Various

I want to know why you are reading my blog (if you actually do).

I have been writing a blog for over five years now in one format or another and I get a great deal of enjoyment from it, but if I am only speaking to myself…well, why ever hit publish?

So I ask you (my one) reader what do you want to see from me?

Comments go here:

 

Lesley Lambert, #1 agent for number of LISTINGS SOLD in 2011 at Park Square Realty in Westfield AND Agawam, MA.

Well, I never. Look what I went and did!

I am always proud of achievements (who isn’t?), but this one makes me especially happy because it means that I am excelling at what I think is the most important thing in my career: getting homes sold for people who want or need to make a move in Western Massachusetts.

If you are a homeowner in Western Massachusetts that is considering making a move, why not give me the chance to interview for the job of selling your home? Any real estate agent in Western MA can “list” your home, but I have the proof that I will get it SOLD.

Are you a homeowner in Western Massachusetts who wants to get your home sold?

Find out How Much Your Home is Worth…Click Here!

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

Owning a home has long been a part of the American Dream and for many years, considered one of the wisest investments a person could make. It was traditionally more expensive than renting when one added in the taxes and insurance costs, but many felt the income tax incentives and potential to grow one’s equity outweighed the additional monthly expense.

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

As we move into another winter season in Western Massachusetts, many of us start to think of ways to conserve energy and money around the house.

Here are a few surprising and simple ways to cut your energy bill in Western Massachusetts this season.

Put lamps in the corners: Did you know you can switch to a lower wattage bulb in a lamp or lower its dimmer switch and not lose a noticeable amount of light? It’s all about placement. When a lamp is placed in a corner, the light reflects off the adjoining walls, which makes the room lighter and brighter.

Switch to a laptop: If you’re reading this article on a laptop, you’re using 1/3 less energy than if you’re reading this on a desktop.

Choose an LCD TV: If you’re among those considering a flat-screen upgrade from your conventional, CRT TV, choose an LCD screen for the biggest energy save.

Give your water heater a blanket: Just like you pile on extra layers in the winter, your hot water heater can use some extra insulation too. A fiberglass insulation blanket is a simple addition that can cut heat loss and save 4% to 9% on the average water-heating bill.

Turn off the burner before you’re done cooking: When you turn off an electric burner, it doesn’t cool off immediately. Use that to your advantage by turning it off early and using the residual heat to finish up your dish.

Add motion sensors: You might be diligent about shutting off unnecessary lights, but your kids? Not so much. Adding motion sensors to playrooms and bedrooms cost only $15 to $50 per light, and ensures you don’t pay for energy that you’re not using.

Spin laundry faster: The faster your washing machine can spin excess water out of your laundry, the less you’ll need to use your dryer. Many newer washers spin clothes so effectively, they cut drying time and energy consumption in half—which results in an equal drop in your dryer’s energy bill.

Use an ice tray: Stop using your automatic icemaker. It increases your fridge’s energy consumption by 14% to 20%. Ice trays, on the other hand, don’t increase your energy costs one iota.

Use the dishwasher: If you think doing your dishes by hand is greener than powering up the dishwasher, you’re wrong. Dishwashers use about 1/3 as much hot water and relieve that much strain from your energy-taxing water heater. Added bonus: you don’t have to wash any dishes.

Related articles

• Beautiful Indian Summer Autumn Weather in Western MA (westernmahomes.net)
• Antique Homes for Sale in Western MA and Beyond (westernmahomes.net)
• Investing in Western MA Real Estate (westernmahomes.net)