Western Mass Homes Lesley Lambert

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The Heart of Stoney Hill Condominiums, Westfield, MA : A Community Story

The Heart of Stoney Hill Condominiums: A Community Story

Living in Stoney Hill Condominiums in Westfield, MA, is not just about having a place to call home but embracing a vibrant community. One of the most delightful aspects of life here is the warm camaraderie among neighbors. As I stroll through the well-kept grounds, it’s heartwarming to see residents waving to one another, exchanging friendly smiles that transcend the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Recently, I had a particularly touching encounter that encapsulates the essence of our community. On a beautiful day, I noticed an almost 90-year-old gentleman sitting outside his garage. He was comfortably settled in a lawn chair, enjoying the sunshine and smoking his pipe. It struck me how this simple act of sitting outside could create such a welcoming atmosphere. I couldn’t resist the urge to introduce myself.

As we chatted, he shared that he loves watching people drive by and enjoys seeing their dogs during walks. My 20-year-old daughter often comments on how sweet it is to see him outside, and she and I have often discussed seeing him and how he gives us a happy vibe.

I felt an instant connection and promised to return with my newly adopted dog. I can already envision the joy on his face when he sees a friendly pup trotting by, adding to the vibrant tapestry of our neighborhood.

This encounter was a beautiful reminder of the power of community in Stoney Hill, Westfield, MA, and beyond. It’s the small moments that bring us closer together, reminding us that, despite our busy lives, we can stop and appreciate the kindness that exists right outside our doors.

Stoney Hill Condominiums in Westfield, MA is not just a place to live; it’s a community filled with friendly faces and heartwarming stories. If you’re considering a move to Westfield, MA, I encourage you to experience the warmth and camaraderie that make Stoney Hill a truly special place to call home. Come for the beautiful homes, stay for the wonderful people!

I am here to assist with your real estate needs in Westfield, the lower Pioneer Valley, and Northwestern CT. Get in touch! Lesley Lambert 413-575-3611.

Accessory Dwelling Units regulations for Westfield, MA

You may have heard that Massachusetts approved the ability for homeowners to build accessory dwelling units. That happened in February of 2025 as part of the Affordable Homes Act. Under this ruling, the law stipulates that ADUs under 900 square feet can be built by right in single-family zoning districts. It is, however, up to each city to determine what their specific requirements will be. The City of Westfield, MA recently approved their guidelines. Here is a graphic that explains those guidelines:

This is a great opportunity for families that want to have a family member live with them but retain independence and privacy. The hope is that this change will make the housing crunch loosen up a bit and become more affordable for the citizens of Westfield, MA. If you have a family member that wants to downsize into an ADU please feel free to reach out to me to assist with the transition.

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

Did You Know? Now a licensed REALTOR in both Massachusetts and Connecticut!

I have been a licensed REALTOR in Massachusetts for going on 35 years, but I recently decided to branch out into the Connecticut real estate market.

I worked in Connecticut as a dance educator at New England Dance Center’s Simsbury, CT and Granby, CT for decades. Additionally, I worked as the choreographer for Simsbury Summer Theater for 20 years. I no longer hold those positions, but I knew a lot of people through that work and I want them to know that I am here to help them with their real estate needs!

I cover the lower Pioneer Valley in Massachusetts and will focus on Northwest Connecticut (Hartford County), but if you have a real estate need outside of those locations-don’t hesitate to reach out. I have real estate connections all around the world and can assist you in finding the perfect agent to make your dreams come true.

As always, if I can be of assistance, even just to answer a question…just give me a shout, I am here to help.

Lesley Lambert, REALTOR with Park Square Realty covering Western Massachusetts and Northwestern Connecticut. 413-575-3611

Do Presidential Elections Impact Real Estate in Western Massachusetts and Beyond?

Do Presidential Elections Impact Real Estate in Western Massachusetts and Beyond?

The simple answer is yes, but probably not in the way you think. Real estate transactions tend to taper off in an election year as people wait to see the results before they feel comfortable making a large decision like buying or selling real estate. During an election year, many people are watching to see how the candidates might help to reduce interest rates, improve the lack of inventory, and add affordable housing.

The amount of impact varies depending on which expert opinion you read and can also be very geographic in nature.

Many people do not understand that the President does not have immediate control over interest rates and must have the cooperation of the Senate and Congress to make any large changes that impact housing. Matt Myre of BiggerPockets did some analyzing on this topic and wrote: “It turns out that I could not find much evidence suggesting that the housing market moves in one way or another based on election years. The stock market tends to react. Bond yields sometimes. But not housing.” Source article.

With the consent of the Senate, the President does have the power to appoint members of the Federal Reserve, but the Federal Reserve is an independent agency. Keep in mind that the central bank has the power to raise, lower, or maintain interest rates without approval from the legislative or executive branches. Therefore, a president cannot do anything to prevent the Fed from raising rates.

What is the takeaway here? Well, do your research, but there doesn’t seem to be any historical proof that an election or a new President significantly impacts the real estate market. As I always say, the right time to buy or sell real estate is when you want or need to buy or sell real estate.

So, the impact that an election year has on the real estate market is circumstantial and based on people’s opinions, but not statistically proven in any large way.

As always, if you have any real estate questions, I am always here to help!

Lesley Lambert, Western Massachusetts REALTOR with Park Square Realty, 413-575-3611 or realestate.lesleylambert@gmail.com

Fall 2024 Western Massachusetts Real Estate Update

I hope your October is going well and you are enjoying the beautiful foliage. I wanted to reach out with a few updates about our local real estate market.

You may have heard that rates have dropped. They are hovering around 6% (depending on credit scores). That change is bringing in new buyers as well as encouraging buyers that got frustrated or priced out to come back to their house hunt. 

Additionally, we are noticing a change in listing prices and activity. It is more crucial that you get the pricing in what is now the fair market value range. The days of pricing high and getting multiple offers is gone. We are still seeing fast sales and multiple offers on attractive and well priced properties, but the number of offers is down to two or three, usually.

Regarding listings again, we are seeing price reductions happen again, which hadn’t happened in a few years for the most part. This is another indicator that the crazy seller’s market has slowed down, but the majority of these price reductions are for homes that over priced in the first place.

For homes on the market, expect the days on the market to go up a bit, as well. For awhile if a house didn’t sell in the first week, it was strange. We are moving back to the time on market being a bit longer, but still lower than what it was pre-sales boom of 120 days or more.

The take away here, in my opinion, is that it is still a great time to make a move, you just need to have your expectations based in today’s reality.

As always, if you (or anyone you know) has a real estate question, I am always here to be your trusted resource. If you would like an updated valuation on your home, please don’t hesitate to ask. I am happy to do that for you, regardless of whether you are looking to sell right now or not.

Lesley Lambert, Western MA REALTOR with Park Square Realty 413-575-3611 or realestate.lesleylambert@gmail.com