Posts made by author 'Jay Mattlin'
23
6 Ways Roombas Could Be Repurposed to Help Home Sellers and Their Agents (Besides Just Keeping the Floors Clean…)
Technology keeps changing the real estate game, but what if the next big thing for sellers and their agents wasn't AI… but a Roomba? That's right—the humble robot vacuum.
Researchers recently compiled a list of 104 ways robotic vacuums could be repurposed to do more than just chase dust bunnies. Sure, some of the ideas are far-fetched and may never make it past the brainstorming stage. But if researchers are really looking for creative ways to upgrade these rolling robots, home sellers and their listing agents could certainly add a few things to the list!
Here are six clever ways a robotic vacuum could come in handy while someone's home is on the market:
1) Pet Wrangler
For listings with pets, it's common for showing instructions to include a polite plea, such as: "Please don't let the cat out." But even the most alert agent can struggle with a determined escape artist. While they're trying to let their clients in though a barely-cracked door, that cat is already plotting its exit.
So, since many pets are naturally terrified of robot vacuums, why not program one to cut them off at the pass and scare them away from the door long enough for the agent and buyers to come in through the door, without having to shimmy their way in.
2) Shoe Patrol
Even when it's in the listing instructions, spelled out in the showing notes, and backed up by a little basket of booties near the door, some buyers ignore the simple request to take off their shoes while walking around the house.
It would be great to be able to program it to follow them around as a not-so-subtle reminder, and if they continue to ignore the hints, it should get progressively more aggressive and start bumping into their feet until they get the hint.
3) Feature Tour Guide
Even the best buyer's agent isn't going to know the house like the owner or the listing agent and can overlook a cool hidden feature. A well-trained Roomba could cruise over and politely interject itself into the conversation when it senses that the agent is overlooking a selling point.
4) Feedback Enforcer
Getting a buyer's agent to give you feedback on how the showing went can be like pulling teeth sometimes. So rather than having to hound them with countless calls and text messages, just make it mandatory for them to give you feedback before they even leave the house.
Having the ability to program one of these to roll up and block the exit until the agent and their buyers provide some constructive feedback would be a gamechanger. And, if need be, perhaps it can follow them out the door and to the next showing until they do.
5) Key Keeper
Every agent has a story (or two!) about how they got home only to find a random house key in their pocket from one of the houses they showed that day. It's embarrassing and a nuisance for the buyer's agent, and it can get in the way of the seller's house being shown in the meantime.
So having a little robotic assistant give agents a quick reminder to check their pocket before leaving could save everyone a lot of time and aggravation.
6) Timely Texts
Ideally, sellers leave the house to give buyers enough time and space to look around. What isn't ideal is that sellers often drive aimlessly around town for 45 minutes just to make sure they gave them enough time.
Problem is, they never know exactly when to come back. So it'd be a huge plus if their robotic vacuum could scan the house to make sure the buyers are gone, and send a text letting them know it's safe to return as soon as the showing wraps up!
22
"Find a Lucky Penny, Pick It Up!" — What This Timeless Tradition Says About Optimism, Opportunity, and Real Estate
"Find a penny, pick it up, and all day long you'll have good luck."
If you've ever heard this rhyme or found yourself smiling at a lone penny on the sidewalk, you've taken part in one of the oldest modern traditions still going strong today.
But have you ever stopped to wonder where this lucky little habit came from—or why it still resonates?
The Origin of the Lucky Penny
The belief in lucky coins goes back thousands of years. In ancient...
21
Why Waiting for 3% Rates to Come Back Around Could Cost You as a Homebuyer
There's a saying in real estate: "Date the rate, marry the house." But lately, some buyers aren't even swiping right unless the rate starts with a two.
A new Real Estate News survey reveals that 1 in 4 would-be buyers say they're sitting out until mortgage rates drop below 3%. Not 5%. Not even 4%. Three. The kind of rates economists are calling "very unlikely" in the foreseeable future.
Now, if you're a buyer who's actually in the market right now—or thinking about jumping in—it's easy to wonder if rates should be lower or whether waiting might be the smarter move.
But consider this: that 25% of would-be buyers sitting on the sidelines is what makes it a good time for you to ju...
21
Planning Ahead: Why Estate Planning and Real Estate Go Hand in Hand
Thinking ahead about your property can save your loved ones months of stress. Here's why estate planning matters for real estate:
- Avoids Probate – A TOD deed or trust can help assets pass without court delays.
- Clarifies Intentions – Prevents family tension and miscommunication. (Page 7)
- Speeds Up the Sale – If heirs have clear authority, the home can hit the market faster.
- Reduces Costs – Planning ahead often saves thousands in legal and tax fees.
Want a practical place to start?
The Ultimate Guide to Handling an Estate offers insights into how to prepare today—so your loved ones aren't overwhelmed tomorrow.
21
How to Divide the Sale Proceeds of a Probate Home Fairly
Selling a probate property is one thing—dividing the proceeds is another. It can test even the closest families.
To avoid conflict:
- Follow the Will or Court Instructions – If unclear, get legal help.
- Assign a Point Person – A single contact streamlines decisions. (Page 9)
- Discuss Repairs and Contributions – If someone paid for repairs, should they be reimbursed? (Page 14)
- Keep Emotions in Check – Emotional stress often masks as financial disagreement. (Page 11)
Download The Ultimate Guide to Handling an Estate for tools and tips to divide proceeds fairly—and keep peace in the family.