Posts in category 'Weekly Snippet'

Jay Mattlin, Real Estate Broker with Key Realty

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Weekly Real Estate Snippet - Trying to convince your significant other to buy a new home? Here are 10 funny ways to give them a nudge.

January 4th, 2026 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:

• The seller should've sold it as-was instead of updating it!

• Survey says: personal space makes for a happier home

• Trying to convince your significant other to buy a new home?

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

Meme of the Week

Well, I don't actually have a sleigh, and honestly we'll probably just meet at the houses… but you get the point!

The seller should've sold it as-was instead of updating it!

Disney+ and Hulu recently unveiled a massive gingerbread replica of the Home Alone house, complete with movie-accurate details that earned it a Guinness World Record for the largest gingerbread house inspired by a film.

Coincidentally, the actual Home Alone house in Winnetka, Illinois is being restored to better match how it appeared in the movie — even though it was fully renovated and sold earlier this year.

It's proof that in real estate, "updated" doesn't always mean "better"… especially when nostalgia is the most valuable feature in a house.

And of course if you're ever wondering whether you should renovate before selling, I'd be glad to swing by and help you decide what makes the most sense for your home!

Survey says: personal space makes for a happier home

Wanting a little personal space at home doesn't mean something's wrong — it's totally normal when you're sharing life, routines, and square footage with someone else. A recent survey suggests that when people have room to decompress and reset, home life is happier and relationships even stronger.

Of course, not every home has the luxury of a dedicated man cave or she-shed, but that doesn't mean you can't carve out your own spot.

Here's an article I recently published with some tips for using the space you do have to create a little "me time" away from your significant other. And if you want, I'd be happy to swing by and help you brainstorm ways to make it work in your home — whether it's rethinking a corner, repurposing a room, or just getting creative with what you've already got!

"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 was the Aurora Ice Hotel in Alaska (which was made entirely out of ice) required to install before local officials allowed it to open for business?

1) An industrial-size freezer

2) Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers

3) A furnace

4) Warning signs that the temperature inside was below freezing

Click the answer you think is correct.

Trying to convince your significant other to buy a new home?

Whether it's realizing you need more space for those holiday gifts, dreaming of a man cave or she-shed to claim a little personal space, or preferring to move into a home that's already updated instead of tackling renovations that the future buyer may or may not appreciate… getting your significant other on the same page about buying a new home can be trickier than you'd expect.

I certainly can't step in and take sides — I give each of my clients advice that's right for them.

But I do have a fun article I recently published with ten clever ways that might just help you nudge your other half in the right direction!

The fact is…

Makes you wonder if it's worth going back to your childhood home to tear down a wall or two!

That wraps it up for this week!

Be on the lookout for the next one!

Want to unsubscribe from this newsletter? Simply reply and let me know.

Categories: Weekly Snippet

November
19

Weekly Real Estate Snippet - 7 creative ways sellers can respond to lowball offers...Sarcasm incoming…

November 19th, 2025 by Jay Mattlin

I'm glad you're here!

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

What's all the buzz about?
Lower payments? Yes. Lower costs? Not exactly.
Creative ways sellers can respond to lowball offers.

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

Meme of the Week

I'm also planning to release a song called "The 365 Days of Listmas" once I come up with enough rhymes! I've gotten as far as "On the first day of Listmas…" ?

Totally open to suggestions if you've got any!

What's all the buzz about?

In the UK, a man's home drew so much attention because of a swarm of flies in his windows that concerned neighbors actually called the police to check on him.

As it turns out, he was perfectly fine — just battling a serious fly invasion. To stop the calls (and the commotion), he posted a sign on his window assuring everyone he was okay and politely telling them to, well… buzz off about it. ?

While no one wants to be the talk of the neighborhood, he should also appreciate that people still care enough to notice!

Lower payments? Yes. Lower costs? Not exactly.

Have you heard about 50-year mortgages possibly coming to the U.S. market?

If not, you probably will—whether it pops up in a headline, your newsfeed, or as an option the next time you go house hunting. So I wanted to make sure one of my articles was in the mix…

Here's a recent piece I published to give you some perspective, answer a few questions, and help you decide if this kind of loan might be right for you when (and if) it becomes a common option.

"How's the market?"

Trivia Time

What household hazard triples on Thanksgiving?

Click the answer you think is correct.

Creative ways sellers can respond to lowball offers

When it comes time to sell your home, there's always a chance someone thinks they can sneak in with a ridiculously low offer and get it accepted. (Not gonna happen on my watch, of course!)

It's tempting to send them packing — or rather NOT packing — with a few choice words. But more often than not it's better to just politely thank them for the offer and respond with a counteroffer.

Since we'll probably have to bite our tongues if this ever happens in real life, I thought it'd be fun to come up with a list of sarcastic ways to respond to lowballers!

Feel free to shoot me a reply with any other creative ways to respond you have in mind…

The fact is…

As always, this is backed by a source… but I'm curious to hear if it holds true for you on your street!

That wraps it up for this week!

Be on the lookout for the next one!

Want to unsubscribe from this newsletter? Simply reply and let me know.

Categories: Weekly Snippet

November
9

Weekly Real Estate Snippet - Hopefully your neighbors aren't this difficult! But if they are…

November 9th, 2025 by Jay Mattlin

I'm glad you're here!

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

Hopefully your neighbors aren't this difficult! But if they are…
Buyers probably won't notice the pillows anyway
We can always lean into the clutter!

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

Meme of the Week

Totally unbiased research. Reach out anytime if you'd like to participate in my ongoing study.

Hopefully your neighbors aren't this difficult! But if they are…

As an agent, I've certainly heard a story or two about neighbors not getting along. Usually, it's minor, and after an awkward chat everyone moves on — or just chooses to avoid each other forever. But some neighbors really take things to new levels.

Case in point: in France, one cat's garden adventures ended up costing its owner over €1,100. The cat was found guilty of trespassing, leaving paw prints on walls, and even leaving "gifts" in a neighbor's garden. To make matters worse, the judge ruled that every future fence-crossing could trigger another fine!

I doubt (and hope!) that this is never something you'll have to deal with. But if neighbor disputes ever become tricky, feel free to reach out—I'm always happy to help figure out a diplomatic solution.

Buyers probably won't notice the pillows anyway

A recent article talked about the perfect throw pillows to arrange on your bed when selling your home. "Staging" certainly never hurts, but taking it that far is probably more than most of you need to do.

Staging isn't always about perfectly placed furniture, pictures, or pillows. Often, it's the little things that buyers don't have to notice that make the biggest difference.

Check out this recent article I published to see why a simple daily decluttering can actually help sell a home faster and make showings more appealing.

"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

When was the real estate term "staging" first coined?

A.1972
B.1989
C.2002
D.1999

Click the answer you think is correct.

We can always lean into the clutter!

I love when my clients can keep their homes spotless and show-ready when selling, but I also know that's not always reality. Whether you've had a long day or just don't have the "decluttering gene," it's okay.

Even if things are a little lived-in, I'll always do my best to put a positive spin on your home! In fact, let's have a little fun…

Take a look at this article with 6 clever ways we could describe clutter in the most positive light possible when selling your house!

The fact is…

Yet another thing we can spin in your favor when it's time to sell… no matter which camp you're in!

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: Weekly Snippet

November
2

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!

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
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

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Posts in category 'Weekly Snippet'

Weekly Real Estate Snippet - Trying to convince your significant other to buy a new home? Here are 10 funny ways to give them a nudge.

Weekly Real Estate Snippet - 7 creative ways sellers can respond to lowball offers...Sarcasm incoming…

Weekly Real Estate Snippet - Hopefully your neighbors aren't this difficult! But if they are…

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

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

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