Jay Mattlin, Real Estate Broker with Key Realty

Buying a new home when you already own one is tricky in almost any market.

But when there's limited inventory or a flood of buyers competing for the same properties, it gets even trickier. Even in a slower market, the logistics can still be stressful.

Plenty of homeowners start out thinking, I'll just keep my eyes open, find something I love, make an offer, and it'll all fall into place. Once I have another home lined up, I'll sell my current place quickly—it shouldn't be a problem.

It's an optimistic approach, but reality often plays out differently.

Why Not Just Ask a Seller to Give You Time to Sell Your House?

It's understandable if you don't want to sell your current home until you've found the next one. But for many buyers, selling is the only way to free up the funds they need for their next purchase. And that's where things get complicated.

You can end up feeling stuck in limbo—unsure how to make the...

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"Fixer-upper" is one of those real estate terms that just kind of sounds fun and hopeful. It brings to mind images of rolling up your sleeves, picking out tile samples, and ending up with the home of your dreams at a bargain price. And sometimes, that's exactly how it works out.

But a fixer-upper can also be more than some buyers want—or are prepared—to get involved with.

The reality is that whether they sound like an opportunity or something you'd rather avoid, sometimes buying a house that needs work is your best option. Maybe there aren't other homes available in your price range. Maybe the house is in a far better location than other properties in the same budget. Maybe you're excited about starting from scratch and putting your own touches on the place. Or maybe the deal is simply too good to pass up.

Buying a house that needs work can be a smart move—as long as you know what you're getting into and make thoughtful decisions about what work to do a...

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Celebrating World Mini Golf Day in Hocking Hills

Every September, golf lovers and families alike celebrate World Mini Golf Day—a perfect excuse to grab a putter, enjoy some friendly competition, and explore a new course. This year, Dustin and I headed to Hocking Hills Mini Golf at Oasis Coffee Shop in Rockbridge, Ohio, and it turned out to be the ideal spot for a fun day out.

A Course Full of Local Charm

What makes this course stand out is its thoughtful design. The sandstone blocks incorporated throughout the course are a great nod to the natural beauty of the Hocking Hills region, giving it a sense of place you won't find at you...

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Every now and then, someone asks me what my favorite candy is. Without missing a beat, I always say: circus peanuts. Those puffy, orange, banana-flavored marshmallow candies that people either love or can't quite figure out.

For me, circus peanuts are more than just candy—they're a memory. They take me back to moments with my Grandpa Bowen, who always seemed to have a bag on hand. Sharing those treats with him wasn't just about the candy itself—it was about the laughter, the stories, and the time together. To this day, every bite is a small reminder of him.

Homes Have Memories, Too

That's the thing about real estate: homes are so much more than walls, roofs, and square footage. They're the places where memories are made. Maybe it's the kitchen where you learned a family recipe,...

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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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