buying a home

Oct 14 2025

⭐ Making First-Time Home Buying a Positive Experience in Westfield, MA with Lesley Lambert, REALTOR

⭐ Making First-Time Home Buying a Positive Experience in Westfield, MA

One of my favorite parts of real estate is helping first-time buyers step confidently into homeownership. The process can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right guidance, it becomes exciting and rewarding. I’m so grateful for kind words like these from Sarah Tietze, who purchased her first home at 28 Butternut in Westfield, MA:

“This was our first time buying a home so we had very little knowledge to how the whole buying process worked. Lesley was very patient and informative with all aspects of the process. We felt very comfortable moving through each step with her by our side. We really appreciated the way she looked out for our best interests and handled any concerns we had. Lesley really made our experience feel very personal yet very professional. We would strongly recommend her to anyone looking for a realtor!”

Buying your first home is a big milestone, and I believe it’s important to approach it with patience, care, and clear communication. I always take the time to explain each step, answer questions thoroughly, and make sure my clients feel confident in their decisions. For Sarah, that meant creating a home-buying journey that was both personal and professional—something I strive to do for every client I serve.

I’m so grateful when clients share their stories, because reviews like this highlight what truly matters in real estate: trust, guidance, and genuine support.

If you’re thinking about buying your first home in Western Massachusetts or Northwestern Connecticut, I’d be honored to help you navigate the process with confidence.

📞 Call or text me today at 413-575-3611
📧 Email me at realestate.lesleylambert@gmail.com

Let’s turn your dream of homeownership into reality—with five-star service every step of the way!

—
Lesley Lambert, REALTOR® with Park Square Realty
📞 413-575-3611
📧 realestate.lesleylambert@gmail.com

Oct 14 2025

⭐ Five-Star Buyer Experience with Lesley Lambert, REALTOR in Chicopee, MA

⭐ Five-Star Buyer Experience in Chicopee, MA

One of the greatest joys of being a REALTOR® is hearing directly from clients about how their home-buying journey felt with my support. I’m always grateful for reviews like this one from Lisa Gagnon and Donna Dupuis, who purchased their home at 196 Springfield St, Chicopee, MA:

“When purchasing our home, we knew we’d be faced with a couple of personal challenges before we even began. Barry Boccasile knew exactly the right person to help us & put us in touch with Lesley Lambert. Lesley was a consummate professional & was on the ball at all times, putting us at ease with her knowledge, experience and capabilities. We have and shall continue to highly recommend Lesley & the team at Park Square Realty to all!!”

Their kind words mean the world to me. Buying a home can be exciting but also overwhelming, especially when personal challenges come into play. My goal is always to make the process smoother, to advocate for my clients, and to ensure they feel supported every step of the way.

I take pride in being responsive, knowledgeable, and ready to tackle challenges so that you can focus on finding the home that feels just right. It’s reviews like Lisa and Donna’s that remind me why I love what I do—and why I’ll always go above and beyond for the people I serve.

If you’re thinking about purchasing a home in Western Massachusetts or Northwestern Connecticut, I’d love to provide you with the same level of five-star service.

📞 Call or text me today at 413-575-3611
📧 Email me at realestate.lesleylambert@gmail.com

Let’s make your home-buying journey as smooth and successful as possible!

Jul 11 2023

Westfield, MA Real Estate Market Report: First Half of 2023, Lesley Lambert-Westfield REALTOR

Westfield, MA Real Estate Market Report: First Half of 2023

Welcome to the Westfield, MA Real Estate Market Report for the first half of 2023! We’re here to provide you with an overview of the current market trends and key statistics that will help you navigate the real estate landscape in our vibrant community. Whether you’re a homeowner, a buyer, or an investor, this report will give you valuable insights into the market conditions.

Median Estimated Home Value:

The median estimated home value in Westfield, MA currently stands at $341,000. Over the past month, we’ve seen a positive growth of 0.88% in home values. Looking at the broader picture, the past three months have shown an increase of 1.68%, while the past 12 months have experienced a significant growth of 5.13%. These upward trends indicate a robust real estate market in Westfield, MA.

Median Sales Price:

The median sales price for homes in our area is currently $377,000. In the last month, we’ve witnessed a substantial increase of $27,630 in the sales price, reflecting a positive change of 7.63%. Over the past three months, the sales price has risen by an impressive 33.27%, and over the past 12 months, it has shown a notable growth of 10.74%. These figures demonstrate the strong demand and appreciation in the Westfield, MA housing market.

Seller’s Market with Low Inventory:

The Westfield, MA real estate market remains a seller’s market, characterized by low inventory levels and high buyer demand. Homes that are priced correctly continue to sell quickly and often at the asking price or even above. It’s crucial for sellers to work with an experienced real estate professional who can help them navigate this competitive market and maximize their selling potential.

In such a dynamic and fast-paced market, having accurate information and expert guidance is essential. As a trusted local REALTOR® with in-depth knowledge of the Westfield, MA area, I am here to assist you every step of the way. Whether you’re interested in selling your home or exploring the available buying opportunities, I can provide you with personalized advice and comprehensive market insights.

View a video about this report HERE.

Do you have questions?:

Don’t miss out on the exciting opportunities in the Westfield, MA real estate market! Reach out to me, Lesley Lambert, your local real estate expert, at 413-575-3611. I am here to answer your questions, provide you with a free home evaluation, and guide you through the process with professionalism and care.

Stay informed and make informed decisions. Let’s work together to achieve your real estate goals in the thriving Westfield, MA market!

LESLEY LAMBERT, WESTFIELD REALTOR WITH PARK SQUARE REALTY, 413-575-3611.

You can view the full report HERE.

(Note: The statistics mentioned in this report are based on current data and may be subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please consult with a qualified real estate professional.)

Aug 03 2022

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:

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

May 18 2022

5 Ways to Write a Winning Offer in Today’s Real Estate Market in Western Massachusetts

Our nation is in the midst of a serious housing crunch. Last year, a lack of inventory and soaring prices left many would-be homebuyers feeling pinched. But now, with interest rates climbing, many of them are also feeling desperate to lock in a mortgage—which has only added fuel to the fire.¹

Fortunately, if you’re a buyer struggling to find a home in Western Massachusetts, I have some good news. While it’s true that higher mortgage rates can decrease your purchasing budget, there are additional ways to compete in a hot market.

Yes, a high offer price gets attention. But most sellers consider a variety of factors when evaluating an offer. With that in mind, here are five tactics you can utilize to sweeten your proposal and outshine your competition.

I can help you weigh the risks and benefits of each tactic and craft a compelling offer designed to get you your dream home—without giving away the farm.

1. Demonstrate Solid Financing

The reality is, no one gets paid if a home sale falls through. That’s why sellers (and their listing agents) favor offers with a high probability of closing.

Sellers particularly love all-cash offers because there’s no chance of financing issues cropping up at the last moment. But don’t despair if you can’t pay cash for your home. According to the National Association of Realtors, only about 1 in 4 home purchases are all-cash deals, which means the vast majority are financed with a mortgage.²

If sellers are assured that financing will come through, buying with a mortgage doesn’t have to be a big disadvantage. The most important step you can take as a buyer is to get preapproved before you start looking for homes. A preapproval letter shows sellers that you are serious about buying and that you will be able to make good on your offer.

It’s also important to consider the reputation of your lender. While sellers may not know or care about a lender’s reputation, their agents often do. Some lenders are much easier to work with than others, especially if you are pursuing certain types of mortgages like FHA or VA loans.³ If so, you’ll want a lender who specializes in these types of mortgages. If you’re unsure who to choose, I am happy to refer you to reputable lenders known for their ease of doing business.

2. Put Down a Sizeable Deposit

Buyers can show sellers that they’re serious about their offer and have “skin in the game” by putting down a large earnest money deposit.

Earnest money is a deposit held in escrow by a title company or the seller’s broker or lawyer. If the purchase goes through, it is applied to the down payment and closing costs—if the sale falls through, the buyer may lose some or all of that deposit.

While an earnest money deposit is typically around 1-2% of the sale price, offering a higher deposit can help demonstrate to the buyer that you are serious about the property.⁴ However, this strategy can also be risky. I can help you determine an appropriate deposit to offer based on your specific circumstances.

3. Ask for Few (or No) Contingencies

Most real estate offers include contingencies, which are clauses that allow one or both parties to back out of the agreement if certain conditions are not met. These contingencies appear in the purchase agreement and must be accepted by both the buyer and seller to be legally binding.⁵

Common contingencies include:

Financing: A financing contingency gives the buyer a window of time in which to secure a mortgage. If they are unable to do so, they can withdraw from the purchase and the seller can move on to other buyers.
Inspection: An inspection contingency gives the buyer the opportunity to have the home professionally inspected for issues with the structure, wiring, plumbing, etc. Typically, the seller may choose whether or not to remediate those issues; if they do not, the buyer may withdraw from the contract.
Appraisal: Most lenders will not offer a mortgage on a home that costs more than it’s worth. An appraisal contingency gives the buyer an opportunity to get the home professionally assessed to ensure that its value is at or above the sales price. If an appraisal comes in low, the seller may be asked to renegotiate the contract.
Sale of a prior home: Some buyers cannot afford to purchase a new home until they sell their previous one. If the buyer is unable to sell their current home within a specified window of time, this contingency enables them to withdraw from the contract without penalty.

Since contingencies reduce the likelihood that a sale will go through, they generally make an offer less desirable to the seller. The more contingencies that are included, the weaker the offer becomes. Therefore, buyers in a competitive market often volunteer to waive certain contingencies.

However, it’s very important to make this decision carefully and recognize the risks of doing so. For example, a buyer who chooses to waive a home inspection contingency may find out too late that the home requires extensive renovations, and a buyer who waives the appraisal may risk their mortgage falling through. If you back out of a home purchase without the protection of a contingency, you could lose your earnest money deposit.⁶ I can help you assess the risks and benefits involved.

4. Offer a Flexible Closing Date and/or Leaseback Option

When it comes to selling a house, money isn’t everything. People sell their homes for a wide variety of reasons, and flexible terms that work with their personal situations can sometimes make all the difference. For example, if a seller is in the process of planning a significant move, they may prefer a longer closing timeline that gives them time to find housing in their new location.

Similarly, short-term leaseback options, in which the sale is completed but the seller retains the right to rent the home for a specified period of time, can be compelling.⁷ These arrangements enable the seller to use the money from the sale of their home to purchase their next house. A leaseback agreement also makes it possible for them to avoid moving twice when their next home is not yet ready to occupy.

Flexible closing dates and leaseback options can provide a powerful advantage for first-time homebuyers. If you have a month-to-month or easily transferable lease, for example, you may be able to offer a more flexible timeline than a buyer who is simultaneously selling their existing home.

Of course, the value of these terms depends on the seller’s situation. I can reach out to the listing agent to find out the seller’s preferred terms, and then collaborate with you to write a compelling offer that works for both parties.

5. Work With a Skilled Buyer’s Agent

In this ultra-competitive real estate market, one of the greatest advantages you can give yourself is to work with a skilled and trustworthy real estate professional. I will make sure you fully understand the process and help you submit an appealing offer without taking on too much risk.

Plus, I know how to write offers that are designed to win over both the seller and their listing agent. The truth is, listing agents play a huge role in helping sellers evaluate offers, and they want to work with skilled buyer’s agents who are professional, communicative, and courteous.

Once your offer is accepted, we’ll also handle any further negotiations and coordinate all the paperwork and other details involved in your home purchase. The best part is, you’ll have a knowledgeable, licensed advocate on your side who is watching out for your best interests every step of the way.

Helping You Get to the Right Offer

In many cases, a competitive offer doesn’t need to be all-cash, contingency-free, or significantly above asking price. But if you’re serious about buying a home in today’s market in Western Massachusetts, it’s important to consider what you can do to sweeten the deal.

If you’re a buyer, I can help you compete in today’s market without getting steamrolled. And if you’re a seller, I can help you evaluate offers by taking all the relevant factors into account. Contact me today to schedule a free consultation.