest level in over two years (see graph below):

Why Buil...

Click Here to Read More...

Categories: For Buyers, Market Insight, House Tips

October
18

2026 Housing Market Outlook

October 18th, 2025 by Jay Mattlin

After a couple of years where the housing market felt stuck in neutral, 2026 may be the year things shift back into gear. Expert forecasts show more people are expected to move – and that could open the door for you to do the same.

More Homes Will Sell

With all of the affordability challenges at play over the past few years, many would-be movers pressed pause. But that pause button isn't going to last forever. There are always people who need to move. And experts think more of them will start to act in 2026 (see graph below):

Click Here to Read More...

Categories: Uncategorized, For Buyers, For Sellers, Market Insight, House Tips

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