Western Mass Homes Lesley Lambert

Selling Your Home

How is the Real Estate Market in Western Massachusetts?

I am asked a version of this question each day. As a REALTOR in Western MA, it isn’t surprising that people come to me with this question, but it isn’t always an easy answer.

There are still a lot of changes in the housing, real estate and mortgage sector and these can be confusing to most people.

Today while driving to show a house, I listened to “On Point”, on NPR. Their interview with three authorities proves that real estate is local and that mainstream national media figures are not usually reflective of what is happening here for real estate in Western MA.

Most areas of Western MA were not driven as high during the boom. As such, they didn’t feel as much of the crash, either. There are, however, areas in Western MA that were heavily impacted with foreclosures. It pays to have a local expert who can discuss the facts as they apply to your home.

If you are curious about the housing market and what the future may hold, I recommend that you listen to this story…I found it very informative.

Western MA: Have You Seen Those Interest Rates?

If you are considering making a move, the recent drop in interest rates should pique your interest!

Sellers, this means more motivated buyers! Are you considering putting your house on the market? Get off the fence and take advantage of this window of opportunity.

Buyers, this means more house for your money! Use your buying power to get more house versus paying a higher rate. This post explains how huge a 1% change in interest rate can be in your process.

If you want to talk with a mortgage officer about a pre-approval or have any questions answered you can go here.

QR Code Marketing in the Wild…How Can REALTORS use them?

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Yesterday I bought a plant at Home Depot and I noticed something different about their tags. A QR Code!

I got excited and scanned the code and found information on the plant, how to plant it and what other plants would go well with it. Very cool and interactive…what can REALTORS learn from that? Well…make sure your QR Code has good value. What audience is your code directed at? Is it on a sign rider? Then your audience are buyers who will want a lot of information at their fingertips about the home in question, as well as an easy way to get in touch with you.

The biggest argument against QR Codes that I keep hearing is that people won’t make the effort to download a QR Scan Reader program and then actually scan the codes. I agreed that it would be a fringe audience when I first began using QR Codes, but with major retail outfits like Home Depot, Target and Best Buy using them prominently, I think the time is ripe for trying QR Codes in your marketing.

Expired Listing in Western MA? How to sell your home the 2nd (or 3rd) time around

Selling your home has never been an easy decision, but it did used to be easier to do. Current market conditions have made it difficult for home sellers and small mistakes can often be the difference between success and failure in selling your Western MA home.

My partner, Jeremie, and I have created an “Expired Listing Checklist” that will show you where your presentation might have been weak. We can then tailor a marketing plan that is strategic and smart to get your Western MA home SOLD this time!

We are creating a series of videos designed to help, or you can visit www.sellyourho.me for more information.

Here is the first video in our series:

Here is the second video in the series:

Home Ownership Matters : In Western MA and Beyond

The American Dream. Home Sweet Home. Home is where the heart is.

There are so many iconic phrases that have to do with our homes. Home is the one place that is totally our own. It is a space where we build memories, traditions and mold our family. In a survey held by Harris and the National Association of REALTORS, 96% of home owners said that owning was a better financial decision than renting and 71 percent of renters agreed with that.

It is no secret that the housing market has taken some hits, but that can be a huge benefit to many buyers as they get in a house at market low values with the lowest interest rates available and before the mortgage industry changes and 20% down becomes standard and required.

There are many benefits to home ownership, such as tax benefits, and the National Association of REALTORS has done a great job of providing resources to consumers. A visit to this page will tell you why Home Ownership Matters.

If you are looking for a real estate agent in Western MA to help you with your next move, I would like to interview for the privilege. Click the green contact me button on the left.

Here is a field guide from the National Association of REALTORS

Field guide to home ownership

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