Lesley Lambert

Feb 24 2011

Homeownership is Emotional : a REALTOR’s take on Miranda Lambert’s “The House that Built Me”

In reading a recent REALTOR Magazine I saw the interview with Tom Douglas who wrote the lyrics to Miranda Lambert’s hit “The House That Built Me”. I am not much of a country music fan, so this song had gone under my radar, but his answers in the interview intrigued me to go find the song and give it a listen.

You conceived of the song during the housing boom times, but it wasn’t released until 2010. Did the dramatic changes in the market affect the song’s meaning in any way?

Douglas: A house is not simply four walls or a financial investment. It becomes your heart. It’s still the dream for most people, regardless of whether the real estate industry is booming. Having our own home is what we aspire to, whether it’s a trailer or a mansion on a hill.

Home ownership is so emotional and Douglas gets it right when he points out that it isn’t four walls. We all bond with our homes for different reasons. People often choose a house because it “feels like home”. Over the course of my 23 years as a real estate professional in Western MA, I have seen this time and time again. For reasons unknown to me, one house speaks to the buyer and gives them that “warm and fuzzy” feeling that tells them they want this to be home.

I grew up in Southwick and Westfield, MA and still drive by my childhood homes to catch a glimpse of my youthful memories. It is amazing how imagining my homes at certain points in my life is evocative of so many emotions. When I drive by I see the lilacs that my grandfather planted and the pool I loved to swim in. I see the lawn I mowed each week as a teenager and the spot where I parked my car. I remember the family room that hosted so many slumber parties and my lavender bedroom with the most expensive carpeting in the house. Just thinking of these spaces brings back a rush of memories and my mind’s eye can see things the way they were.

As Miranda Lambert sings her song, I realize that we all share those attachments to our homes and I am humbled to be part of the process that puts people into their home.

Here is the video for Miranda Lambert’s “The House that Built Me”…enjoy!

Feb 17 2011

Update on Westfield Family in Need

First off, thank you so much to everyone who has already helped Thomas Skrodzki and his family. As you may know, they lost their home and everything in it to a fire this past Saturday. I had written a post requesting specific clothing items and within days there were bags of donations arriving at Park Square Realty at 44 Elm Street, Westfield

I was with two other REALTORS in Westfield who are working to help Tom and his family and we all agreed that at this point a donation or a gift card might be the most useful for the family as it is becoming difficult to track what items have already been donated. If you are willing and able, perhaps a gift card to somewhere like Sears, Walmart or Target would be good as they can use it towards both clothing and household items. Additionally, if you know someone at a restaurant or store who could work out a company donation for food or vouchers, that would be terrific, too!

Tom had this on his Facebook page today:

Once again our continued thanks and appreciation go out to everyone’s generosity and kindness with the donations and help while we go through this adjustment period. Several have requested they wanted to donate financially so an account has …been setup with Citizens Bank at Stop & Shop in Westfield. Donations can be made to the “housing fund – Skrodzki’s”

I am very proud to be part of a community that rallies and bands together to help a neighbor in need.
We truly feel blessed by everyone’s support, these have made this time much easier on us and our children. We thank and give praise to God as well everyday that no one was hurt in the fire and as a family we are safe.

Feb 17 2011

On Friendship, Social Media and the Power in Numbers – For Clint Miller

The last two days have been sad for me as I heard that my friend Clint Miller is struggling with cancer and is in ICU. The outpouring of love and support for him on the internet has been amazing. We are using the hashtag #weloveclint on Twitter and there is a prayer group on Facebook.

A fundraising webpage was created for Clint and his family and today our friend Ken Cook is dedicating his radio show to support Clint.

Clint and I met through Twitter and formed a wonderful friendship. He has brought laughter, love, support, caring and kindness to me over the years. I share some thoughts here…please listen:

Clint was a huge supporter and inspiration when I first started blogging. He would give me amazing feedback and it is largely because of his encouragement that I found my voice in blogging. Clint worries about others and he does something about it. He calls, he messages, he comments, he engages and shares himself with so many.

Though we have yet to meet in person, Clint Miller is counted amongst my closest friends and I have spent the last two days sending him healing light, prayers and lots and lots of love. Clint is a fighter who has overcome amazing hurdles and remained positive and good. I know that later he will look on this as another obstacle he overcame. Please join me in praying for his speedy recovery from aggressive cancer. He gives so much and now it is our turn to give to Clint. There is power in social media, there is power in friendship and there is even more power when friends bond together in large numbers for the same cause.

Clint, get well and know that you are loved. I love you and so many others share that feeling.

Feb 16 2011

Swanepoel’s 2011 Trends Report

Thank you Stefan for the copy of your trends report!

Feb 16 2011

Westfield MA First Time Home Buyer Alert

LARGE PRICE REDUCTION!

First time homebuyers, take note of the large price reduction on this Westfield, MA home for sale. Terrific deal, call for a showing before it is too late!

FIRST TIME HOME BUYER ALERT!