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For years I was a waitress and the first thing I would greet people with was “Hi, what can I get for you?”.  Those words while heard often in food service are not heard very often in other businesses.

I, for one, like real estate because of my ability to help people.  My knowledge, skills and experience can get a new family into their first home, can save an individual from foreclosure or just make a typical move a bit less stressful.  Having the ability to step into people’s lives in such an intimate way is a unique benefit to my real estate career. 

When working with a customer or client, I am absorbed into their daily life.  We speak often, email each other and spend time together on appointments.  However, I don’t know that I ever stopped to ask any of them that simple question: “How Can I Help You?” 

I didn’t have a New Year’s Resolution, because nothing seemed important enough to commit to right at that moment.  Today, while listening to Tamara Dorris on Jason Crouch and Ken Cook’s blog talk radio program it hit me:  Service. So, as of today :

 

I RESOLVE THAT I WILL ANNOUNCE THAT I AM HERE TO SERVE.  HOW CAN I HELP YOU TODAY?

I want my family, friends, clients and customers to know without a doubt that I like to help people.  I want them to see the happiness it gives me when I am able to solve a problem, answer a question or assist with a real estate transaction.  It can be as simple as answering a friend’s question about a real estate abbreviation or as complicated as working out a loan modification for a family in pre-foreclosure.  It is all important and I like it all equally.

So, now that I have asked the question, what is your response?   Reply here or find me on twitter @LesleyLambert

 

Lesley Lambert, The Real Estate Natural At Park Square Realty, Westfield, MA, How Can I Help You?

 

My (twitter) friend @writingroads has launched a wonderful Internet based fundraiser in spirit of love and giving and timed for Valentine’s Day.

She is creating The LOVE ebook to be published and available for Internet download from February 11th-14th.  The book will consist of original photographs, poetry and digitally displayed artwork themed around the concept of love.

 

The book is free, but I encourage you to make a donation of any size, as the proceeds will benefit Dress for Success and Career Gear. 

This is something of a shameless plug, also, as I have submitted an original poem to be included in the book…the first time since high school that I have published my poetry.  She is accepting submissions until January 31st, if you have something to share.

So, whether you go out of curiosity to discover if I can write more than blogs, or you go because you need a good Valentine’s gift, or you go because of generosity of spirit and checkbook: be sure to go to @writingroads website to be involved!

 

This week our multiple listing provider notified us that they have added a mobile browser page making researching homes for sale as simple as writing a text!

 

This fabulous new feature combined with my Blackberry allows me to look up a home for sale or research comparable sales from wherever I am. 

Of course, I am excited about this as a convenience and benefit for my crazy life on the go, but it is a benefit to my customers, clients, friends and family, too!  Curious about a house you drove by?  Ask me when you bump into me at the grocery store.  Wondering what your neighbors house sold for?  Next time we are at dinner…ask away!  The answers are a few simple clicks away…total convenience and instant gratification.

 

So now I am: 

Lesley Lambert, The Real Estate Natural AND Mobile Real Estate Resource

at Park Square Realty, Westfield, MA!

Being in over your head financially is a huge burden.  The stress of knowing that you can’t make ends meet can take a toll on your body and mind.  Many people are facing mortgage debt that is greater than what their house is currently worth and they think because of this situation they are forced to lose their home, thereby damaging their credit and self esteem. 

The message that needs to be brought to these people is that there are OPTIONS.  You are not in this situation alone,  there are thousands of people facing this decision who are just like you.  Because of the encompassing nature of this problem, the lenders are trying to work with the homeowners to find alternatives to foreclosure. I am working with sellers in Westfield, MA and the surrounding areas to help them through this difficult time. 

 

What are the Options For Homeowners Facing Foreclosure?

 

1.  Try to “make nice” with your lender. You can call your  lender and ask them to reinstate the loan. You may be allowed to reinstate or make the loan current by paying a lump sum or making scheduled payments to your lender over a given amount of time. Just explain to them you had a few bad months and things are now better and most lenders will try to work something out with you.

 

2. IF you have equity, refinance. Usually the lender would refinance the existing loan and include as part of the new loan any late payments, and fees that you would need to regain control. It would all be “wrapped” into one mortgage.

 

3. Assuming you have no equity and have to sell, you can list your home with a Realtor who has been trained how to do short sales. Almost always your best option.

 

4. You can give the property back to the lender. If there are no other liens on the title, the lender may agree to take the property back. This process of transferring ownership from you to the lender under these circumstances is called a Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure, and is sometimes referred to as a “friendly foreclosure” because in essence that what it is. You just walk away.  You must discuss this with your lender.

 

5. You can file bankruptcy. First, you need to seek the advice of a attorney. In no way are we trying to provide legal advice. Only an attorney can give legal advice. The two most common  “chapters” of bankruptcy are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.

Bankruptcies are “work out” others are “wipe out”. Chapter 7 is the “wipe out” and Chapter 13 is the “work out”. Bankruptcy is a federal court action designed to help individuals repay their debts or eliminate their debts depending on their circumstances. Chapter 13 bankruptcies are designed to reorganize debts in an effort to repay all debt. Chapter 7 bankruptcies are geared more towards liquidation of assets. Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 immediately stop the foreclosure process and any creditors from taking further action against you.

 

To read the rest of my E-book, “Should I Short Sale My Home?”, please visit my website.

 

If you are in this situation and need help, please do not hesitate to call.  I am experienced in short sales and have a team of professionals in place to get you through this difficult time.

Contact Lesley Lambert, The Real Estate Natural at Park Square Realty, Westfield, MA at 413-575-3611 for a FREE consultation.