Western Mass Homes Lesley Lambert

Selling Your Home

Is it a seller’s market in Westfield, MA real estate?

As a seller, it is important to understand the correlation between key real estate metrics to make informed decisions when listing your property in Westfield, MA.

The Months Supply of Inventory is a metric that indicates the balance between supply and demand in the housing market. A lower supply of inventory, such as the current 1.29 months, typically indicates a seller’s market with high demand and limited supply. This can lead to quicker sales and potentially higher selling prices.

The 12-Month Change in Months of Inventory of -11.03% further supports the notion of a seller’s market, as there has been a significant decrease in the amount of available inventory over the past year. This trend suggests that homes are selling faster in Westfield, MA and competition among buyers is strong.

The Median Days Homes are On the Market at 22 days indicates that properties are selling relatively quickly in the current market conditions. This is good news for sellers looking to move their property efficiently and not have it linger on the market for an extended period.

The List to Sold Price Percentage of 104% shows that, on average, homes are selling for slightly above their list price. This suggests that sellers in Westfield, MA may have some negotiating power and could potentially receive offers above their asking price.

Finally, the Median Sold Price of $360,000 gives sellers an idea of the average selling price in the current market. This can help set realistic expectations for pricing their property and understanding the potential value they could receive.

Overall, these metrics paint a picture of a strong seller’s market with high demand, low inventory, quick sales, and potential for selling prices above list price. Sellers may find themselves in a favorable position to list their Westfield, MA property and achieve a successful sale.

For this, or any other real estate questions please reach out to me:

Lesley Lambert, Westfield REALTOR with Park Square Realty 413-575-3611

Lesley Lambert, Realtor

Happy 2023, what are your goals this year? (real estate goals, naturally)

Hi guys! I hope you had a lovely holiday season and are entering this new year with good vibes! I want to be here for you as a friend, trusted colleague and or real estate advisor. My goals are met when yours are met!

Things look a bit different in real estate right now, which you probably don’t need me to tell you. While shifts occur, there is no reason to worry…they happen all the time and to quote a song, “every little thing gonna be alright”.

Top two points (two each for sellers and buyers) in my opinion:

#1- Sellers: your home isn’t worth what it was worth two years ago, BUT if you have been there for awhile, you still have access to a lot of equity and there is good news regarding this (See buyer tips for more).

#2- Sellers, inventory remains low and if you are realistic in pricing, you will still see a lovely and timely sale. Days on market remain lower than traditional timing and the marketing package can make all the difference…ps. I have a great one!

#1- Buyers, yes, interest rates are in flux. That is OK. Don’t put the brakes on home ownership because of that. Rates change…renting is a waste. Buy now, refi later. Look into adjustable rate mortgages or factor in the fact that you will have tax write offs and gaining equity. Pay yourself, not your landlord.

#2- Buyers, prices and competition isn’t as crazy as it was a couple of years ago. You can negotiate, have home inspections, have appraisals and not feel pressured. It is a much more balanced market.

So, in summary, the market isn’t what it was a couple of years ago and in my opinion that is good. People on both sides of the fence still have plenty of potential to realize their goals without so much stress (not no stress).

If you are considering a move in 2023, lets set up a time to chat about your goals and make a strategic plan to accomplish them.

Lesley Lambert, REALTOR, Park Square Realty 413-575-3611

10 Pro Tips for a Smooth Home Move in Western Massachusetts

10 Pro Tips for a Smooth Home Move in Western Massachusetts

The process of buying a new home can be both exhilarating and exhausting. But the journey doesn’t stop when you close on your property. On the contrary, you still have quite a bit to do before you can begin the process of settling into your new place.

Fortunately, you don’t have to do everything in a day. You don’t have to do it all alone, either. When you work with me to sell or purchase a home, you’ll have an ally by your side long after your transaction has closed. I’ll continue to be a resource, offering advice and referrals whenever you need them on packing, hiring movers and contractors, and acclimating to your new home and neighborhood.

When it comes to a life event as stressful as moving, it pays to have a professional by your side. Here are some of our favorite pro tips to share with clients as they prepare for an upcoming move.

1. Watch out for moving scams.

Maybe you receive a flyer for a moving company in the mail. Perhaps you find a mover online. Either way, never assume that you’re getting accurate information. According to the Better Business Bureau, moving-related fraud is on the rise. In 2021 alone, individuals and families reported more than $730,000 lost to moving scams, an increase of 216% over the previous year.1

How can you tell if a moving deal is too good to be true? Trust your instincts. If the price appears too low or you can’t pin down the mover’s physical business address, try someone else. The same goes for any moving company representative who dodges questions. Reputable movers should offer transparent pricing, conduct in-home estimates, and provide referrals and copies of their insurance documents upon request.2 For help finding trustworthy movers, reach out. I’d be happy to share our recommendations.  

2. Insure your belongings.

Your moving company promises to take care of your custom piano or your antique furniture. But don’t just take their word for it. Ask to see how much insurance they carry and talk about how the claims process works. That way, you’ll know what is (and isn’t) covered in case of loss or damage.

Of course, some items are priceless because they’re irreplaceable. You might want to move your more sensitive valuables (jewelry, documents, family heirlooms, etc.) in your own vehicle just to be safe. For added peace of mind, call your rental or home insurance provider if you’re moving anything yourself. You might already be protected or be able to purchase extra insurance to cover your move. If those options are unavailable, you could opt for moving insurance from a third-party carrier.3 

3. Start packing when you start looking for a new home.

As soon as your house hunting begins in earnest, think about packing away things you won’t need for the next few months. These could include seasonal or holiday decor, clothing, and books. Tackling just one or two boxes a day will give you a head start.

If you’re going to put your current home on the market, you’ll want to declutter anyway. Decluttering will make your home seem larger, and depersonalizing helps buyers envision their own items in the space. Consider selling, donating, or throwing out possessions you no longer need. The things you want to keep can be placed in storage until you officially start moving to a new place.

4. Pack to make unpacking easier.

Have you ever opened a packed box only to find that it’s filled with an assortment of items that don’t belong together? This isn’t efficient and will only make unpacking harder. A better way to pack is to bundle items from a single room in a labeled box. Labels can let movers know (and remind you) where to place each box, whether it’s fragile, and which side needs to be up. Some people like to assign colors to each room in their new home to make distributing color-coded boxes a breeze.

Feel free to unleash your inner organizer with this project. For example, you could create a spreadsheet and assign each box a number. As boxes are packed, simply fill in the spreadsheet with a list of contents. Anyone with access to the spreadsheet can log in and quickly find the desired item.

5. Think outside the box when transporting clothes.

Who wants to worry about boxing up clothes? If you plan on hiring professional movers, ask if you can leave clothing in your dressers. In many cases, they will use plastic to wrap the dresser so the drawers don’t fall out during transport. If keeping your clothes in your furniture makes it too heavy, the movers might be able to wrap and move drawers by themselves.

Another easy transport trick involves turning clean garbage bags into garment bags. Poke a hole in the bottom of a garbage bag, turn the bag upside down, slide it over five to seven garments on hangers, and lay the items flat in the back seat or trunk of your vehicle. The bags will help prevent wrinkling, and your clothes will be ready to hang up when you get to your new home.

6. Document prior to disassembling appliances and furnishings.

Few things are as confusing as looking at a plastic baggie filled with nuts, bolts, and screws from your disassembled dining room table or sorting through a box of electrical wires and cords to see which ones fit your TV.

The best workaround to easier reassembly is to document the disassembly process. Take photos and videos or thorough notes as you go. Whether it’s your headboard or treadmill, be very precise. And just a tip: Construct your beds first when you get to your new home. After a long moving day, the very last thing you want is to be assembling beds into the wee hours of the morning.

7. Prioritize unpacking kids’ rooms.

Children can become very stressed by a big move. To ease their transition, consider prioritizing unpacking their rooms as their “safe zones.”4 You aren’t obligated to unpack everything, certainly. However, set up your children’s rooms to be functional. That way, your kids can hang out in a private oasis away from the chaos while you’re running around and moving everything else.

Depending upon how old your youngsters are, you might want to give them decorating leeway, too. Even if it’s just letting them choose where furniture goes, it gives them a sense of buy-in. This can help ease the blues of leaving a former home they loved.

8. Be a thoughtful pet parent.

Many types of pets can’t handle the commotion of moving day. Knowing this, be considerate and seek ways to give your pets breaks from the action. You might ask a friend to pet sit your pooch or keep your kitty in a quieter room, like a guest bathroom.

Be sure to check in on your pet frequently. Pets like to know that you’re around. Give them treats, food, and water throughout the day. When it’s time to transport your pet, do it calmly. At your new property, give your pet access to just a room or two at first. Pets typically prefer to acclimate themselves slowly to unfamiliar environments.5

9. Plan for your move like you’re planning for an exciting vacation.

When you plan vacations, you probably look up local restaurants, shops, and recreational areas. Who says you can’t do the same thing when moving? Create a list of all the places you want to go and things you want to do around your newly purchased home. Having a to-explore list keeps everyone’s spirits high and gives you starting points to settle into the neighborhood.

And don’t feel that you have to cook that first night. Once the moving trucks are gone, you can always pop over to a local eatery or order DoorDash for major convenience. The first meal in your new home should be a happy, welcoming treat. And if you’re relocating to our neck of the woods, I would love to introduce you to all the hot spots in town and recommend my local favorites.

10. Pack an “Open Me First!” box.

You won’t be able to unpack all your boxes in one day, but you shouldn’t go without your sheets, pillows, or toothbrush. Designate some boxes with “Open Me First!” labels. (Pro tip: Keep a tool kit front and center for all that reassembling.)

Along these lines, use luggage and duffel bags to transport everyone’s personal must-have items and enough clothing for a couple of days. That way, you won’t have to rummage through everything in the middle of your move looking for sneakers or snacks.

When packing your “Open Me First!” boxes, think about which items you’ll need in those first 24 hours. For example, toilet paper and hand soap are musts. A box cutter will make unpacking a lot easier, and paper towels and trash bags are sure to come in handy. Reach out for a complete, printable list of “Open Me First!” box essentials to keep on hand for your next move!

LET’S GET MOVING

Getting the phone call from your real estate agent that your bid was accepted is a thrilling moment. Make sure you keep the positivity flowing during the following weeks by mapping out a streamlined, efficient move. Feel free to get in touch with me today to help make your big move your best move.

Lesley Lambert, Western MA REALTOR with Park Square Realty

413-575-3611

Sources:

  1. Better Business Bureau – https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/24198-bbb-scam-alert-avoid-moving-scams-this-national-moving-mont
  2. Move.org –
    https://www.move.org/how-to-tell-moving-company-scam/
  3. Forbes –
    https://www.forbes.com/advisor/homeowners-insurance/moving-insurance/ 
  4. New York Times –
    https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/13/parenting/moving-tips-kids.html
  5. ASPCA –
    https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/moving-your-pet

7 Costly Mistakes Western MA Home Sellers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

7 Costly Mistakes Western MA Home Sellers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

No matter what’s going on in the housing market, the process of selling a home can be challenging. Some sellers have a hard time saying goodbye to a treasured family residence. Others want to skip ahead to the fun of decorating and settling into a new place. Almost all sellers want to make the most money possible.

Whatever your circumstances, the road to the closing table can be riddled with obstacles — from issues with showings and negotiations to inspection surprises. But many of these complications are avoidable when you have a skilled and knowledgeable real estate agent by your side.

For example, here are seven common mistakes that many home sellers make. These can cause anxiety, cost you time, and shrink your financial proceeds. Fortunately, I can help you avert these missteps and set you up for a successful and low-stress selling experience.

MISTAKE #1: Setting an Unrealistic Price 

Many sellers believe that pricing their homes high and waiting for the “right buyers” to come along will net them the most money. However, overpriced homes often sit on the market with little activity, which can be the kiss of death in real estate — and result in an inevitable price drop.1

Alternatively, if you price your home at (or sometimes slightly below) market value, it can be among the nicest that buyers see within their budgets. This can increase your likelihood of receiving multiple offers.2

To help you set a realistic price from the start, I will do a comparative market analysis, or CMA. This integral piece of research will help us determine an ideal listing price based on the amount that similar properties have recently sold for in your area.

Without this data, you risk pricing your home too high (and getting no offers) or too low (and leaving money on the table). I can help you find that sweet spot that will draw in buyers without undercutting your profits.  

MISTAKE #2: Trying to Time the Market

You’ve probably heard the old saying, “Buy low and sell high.” But when it comes to real estate, that’s easier said than done.

Delaying your home sale until prices have hit their peak may sound like a great idea. But sellers should keep these factors in mind:

  1. Predicting the market with certainty is nearly impossible.
  2. If you wait to buy your next home, its price could increase as well. This may erode any additional proceeds from your sale.
  3. If mortgage rates are rising, your pool of potential buyers could shrink — and you would have to pay more to finance your next purchase.

Instead of trying to time the market, choose your ideal sales time-line. This may be based on factors like your personal financial situation, shifting family dynamics, or the seasonal patterns in your neighborhood. I can help you figure out the best time to sell given your individual circumstances.

MISTAKE #3: Failing to Address Needed Repairs

Many sellers hope that buyers won’t notice their leaky faucet or broken shutters during home showings. But minor issues like these can leave buyers worrying about more serious — and costly — problems lurking out of sight.

Even if you do receive an offer, there’s a high likelihood that the buyer will hire a professional home inspector, who will flag any defects in their report. Neglecting to address a major issue could lead buyers to ask for costly repairs, money back, or worse yet, walk away from the purchase altogether.

To avoid these types of disruptions, it’s important to make necessary renovations before your home hits the market. I can help you decide which repairs and updates are worth your time and investment. In some cases, I may recommend a professional pre-listing inspection.

This extra time and attention can help you avoid potential surprises down the road and identify any major structural, system, or cosmetic faults that could impact a future sale.3 

MISTAKE #4:  Neglecting to Stage Your Home

Staging is the act of preparing your home for potential buyers. The goal is to “set the stage” to help buyers envision themselves living in your home. Some sellers opt to skip this step, but that mistake can cost them time and money in the long run. A 2021 survey by the Real Estate Staging Association found that, on average, staged homes sold nine days faster and for $40,000 over list price.4

Indoors, staging could include everything from redecorating, painting, or rearranging your furniture pieces to removing personal items, de-cluttering, and deep cleaning. Outdoors, you might focus on power washing, planting flowers, or hanging a wreath on the front door.

You may not need to do all these tasks, but almost every home can benefit from some form of staging. Before your home hits the market, I can refer you to a professional stager or offer our insights and suggestions if you prefer the do-it-yourself route.

MISTAKE #5: Evaluating Offers on Price Alone

When reviewing offers, most sellers focus on one thing: the offer price. While dollar value is certainly important, a high-priced offer is worthless if the deal never reaches the closing table. That’s why it’s important to consider other factors in addition to the offer price, such as:

  • Financing and buyer qualifications
  • Deposit size
  • Contract contingencies
  • Closing date
  • Leaseback options

Depending on your circumstances, some of these factors may or may not be important to you. For example, if you’re still shopping for your next home, you might place a high premium on an offer that allows for a flexible closing date or leaseback option.

Buyers and their agents are focused on crafting deals that work well for them. I can help you assess your needs and goals to select an offer that works best for you.

MISTAKE #6: Acting on Emotion Instead of Reason

It’s only natural to grow emotionally attached to your home. That’s why so many sellers end up feeling hurt or offended at some point during the selling process. Low offers can feel like insults. Repair requests can feel like judgments. And whatever you do — don’t listen in on showings through your security monitoring system. Chances are, some buyers won’t like your decor choices, either!

However, it’s a huge mistake to ruin a great selling opportunity because you refuse to counter a low offer or negotiate minor repairs. Instead, try to keep a cool head and be willing to adjust reasonably to make the sale. I can help you weigh your decisions and provide rational advice with your best interests in mind.

MISTAKE #7: Not Hiring an Agent

There’s a good reason 90% of homeowners choose to sell with the help of a real estate agent. Homes listed by agents sold for 22% more than the average for-sale-by-owner home, according to a recent study by the National Association of Realtors.5

Selling a home on your own may seem like an easy way to save money. But in reality, there is a steep learning curve. And a listing agent can:

  • Skip past time-consuming problems
  • Use market knowledge to get the best price
  • Access contacts and networks to speed up the selling process 

If you choose to work with a listing agent, you’ll save significant time and effort while minimizing your personal risk and liability. And the increased profits realized through a more effective marketing and negotiation strategy could more than make up for the cost of your agent’s commission.

I can navigate the ins and outs of the housing market for you and make your selling process as stress-free as possible. You may even end up with an offer for your home that’s better than you expected.

BYPASS THE PITFALLS WITH A KNOWLEDGEABLE GUIDE

Your home selling journey doesn’t have to be hard. When you hire me as your listing agent, we’ll develop a customized sales plan to help you get top dollar for your home without any undue risk, stress, or aggravation. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, reach out today to schedule a free consultation and home value assessment.

Lesley Lambert, Western MA REALTOR with Park Square Realty 413-575-3611

Sources:

  1. The Washington Post –
    https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/07/22/just-because-its-sellers-market-doesnt-mean-you-should-overprice-your-home/
  2. Realtor.com –
    https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/spark-a-bidding-war-for-your-home/
  3. American Society of Home Inspectors – https://www.homeinspector.org/Newsroom/Articles/Before-You-Sell-6-Reasons-to-Get-a-Pre-Listing-Inspection/15766/Article
  4. Real Estate Staging Association –
    https://www.realestatestagingassociation.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=304550&module_id=164548
  5. National Association of Realtors –
    https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/quick-real-estate-statistics 

September 2021 Single Family Sales Report for the Pioneer Valley

September 2021 Single Family Sales Report for the Pioneer Valley

The figures released by the Realtor Association of the Pioneer Valley show that our market remains a seller’s market with low inventory and increased sales prices.

According to the report:

For more information you can view the video of these statistics:

If you are thinking of buying or selling in Western Massachusetts, I would love to assist you! Lesley Lambert, Western MA REALTOR with Park Square Realty 413-575-3611