Searching for a new home in Western MA? This map is constantly updated with the current homes for sale in the Pioneer Valley of Western MA.
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Home Buying
Whatever Happened to the Starter Home?
This was a question posed to me recently by a work associate. It took me back because of the simple truth behind it….people don’t start small and build up anymore, they want the whole enchilada from day one.
When I started on home ownership it took several steps to get to where I am…well more like six steps really and every step was an essential growing point.
I have a client, one of my best repeat clients, who has now bought and sold 9 properties through my mother or I my mom, now retired, was my first real estate broker). I want to use them as an example:
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They bought their first home years ago. It was an 800 sf ranch on a postage stamp lot. My mother told them it was better than rent because it had equity.
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They stayed there for a little while and then bought a Colonial home with more room and a larger lot.
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Following that property they purchased a larger contemporary home on a private lot with acreage.
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The next home was a large custom built colonial in a premier area.
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They loved it there, but when a lot with a view opened up they built a home of considerable size.
Now, their real estate history continues beyond that, but for the sake of this demonstration, we can pause at this juncture.
It wasn’t until their FIFTH home that they were in their dream property. They leveraged their equity time after time to increase their buying power and built themselves up one step at a time. Had they tried to buy at their maximum at any point earlier, they could have stalled out and slowed their growth.
If you are a new homeowner or thinking of buying your first home, I hope you will give this some thought. It takes time to get to your dream or “forever” home. You need to be willing to work towards it and you need a realistic approach. Most of the time it is smart to purchase something very affordable first and spend the time investing and re-investing in yourself.
If you would like to discuss buying a first, second or tenth home in Western MA
I hope you will call me: Lesley Lambert of Park Square Realty.
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First Time Homebuyer Homes for Sale in Southwick, MA 01077
Are you a home buyer who is curious to know what real estate in Southwick, MA costs?
The report below shows all homes for sale in Southwick, MA 01077 as of February 11, 2013 in the price range $100,000 – $250,000.
I am a native of Southwick, MA 01077 and love helping people to buy homes in Southwick or sell their home in Southwick. Contact me: Lesley Lambert of Park Square Realty for all of your Southwick, MA real estate needs!
| Buying a home in Southwick, MA? Selling a home in Southwick, MA?
I am here to inform and assist you with your real estate needs!
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Keeping It Real About Real Estate: New Podcast!
I am excited to share with you that I have started a new podcast called “Keeping It Real About Real Estate”. I will share all things funny, informative and helpful about buying or selling real estate in Western MA in an easy to digest, download and share format!
Here is my first ever podcast: Keeping It Real About Foreclosure Properties in the Winter
Real Estate is NOT a Tag Sale
Selling your Western MA home is not a tag sale, it is a major financial decision that has many aspects and pitfalls that most people never consider. You do not want to treat your real estate transaction as if it was a tag sale.
Here is a scenario:
Mrs. Seller wants to sell certain items to Mr. Buyer. She decides to either contact the buyer or the buyer agent directly and make a deal. They agree to a private arrangement and never involve their Western MA realtor or attorney. No big deal, right?
WRONG.
Fast forward to closing time. Mrs. Seller leaves the agreed upon items in the house at closing. Mr. Buyer fails to pay the seller and suddenly Mrs. Seller is calling her agent and lawyer to get them involved. There is nothing in writing, no representation involved in the negotiation and no witnesses to the deal…Mrs. Seller may never see her items or the money.
Another example:
Mr. Seller asks Miss Buyer if he can leave certain items for her including paint cans, lumber, a lawn mower and firewood. She says yes and they move onto closing. No biggie, right?
WRONG.
Moving on to the day of the closing and Miss Buyer does her walk through with her Western MA real estate agent and doesn’t want to close unless the items are removed. The closing moves forward, but the seller ends up paying several thousand dollars in concessions to the buyer for the items left behind.
These are just two examples of how private or side deals can blow up a transaction and potentially cost a lot of unexpected money from the proceeds of the sale.
These types of arrangements are best handled by your representation and placed in writing attached to the purchase contract to avoid issues at the closing.
If you have questions about this issue or any other Western MA real estate questions feel free to reach out!
Lesley Lambert- Park Square Realty
413-575-3611
