We have centered our lives around family, community and providing honest service to our clients in real estate. Through all the challenges and successes, we have strived to make a lasting impact on those around us.

 

From the beginning, my wife, Debra, and I knew we wanted to be deeply involved in our community, Franklin Township, and our children, Maya and Eli’s lives. In 1992, I started my career in real estate. While real estate was flexible, that flexibility could lead to 12+ hour days. My own father, despite his success, was often absent due to the demanding nature of his job. But I was determined to do things differently.

 

My background in culinary arts became an invaluable asset as I sought balance. The philosophy “Mise en Place”—meaning “everything in its place”—was ingrained in me during college. It required a high level of organization, attention to detail and discipline. Using this philosophy, I created structure in all areas of my life, establishing the necessary systems and processes to ensure I could manage my business while still prioritizing family and community. 

 

Debra and I were able to be there for every science fair, baseball game, dive meet, and school event with real estate providing the flexibility to ensure that we never missed these important moments while never sacrificing the high level of service our clients have come to know and expect.

 

In 2007, Debra joined me in real estate after leaving her career in accounting. She was an invaluable asset as we worked toward our shared goals. However, the market crash to follow tested our resilience. We watched friends and colleagues leave the industry, but we refused to give up. I obtained my Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource Specialist accreditation, determined to help those hardest hit by the crisis. 

 

Each short sale and foreclosure I handled represented a family in distress, and I felt a deep responsibility to guide them through it. Despite the grim market, our dedication to our clients and our commitment to treating them like family saw us through. Those challenging years reinforced the importance of perseverance, compassion, transparency, and community support, values that continue to drive our work today.

 

Our involvement in the community mirrored our commitment to our family and clients. My grandmother used to say, “If you want something done, put your hands to it.” Showing up is half the battle, so when people need help, I show up! Since 2013, I’ve been on the Board of the Franklin Township Baseball League, and I’m also the Committee Chairman for my son’s Boy Scout Troop 113. My involvement with his scouting activities started when he was in the first grade, and I intend to see him through to earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Additionally, I serve as the Communications Vice President for the Franklin Athletics Booster Club and am an active member of the FHS Band Parents Association.

 

Since its inception in 2015, I’ve sponsored multiple booths at Franklin Day, a festival that draws more than 10,000 people, supporting various local organizations like the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Little League, the Booster Club, and the Orchestra Parents Association. Debra has also been deeply involved, serving as Founding Member and President of the Franklin Township Orchestra Parents Association, Trustee of the Band Parents Association, Boy Scout Committee Member, and a Girl Scout leader.

 

Balancing work and family hasn’t always been easy. I’ve often been told I could expand my business by devoting less time to individual clients. However, our philosophy—treating clients like family and turning houses into homes—means each client receives the attention they deserve. This approach has built a loyal client base, many of whom have become like family.

 

Our kids have demonstrated the dedication and involvement we have strived to instill in them. Maya is heading to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) next year and will be on their dive team, and Eli is a high school junior and dedicated athlete. We are so proud of them.

 

We are forever grateful for the relationships we have built, the amazing community that has supported us and the balance we have found for our family and business. 

 

I’ve always been driven by a genuine desire to help others, not just through real estate transactions, but by being a supportive and empathetic figure in their lives. From an early age, I found joy in making people happy. I take an empathetic approach to real estate, understanding and fulfilling the unique needs of each client, whether they’re first-time homebuyers, investors or families going through challenging times.

 

I always remember my father’s advice: if you’re chasing the buck, people will notice quickly, and you’ll lose business. For me, real estate isn’t a hobby, nor is it solely about the paycheck. It's about helping clients achieve their goals, whether that’s buying the best home within their budget or selling their property at the best price in the shortest time frame. Transparency and integrity are non-negotiable in my practice. I believe in doing things the right way, ensuring that you get the results you desire without cutting corners. Even when the transaction is over, I am committed to representing and supporting you as your REALTOR® for life.

 

Sincerely,

 

Matthew Zavatsky

Broker-Associate | LIC#9236259

Text/Call 732.642.9516

Office 908.766.0085 

SoldByMattZ@gmail.com

SoldByMatt.com