The unfortunate by-product of this difficult economy is the fact that many people are underwater or upside down in their home mortgage. We describe the options and strategies:

1- Stay and pay
2- Refinance
3- Loan modification
4- Short Sale
5- Foreclosure
6- Bankruptcy

I have now attended over ten camp style “unconferences” all over the country, but my favorite by far is Podcamp Western MA. Here in Western MA we have this really great crowd of talented and giving social media and internet rockstars who graciously share their knowledge in this fabulous format.

In case you aren’t sure what happens at a PodCamp, I will share my previous wrap-up posts from that last three PodCamp Western MA events:

PodCamp Western MA 1

PodCamp Western MA 2

PodCamp Western MA 3

Let me know if you have questions about PodCamp and I hope to see you there!

My clients, Dan and Ania, had seen a home for sale in Westfield, MA that they offered on, but we couldn’t not come to agreeable terms. After a few days, I heard from Dan who said that he wanted to buy the home, but we had to get it closed in a week because he wanted to surprise his wife on their anniversary which was February 1.

It took a lot of hustling on our part, but we were able to get the home closed in time and then Dan started planning the reveal of the surprise.

Ania had noticed that the property had gone under agreement on the computer and had been commenting about it. In order to get her to the house for the reveal, Dan told her that there was an issue with the deal in place and we had to hurry up and meet to put an offer in. Meanwhile, he spent the day (Ania was at work) moving furniture and personal items so that they could spend that night in their new home.

We arrived early and Dan put up “Happy Anniversary” decorations while his mother, brother and I got our cameras ready to capture the reaction…I will let my video tell you about that part of this story:

A sweet addition to this story is that this home was the home of Albert Ferst, who is well known and loved in Westfield for his philanthropy and sweetness to his wife Amelia. It is a wonderful thing to see another family carry the romantic torch into the next generation of this home’s story.

It was a rare thrill to be part of this sweet home purchase and I wish Dan, Ania and their family many years of happiness in their new home. I am so glad that they let me help them make this dream happen and look forward to seeing them settle into their new home!

In it a monkey and a jackass have a discussion about this odd thing that Monkey enjoys…a book.

Be sure to watch to the end for the punch line

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There are some standard answers that most people know:
–fresh neutral paint
–minimal clutter
–clean, neat and tidy

But, did you know that you should pack up your personal photos? Or that your kitchen counter should be completely clear? Did you remember the basement, garage, closets and outdoor spaces?

I have created a board on Pinterest that I think will help home owners in Western MA who are preparing to sell their home. On this board I have pictures that set examples of how a home should look when it is for sale. I will continue to add to the board on a regular basis, so feel free to check it often!

STAGING YOUR WESTERN MA HOME FOR SALE…click that link to see what an experienced Western MA REALTOR suggests. Hey it is free advice, who doesn’t love that?

If you would like me to visit your Western MA home and assist you in person, please don’t hesitate to call: Lesley Lambert, Park Square Realty 413-575-3611

As we move into a new year I enjoy taking a look at what happened in the towns of Western MA where I work as a REALTOR.  I especially like finding out what the highest and lowest home sales were in those towns.  I guess I am a woman of extremes!

Today I was taking a peek at my hometown, Southwick, MA 01077.

Here is a glimpse of the lowest home sale in Southwick…a bank owned cottage in the Congamond Lake area needing what appears to be total rehabilitation:

At the other end of the spectrum we have a huge custom Colonial on the grounds of The Ranch Golf course:

If you are a homeowner in Southwick wondering what your home is worth or a home buyer considering making Southwick your hometown, please click the link below or give me a call!

Westfield, MA Homes for Sale Search All Homes For Sale Agawam, MA Homes for Sale West Springfield, MA Homes for Sale Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale What is your home worth? Homes Close to Where You Work

Lesley Lambert Park Square Realty 4135753611 realestate.lesleylambert@gmail.com

Live Close to Where You Work! As we become ever more concious of being "green" or "eco-friendly" many of us are trying to shorten our commute.  I, for one, moved closer to where I work years ago and have regained so many hours each week as well as saving gas and the environment!  Moving closer to where you work can reduce your spending, your stress level and your impact on the environment….everyone wins! If you are like me and want to move closer to your job in Western Massachusetts then I can help!

Find Homes In Western MA Close to Where You Work

Westfield, MA Homes for Sale Search All Homes For Sale Agawam, MA Homes for Sale West Springfield, MA Homes for Sale Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale What is your home worth? Homes Close to Where You Work Lesley Lambert Park Square Realty 4135753611 realestate.lesleylambert@gmail.com

photo credit

Over the course of the housing crash and consequent bubble, the tables have begun to turn and it is now the opinion of many in the industry (present company included) that owning a home in Western Massachusetts and beyond, is often more affordable than renting.

During my morning commute in Westfield, MA today I heard a great interview on “Marketplace” where Fortune magazine’s Allan Sloane was interviewed about this very topic.

Sloan said, ” Well right now, the price of owning the average house is lower than the average rent, which is a relatively recent phenomenon.”

So how do those numbers work out in Western Massachusetts? Well, for comparison sake, let’s say the rent on an average 2 bedroom apartment in Westfield, MA rents for $850 a month. How much would a home in that same area cost per month?

Here are a couple of examples:

If this single family home in Westfield, MA was purchased for $84,900, down payment of 3.5%, assuming interest rate of 5% over 30 years fixed this is the estimated payment schedule:

Payment Summary
Principal & Interest: $439.81
Taxes: $154.00
Insurance: $50.00
Total Monthly Payment: $643.81

That demonstrates a SAVINGS of more than $200 per month for OWNING instead of renting!

Let’s do one more!

This time we are looking at a two family home for sale in Westfield, MA. If we purchased this property for $149,000, down payment of 3.5%, assuming interest rate of 5% over 30 years fixed this is the estimated payment schedule:

Payment Summary
Principal & Interest: $771.87
Taxes: $177.83
Insurance: $83.33
Total Monthly Payment: $1,033.04

I know what you are saying now…”But, Lesley…that is MORE than the $850 rental example you gave!”. Yes, but remember, this is a TWO FAMILY HOME. Assuming you can get that estimated $850 a month in rent from a your tenant that now makes your net monthly expense only $183.04 per month for a total savings of $666.96 per month!

Each circumstance is unique, so your savings might be less or might be more, but if you are currently renting then might I suggest NOW is a really great time to investigate buying? Wouldn’t you like to save some money each month and at the same time begin growing your investment and equity?

I would love to help you get started! Lesley Lambert of Park Square Realty in Westfield, MA 413-575-3611. I cover all of Western MA and have 23 years experience in assisting the first time home buyer!

The homes used in this example are not represented by me and these figures are estimates used for our example only.

original photo credit

One of my pinboards is all about what else?…HOMES, of course!

If you are looking for inspiration, ideas, decor or design tips Pinterest is a great place to start and my homes board might be just the thing!

Take a peek and let me know what you think. Are you on Pinterest, too? Follow me and let’s share great ideas together.