Jay Mattlin, Real Estate Broker with Key Realty

This is going to sound odd to you if it's not something you do, but there are people who clean their house before their cleaning service comes!

That might sound bizarre to anyone who doesn't hire cleaners, or hires them and leaves the house as-is to get the most bang for their buck. But the pre-cleaners know the drill…

If the cleaner is coming Tuesday at 9 a.m., it's a race against the clock to scoop up toys, stack stray mail into a drawer, and possibly even give the toilet a quick scrub before the pros even pull into the driveway.

For some, the goal is simply to make sure the cleaners can get down to business without having to work around chores that aren't really their responsibility. For others, it's more about pride—or avoiding embarrassment. They don't want to leave behind evidence that suggests they're messy.

On the other end of the spectrum, there are folks who figure, "Hey, I'm pa...

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When the home you rent hits the market, it's easy to feel powerless, panicked, or tempted to get a little passive-aggressive with every stranger who shows up measuring for curtains. Suddenly, your private space feels like it's part of a parade you didn't sign up for—and yes, it's frustrating.

But take a breath. Just because your landlord is selling doesn't mean you're automatically getting the boot. In fact, you might have more stability—and more say—than you think. And even if a move is in your future, how you handle things now can make the transition smoother, less stressful, and maybe even work out in your favor.

So whether you're panicking, packing, or just plain annoyed, here are some tips (and a few things not to do) to help you survive—and possibly thrive—when your landlord puts your rental home on the market.

1) Don't Get Mad at Your Landlord… They Have Their Reasons

Sure, it's disruptive. But landlords aren't always greedy ogres cashing out at your expense—they're people too. A health issue, job change, divorce, or financial crunch might be behind the sale. Be considerate. You don't have to love it, but starting from a place of empathy can set the tone for a smoother ride.

Oh, and they may not want to give you their reasons either…so don't push for answers. It could be deeply personal, or even just so potential buyers don't get wind of their motivations.

2) Don't Assume You're Being Kicked Out Immediately

A sale doesn't automatically mean eviction. If you have a lease, it often stays in place through the sale. Month-to-month? Things get murkier, so pull out that lease and start planning early. The last thing you want is to be surprised—and scrambling.

3) Want to Stay Put? Say So—Calmly and Clearly

If the new buyer is an investor, they may prefer keeping you around. Let your landlord know (in writing) that you'd like to stay—and ask what kind of buyer they're targeting. Are they marketing to another landlord or a live-in owner? Knowing that helps you gauge your odds. Be open, be respectful, and try to see things from their side. It's not just your home—it's their asset, and they want it sold. Understanding each other's goals goes a long way.

4) Don't Stop Paying Rent (Seriously, Don't Do That)

Tempting as it is to dig in your heels, withholding rent isn't a power move—it's a fast track to eviction court, or at least a bad past landlord reference. Even if you're frustrated, nothing will hurt your credibility faster. Keep paying your rent, and pay it on time.

5) You Can Say No to Showings… but Maybe Don't Be a Jerk About It

Yes, you do have rights, and should expect to be given reasonable notice, and in some say as to whether or not someone can come through at a specific time. But being difficult for the sake of it won't stop the process—it'll just drag it out. Instead, set boundaries that work for you. Offer specific windows. Be reasonable. Bonus points if you straighten the pillows.

6) Be Civil to Buyers—Even if You Secretly Want to Sabotage the Showings

Leaving your socks on the ceiling fan or playing death metal during the walkthrough might feel satisfying, but it'll backfire. A grumpy or messy tenant can scare off buyers, making the process longer and more invasive for you. Help it go smoothly, and you'll likely have fewer strangers strolling through your space.

Besides, this may be your future landlord, so you're better off appearing like someone they'd love to have as a tenant to increase the odds that they extend your lease…and maybe even not raise the rent.

7) Be Polite—but Not Powerless

This is still your home—for now. Don't feel pressured to accept chaos just because the "For Sale" sign is out front. Know your rights. If things feel excessive (or flat-out disrespectful), speak up. Keep a record of communication and don't be afraid to ask for basic courtesy—like notice before a showing or limits on how many people come in at once.

8) If You Make Yourself a Huge Pain… Don't Expect Any Favors Later

Looking for flexibility on your move-out date? Hoping your full deposit comes back without drama? Need a reference? Your behavior now could directly impact how much grace (or grief) you get later. Being cooperative doesn't mean being a pushover—it means being strategic.

9) Don't Panic—but Don't Tune Out Either

Just because you're not the one selling doesn't mean you can ignore the situation. Read every email. Open every letter. Pay attention. And yes—start quietly scouting backup options. Even if you don't need them, it's better to have a Plan B than to get caught off guard without one.

Renovating a home can be an adventure. For some, it's a thrilling opportunity to reimagine their space and build instant equity. For others, it's the start of a multi-month saga involving uncontrollable delays, budget explosions, and a fine layer of drywall dust that may linger until your next renovation project.

Sometimes the right move is to pick up that hammer and get to work. Other times? You might be better off selling and finding a home that's already "just right."

So before you rip out your cabinets or start shopping for tile you saw on Instagram, take this quick quiz to find out if you're ready to renovate, or ready to relocate:

1) What's your gut reaction to the phrase "open concept"?

1. Finally! Time to take out some walls! (3 points)
2. I wonder how much it costs to hire a structural engineer… (2 points)
3. Sounds cool, but… what if I just buy one that's already open? (1 point)

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There's something about the smell of a grill that says summer is here. And while burgers and brats usually get all the love, one of the most underrated grill stars is the humble baked potato. Whether you're hosting a cookout or just want to avoid heating up your kitchen, grilling baked potatoes is a simple and satisfying way to complete your meal.

Here's how to master grilled baked potatoes—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and ready to load with all your favorite toppings.

What You'll Need:

• Large russet potatoes (cleaned and dried)

• Olive oil or melted butter

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Many homebuyers have felt like they've had to go to extremes just to have their offers considered. For a while now, the combination of limited inventory, bidding wars, and competition from investors—ranging from local flippers to large hedge funds—has left everyday buyers feeling like they need to act fast and give up key protections just to have a shot at getting their offer accepted.

Waiving contingencies like inspections or appraisals became a common tactic, not necessarily because buyers wanted to—but because it sometimes felt like the only way to be seen on equal footing. If you've felt that pressure, you're not alone. It's been a tough environment to navigate.

In some areas, inventory is ticking upward, and some buyers are putting their searches on pause due to rising rates or economic uncertainty. So that may be starting to shift to a degree and give you more breathing room than there was even a few months ago.

But competition is still a reality...

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